Is There Any Harm in Auto Hold?
3 Answers
The potential hazards of auto hold are as follows: 1. Auto Hold, also known as AUTOHOLD, functions as if it is pressing the brake for you, providing parking brake force even after releasing the brake pedal. This feature is particularly useful when driving on slopes or during frequent stops and starts. 2. Traditional handbrakes require the driver to manually release the parking brake or skillfully coordinate the throttle and clutch for a smooth start on slopes. In contrast, the AUTOHOLD feature uses a slope sensor to provide precise parking force through the controller. During startup, the parking control unit calculates information from sensors such as the clutch distance sensor, clutch engagement speed sensor, and throttle pedal sensor. When the driving force exceeds the running resistance, the parking brake is automatically released, ensuring a smooth start. 3. The intelligent AUTOHOLD feature automatically activates the four-wheel brake when stopping at traffic lights or on slopes. Even in D or N gear, you don't need to keep your foot on the brake or use the handbrake, as the vehicle remains stationary.
As an ordinary driver, I've been using the auto-hold feature for several years. It's inherently quite safe and designed to reduce driving fatigue, such as not needing to constantly press the brake in traffic jams. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of. For example, on slippery snow or slopes, the car might momentarily slide a centimeter or two, affecting the smoothness of starting. The system can fail when the battery is low, leading to unintended movement. Additionally, beginners might not be familiar with the operation and accidentally press the button, causing the car to stop moving. It's recommended to practice more on flat roads, understand the warning prompts in the car manual, and not rely entirely on it in extreme weather. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, improving urban driving comfort, but it's best to stay attentive during daily use and avoid distractions from operating other devices that could lead to mistakes.
Having driven for over 20 years, I can confirm that auto-hold isn't as dangerous as some imagine. It electronically locks the wheels like a smart parking brake, with risks mainly stemming from system failures or external interference. For instance, on muddy roads, sensors might misjudge, causing slight backward sliding if the car isn't properly held. Battery aging can also trigger malfunctions, increasing accident risks. I once witnessed a friend's car rolling slightly when starting in a parking lot—fortunately at low speed without major consequences. For safe use, regularly check the electrical system and keep your foot on the brake as backup on slopes. Overall, this feature offers convenience and efficiency, preventing rollbacks on hills or fatigue-related errors, but don't overlook rare failures—developing good habits makes it reliable.
