Is it necessary to shift to N gear when having Auto Hold?
2 Answers
Cars equipped with the Auto Hold function do not require shifting to N gear during temporary stops. Auto Hold is essentially an automatic braking feature. When waiting at traffic lights, there is no need to engage the handbrake or electronic parking brake, and consequently, there's no need to change gears. However, in situations of severe traffic congestion where the vehicle remains stationary for extended periods, it is advisable to deactivate the Auto Hold function and switch to manual control by shifting to neutral (N gear). This practice helps protect the transmission and engine, thereby extending their service life. The English term for Auto Hold is 'AutoHold,' and its button is typically marked with a capital letter 'A' or the full English spelling. It relies on an intelligent braking system to function.
When I first started using the auto hold function, I was always confused about whether to shift to N gear when parking. As a novice driver, I felt that too many operations might lead to mistakes, but I learned a lot after consulting friends who have been driving for years. They said that for short stops like waiting at a red light or in traffic jams, just turning on the auto hold is enough—the system automatically brakes the car, making it very convenient without needing to shift gears, and there's no burden on the transmission. However, if parked on a slope or waiting for someone for a long time, I prefer to shift to N gear and pull the handbrake for double security to prevent the car from rolling. The vehicle manual also reminds that the auto hold is designed to be simple and reliable, fully sufficient for daily driving. In short, don’t stress too much; auto hold frees up your feet and hands, making driving easier. Just decide flexibly based on the situation.
