How you use it as a professional

Did you know that the Auto Hold function appeared on cars more than 10 years ago, initially on automatic transmission models? Today, about 83% of the new cars are equipped with electronic parking brakes that also include this useful function.

In traffic crowded in large cities, keeping the foot on the brake pedal can become tiring and stressful. But the Hold Auto function solves this problem, keeping the stationary car without us, the drivers, to be forced to keep the pedal. In addition, this innovation contributes to the increase in safety, in particular preventing the involuntary movement of the vehicle on ramps or in intense traffic conditions.

What does Car Hold mean, in reality? The system uses the ESP hydraulic unit and the ABS system to maintain the brakes applied automatically after the vehicle has completely stopped. Most of the vehicles manufactured after 2010 benefit from this function, in particular the models with automatic transmission, but also those with manual transmission equipped with electronic parking brake.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Hold button and how to use it as a real professional to improve your steering wheel experience.

What does Auto Hold function mean and how it works

The Auto Hold function represents an integrated technology in the braking system of modern cars, designed to make the driving experience more comfortable. This innovation maintains the fixed vehicle without having to keep the foot on the brake pedal, giving greater comfort or traffic light.

Definition of the Hold function

The Hold car is essentially an extension of the electronic brake system. This function blocks the brakes so that the car only moves when you want and press the accelerator pedal. The car button Hold keeps the vehicle completely interrupted until accelerating again, no matter how long you are sitting.

The main advantage is the prevention of the accidental movement of the car, or when you are room or when you are upwards. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to constantly use the handbrake or check if you have applied sufficient pressure to keep the car on the spot.

How they interact with the car pedals

The Hold car system is managed by the ABS/ESP hydraulic unit. When brake the car to stop, the function maintains the braking pressure you applied the last time. Even if you lift your foot from the brake pedal, all brakes for the four wheels will remain activated.

The technical operation provides for the following steps:

1. Brakes until the car stops completely
2. The ESP hydraulic unit maintain the pressure in the braking system
3. The abdominals of the speed sensors monitor any movement
4. If the rotation is detected, the braking force increases automatically

When the acceleration is pressed (and, in the case of manual boxes, the clutch is released), the automatic waiting function reduces the braking pressure, allowing the car to start without hitches.

The role of the electronic parking brake with automatic waiting function

Although the self -payment and the electronic parking brake have similar operational principles, they are distinct. The electronic parking brake is used for the long -term station, especially when you leave the vehicle. Instead, Auto Hold is designed for temporary arrests – at the traffic lights or ingriges.

It is important not to confuse these two functions. When you leave your car, you need to act the parking brake, as the car motorway is intended only for temporary stops. In some models, Auto Hold automatically disabled when the engine is turned off, just to force you to use the parking brake for a long station.

Auto Hold uses the machine braking system and the stop lights remain on when activated, unlike the electronic parking brake. This thin difference is important for traffic safety, notifying the rear drivers that your stop is temporary.

How to activate and use the automatic waiting button correctly

The activation of the Hold button is simple, but the correct understanding of its positioning and operation makes the difference between an occasional and a professional use. In fact, the intelligent use of this function can completely transform your driving experience into crowded traffic.

Where you find the automatic waiting button

The position of the button varies according to the brand and the car model. Usually the Hold button is found in easily accessible areas for the driver:

• On the central console, near the gearbox
• Near the electronic parking brake button
• On the dashboard or near
• In some luxury models, it can be positioned right on the steering wheel

The button has inscribed «Auto Hold» or «Auto H» and some cars use a symbol with a shoe that presses on the brake.

How the safe function is activated

For the correct activation of the system, it is necessary to follow the following steps:

1. Press the Hold button when the car is activated
2. The function can be activated at any time, even when the car is moving
3. Press the brake pedal until the car stops completely
4. Once out, you can take the leg from the brake: the car will remain firm

It is important to remember that the system does not replace the parking brake. Therefore, when you leave the vehicle, you must always manage the parking brake, whether the automatic grip is activated or not.

Visual signals that spread automatically is active

When Auto Hold works correctly, you will notice more visual clues:

• The slight witness of the Auto Hold button lights up
• A specific icon appears on the dashboard
• The indicator can change from white to green when the car is stopped and the function is active
• The car stops remain illuminated when the current maintenance keeps the vehicle on the spot

The system automatically disabled when the accelerator pedal is pressed[101]. At the same time, if the car is stopped for more than 3 minutes or if the driver leaves the vehicle, the parking brake will be activated automatically.

Tips for the use of Hold Auto as a professional

To completely master the function of Auto Hold, it is necessary to understand not only how you activate, but also how you use it in various situations for a more efficient and comfortable guide.

How to use self -produce in crowded traffic

In crowded urban traffic, the Auto Hold function reduces the driver’s effort. Once activated, it is no longer necessary to continually press the brake pedal with frequent stops. This is particularly useful:

• At the traffic lights or ingriges when the stops are short -lived
• In the traffic situations in which you start and stop often
• During longer stops allowing you to relax the foot

When driving a car with automatic transmission in crowded traffic, Auto Hold becomes even more useful. After slowing down to the stop, the system automatically acts the brakes, eliminating the need to keep the foot on the pedal or to use the handbrake on each stop.

Using automatic seal on ramps and slopes

On inclined roads, Auto Hold offers a remarkable advantage. The system keeps the brakes applied until the acceleration is pressed, which means:

1. The car does not slip back when it starts from the ramp
2. No complex coordination is required between brake, clutch and acceleration
3. The start is smooth and more controlled, without stress

For beginners drivers, this assistance at the beginning of the ramp is extremely precious, providing confidence and safety. In addition, the Hold Auto function resembles Hill support, with the difference that can keep the car on the spot, it doesn’t matter how much you need, not just a few seconds.

Frequent errors to avoid

When using the Hold function, avoid the following errors:

• Do not confuse the automatic grip with the electronic parking brake – when you leave the car, the parking brake always acts
• Do not rely on the automatic grip if the driver’s door is open or the seat belt is not coupled: the system may not activate
• Check if the function is activated correctly before lifting the leg from the brake: the indicator must be on.

Furthermore, note that the self -targeting cars requires the transmission to be in the neutral phase (N) or in the parking position (P) in automatic and free cars. This mechanism prevents accidental accelerations and improves the safety in use.

Because car hold doesn’t work sometimes

When the Auto Hold function has difficulty, a yellow warning witness with the «A» symbol is on the machine. This signal indicates that the system no longer works in optimal parameters.

The car hold function can become not available for several reasons:

• The driver’s door is open
• The seat belt is not fixed
• You changed in March before the system is active
• You are in active assistance mode in the parking lot
• The vehicle is in a neutral position in some models

Often, the simple process of restarting the car and responsive the function can solve the temporary problem. However, if the witness persists, the cause can be more serious: a defective electrical contact or software problems.

The system also automatically disable when:

• Change in March and press the brake pedal
• Visit the engine excessively
• The electronic parking brake is activated manually

The Hold function is undoubtedly one of the innovations that transform the driving experience into modern traffic. As we have seen, this technology offers multiple advantages to drivers, by the elimination of the effort caused by the constant pressure of the brake pedal to greater safety when starting from the ramp.

In the end, we can say that once used to use the automatic waiting function, you will probably ask yourself how you could guide without this useful function. Modern technology in current cars helps us to have a more relaxed, safer and finally more pleasant guide.