The Difference Between Auto Hold and P Gear?
2 Answers
Differences are as follows: 1. Auto Hold: Refers to an automatic braking function. After activating this function, for example, when stopping at a traffic light, it is equivalent to not needing to pull the handbrake, simplifying operations by avoiding the use of the handbrake or electronic handbrake. For automatic transmission models, it also eliminates the need for frequent switching between D to N or D to P. 2. P Gear: It generates braking by locking the ratchet on the transmission shaft with internal steel claws inside the gearbox. Extended Knowledge: 1. Electronic Handbrake: The ordinary electronic handbrake P uses a computer to control the motor to clamp or release the handbrake. It replaces the lever with a button P and, of course, discards the long steel cable. The electronic handbrake is a clamping device controlled by a motor, utilizing the self-locking property of the screw. 2. Mechanical Handbrake: It uses the principle of a lever to tighten the drum brake shoes inside the rear wheels through a steel cable, preventing the rear wheels from turning. This is the traditional handbrake—braking the rear wheels, once tightened, it does not release, functioning entirely mechanically.
When I first started driving, I was really confused about the difference between Auto Hold and P gear. Later, after driving an automatic car, I understood. Auto Hold is an electronic function. After pressing the button, the car will automatically brake when stopping, so you don't have to keep pressing the brake pedal. It's especially useful for relaxing your right foot during red lights or traffic jams, as the car remains firmly stopped. P gear, on the other hand, is a transmission gear position. You need to shift into P gear, which is specifically designed for long-term parking or after turning off the engine, to lock the transmission system and prevent the car from rolling away. The main difference lies in their usage scenarios: Auto Hold is convenient for temporary stops, like when you pull over to buy coffee and will return immediately; but when preparing to exit the car or parking for a long time, you must shift to P gear to avoid damaging the transmission. Once, I forgot to shift to P gear and the car rolled downhill, which was very dangerous. Remembering this has made driving much safer. Auto Hold also automatically prevents rolling back when starting on a slope, making city driving more worry-free.
