What is That ‘Auto Hold’ Button and Why Should You Use It?
If you have purchased a car in the last few years, you have likely noticed a button labeled ‘Auto Hold’ or ‘Brake Hold’ near your gear shifter or electronic parking brake. While it might look like just another piece of tech, it is actually one of the most practical features for daily commuters.
What Exactly Does Auto Hold Do?
In a traditional car, when you come to a complete stop at a red light, you have to keep your foot pressed firmly on the brake pedal to prevent the car from creeping forward. Auto Hold changes that. Once you come to a full stop, the system maintains the brake pressure for you, allowing you to take your foot off the pedal entirely. The car stays stationary until you press the accelerator again.
How to Use It Correctly
Using Auto Hold is simple, but there is a specific rhythm to it:
- Activation: Press the ‘Auto Hold’ button (usually indicated by a green light on the dashboard).
- The Stop: Press the brake pedal as you normally would to bring the car to a halt.
- The Release: Once the ‘Hold’ icon appears on your dash, you can safely lift your foot. The brake lights stay on, so drivers behind you remain alerted.
- Moving Again: Gently tap the gas pedal. The system automatically releases the brakes, and you move forward smoothly.
Real-World Benefits for Drivers
Why bother with this feature? It solves three specific driving headaches:
- Stop-and-Go Traffic: It eliminates the constant leg strain caused by holding the brake during long traffic jams or drive-thru lanes.
- Hill Starts: It prevents the car from rolling backward on an incline while you transition your foot from the brake to the gas.
- Safety: It prevents ‘accidental creep’ if your foot happens to slip off the brake pedal while you are distracted at a long light.
When Should You Turn It Off?
While Auto Hold is great for the open road, there are two specific times you should disable it:
- Parking in Tight Spaces: When parallel parking, you often rely on the car’s natural ‘creep’ to move inches at a time. Auto Hold makes this jerky and difficult.
- Automatic Car Washes: If your car is being pulled through a conveyor-style car wash, Auto Hold must be OFF, or it will lock your wheels and potentially cause an accident or damage the system.
Summary
The Auto Hold feature is a small innovation that makes a massive difference in driving comfort. By letting the car handle the ‘holding’ part of braking, you can stay more relaxed and less fatigued during your daily commute. Give it a try on your next drive!