Is it better to keep the auto-hold function on or off?
4 Answers
It is better to keep the auto-hold function on for the following reasons: 1. When the vehicle is stopped, you don't need to keep your foot on the brake pedal—the indicator light turns on when the function is active and turns off when it's inactive. 2. It helps save fuel and reduce carbon buildup by automatically restarting the engine when needed. This function acts like an automatic handbrake, eliminating the need to keep pressing the brake pedal, shifting to neutral, or engaging the handbrake manually. To deactivate the auto-hold function, simply press the accelerator lightly. The function will also deactivate automatically when the seatbelt buckle is unlatched or the door is opened. If you need to exit the vehicle or unbuckle your seatbelt while the vehicle is braked, be sure to shift into P (Park) or engage the electronic parking brake.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I believe the auto-hold function is better to be kept on because it significantly enhances driving safety. On slopes or when waiting at traffic lights, it automatically applies the brakes to prevent the car from rolling, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. I once had a friend who rear-ended another car because he forgot to engage the handbrake when starting on a slope—this wouldn’t have happened if he had auto-hold enabled. Of course, in certain extreme road conditions, such as muddy surfaces or steep inclines, it’s better to turn it off because manual control is more precise and avoids misoperation. But overall, for daily city driving, I recommend keeping it on—it lightens the driving burden and makes driving more reassuring. Remember, safety comes first, and taking the time to set up your car’s features is worth it.
As a daily urban commuter, I find the auto hold feature incredibly helpful. It saves me a lot of leg effort, especially during red lights or traffic jams, by eliminating the need to constantly press the brake or shift gears, thus preventing calf fatigue. However, there are times, like when slowly maneuvering in residential areas or making sharp turns, when having it on causes the car to suddenly brake, which can be a bit annoying. In such cases, I temporarily turn it off and reactivate it once back on the main road. I believe the key is to adjust flexibly based on traffic conditions: keep it on in busy sections and turn it off in quiet alleys. Once you get used to this habit, driving becomes much more relaxed and comfortable. Long-term use doesn’t negatively affect the car; it’s just a matter of habit. Sharing this little tip to make your driving less tiring.
I have been focusing on vehicle maintenance for many years. Although the auto-hold function enhances safety, it increases the energy consumption of the electronic system and brake wear, which is not beneficial for battery life. Therefore, I recommend activating it only in necessary scenarios, such as parking on slopes, and keeping it turned off under normal conditions to save energy. Regular inspection of the braking system is the key to maintenance. If you forget to turn it off on flat roads where it's unnecessary, it only adds extra burden. My experience is that the car manual also suggests moderate use. Controlling energy consumption helps maintain the vehicle's long-term health, making it more reliable over five or six years of driving.
