Does keeping brakehold on all the time damage the car?
3 Answers
Keeping brakehold on all the time does not damage the car. Brakehold refers to the auto hold system, which can be kept on for extended periods. It allows drivers to avoid unnecessary vehicle coasting without needing to brake for long periods or engage the electronic parking brake. Additionally, this function prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a slope. After activating the brakehold function, if you encounter situations like a red light where a short stop is needed during driving, the system will automatically brake the wheels after the vehicle comes to a complete stop to prevent rolling. When the light turns green, simply press the accelerator to start, and the system will automatically release the wheels.
I always keep the brake hold function on while driving, finding it super convenient, especially at traffic lights or when starting on a slope, as I don't need to keep my foot on the brake pedal. I asked a friend who works at a professional repair shop, and they said this feature was designed with frequent use in mind—normal driving won't harm the car because the brake system's pressure is controlled gently. However, I've also noticed that long-term use might cause slightly faster brake pad wear. For example, in urban traffic congestion, checking the brake pad thickness every 20,000 kilometers is sufficient. It's actually similar to using a manual handbrake—no need to worry about excessive wear as long as you maintain the brake fluid and brake discs regularly. The safety benefits are significant, reducing the risk of rolling back, so I recommend getting used to it and combining it with smooth driving to minimize impact. Overall, modern car electronic systems are reliable, and frequently used functions are fine—the key is maintenance.
From my experience with cars, I frequently use the brake hold function, which makes city driving much more comfortable. At its core, it uses electronic signals to control the brake calipers, applying a constant yet gentle pressure—similar to a handbrake but smarter. Technically speaking, frequent activation of brake hold may slightly increase the wear rate of brake pads, but automaker tests show this remains within normal limits and doesn't harm the vehicle's structure. In practice, I've observed slightly greater wear during high-speed downhill driving or frequent traffic jams, but replacing brake pads only costs a few hundred bucks. I recommend occasionally switching to manual mode to balance the load. Don't be misled by claims about overheating—it's perfectly safe as long as the car's electronic systems are functioning properly. Just remember to check the braking system during seasonal changes.
