
The usage method of the electronic handbrake on the all-new Bora is: Remove the brake pedal, pull up the electronic handbrake switch continuously until the indicator light on the dashboard lights up, and the indicator light on the handbrake switch will also illuminate. If the engine is turned off without activating the electronic handbrake, the vehicle will automatically engage the electronic handbrake. When the engine is running, stepping on the accelerator will automatically release the electronic handbrake. The electronic handbrake is a technology that achieves parking brake through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both of which control parking brake through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads. The only difference is that the control method has changed from the previous mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button.

I've been driving my Bora for a while now, and the electronic parking brake is really convenient. When parking, just press the brake pedal firmly to bring the car to a complete stop, then pull up the button with a P on the center console. A red light on the dashboard indicates that the brake is engaged. Starting is even simpler: fasten your seatbelt, shift to D, and press the accelerator—the parking brake will release automatically. For temporary stops, like at a red light, pressing the brake firmly activates the auto-hold function, showing a green P on the dashboard. You can release the brake without the car rolling. For long-term parking, shift to P and turn off the engine—the electronic parking brake will engage automatically. Beginners should remember not to press the button while driving; the system has protection, but pressing it at high speed can trigger emergency braking. Always turn off the auto-hold function when washing or towing the car—the manual has detailed instructions.

The electronic parking brake is incredibly user-friendly. The parking procedure is straightforward: press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop, then gently pull up the P button—done. When starting off, simply step on the accelerator, and it automatically releases without manual intervention. It's exceptionally useful in emergencies: if the brakes fail while driving, holding down the electronic parking brake will gradually slow the car to a stop. I've tested this in simulated drills, and it works reliably. The system also automatically engages to prevent rollback during hill starts, and when paired with the auto-hold function at traffic lights, it's worry-free. It even locks automatically when you turn off the engine and exit the car, though once I forgot to shift into P and nearly rolled, so sticking to standard procedures is safer.

The working principle of the electronic parking brake is quite interesting. When the button is pressed, the signal is sent to the computer, and the motor tightens the rear brake pads. Upon starting, the computer detects the throttle signal and automatically releases the brake, which is much more precise than a mechanical handbrake. It's very simple to use: after stopping the car, pull up the P button, and when starting, just press the accelerator to go. It's best to shift to P gear before turning off the engine to prevent rolling. Combined with the auto-hold function, you don't need to operate it frequently at traffic lights. However, be careful not to accidentally trigger it at high speeds; although the system has restrictions, it may trigger ABS intervention. For long-term parking, engage P gear and apply the parking brake for double safety, while auto-hold is sufficient for short stops.

Using the Bora's electronic parking brake is a three-step process: When parking, press the brake pedal all the way down, then pull up the P button once the car comes to a complete stop. When driving, fasten your seatbelt and press the accelerator to go directly. The raised button on the right side of the steering wheel is the operation point. At traffic lights, pressing the brake pedal firmly will activate the auto-hold function, and you can release the foot brake when the dashboard shows a green light. Remember not to press it while driving, as the system will automatically ignore the operation during normal driving. On uphill slopes, the car will automatically maintain the brake for two seconds when starting, giving you enough time to press the accelerator. The operation is much less effort than a mechanical handbrake—just a light flick of the finger is enough.

The electronic parking brake makes driving much easier. When parking, just lightly press the button with the letter P, no more yanking the lever like in the old days. Starting is smarter too – it automatically releases when you fasten the seatbelt and press the accelerator, which is super convenient during frequent stops in traffic jams. The auto-lock feature when parking and turning off the engine is extremely handy, and combined with auto hold, you barely need to touch the parking brake in city driving. However, I once forgot to turn off auto hold while washing the car on a steep slope, causing the car to rock and trigger the alarm – now I remember to disable this function in special situations. Also, the manual specifically reminds you to enter mode to deactivate the electronic parking brake during long-distance towing.


