What are the advantages and disadvantages of the auto-hold function?
2 Answers
The advantages of the auto-hold function are: 1. It prevents the vehicle from rolling when encountering short stops such as traffic lights; 2. When starting on an uphill slope, the system automatically brakes to prevent rolling back, and releases the wheels to move forward once the vehicle starts; 3. There is no need to pull the handbrake when parking and locking the car, as the system automatically brakes the wheels, but this feature is only available in some models. The disadvantage of the auto-hold function is: Poor throttle control during reversing may lead to accidents. The auto-hold function is an extension of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and controls the four-wheel braking through ESP. During this process, the ECU computer uses sensors installed on the vehicle to detect the vehicle's level and wheel torque, determining whether braking is needed to prevent rolling. The braking force applied to the wheels is not excessive, just enough to stop the vehicle from moving, ensuring there is no severe lurch forward when the accelerator is pressed again.
As someone who usually drives to pick up and drop off my kids at school, I find the auto-hold feature incredibly helpful in traffic jams. It has many advantages: it automatically brakes the car for me, so I don’t have to keep pressing the pedal, giving my legs and feet a break, especially on city roads with frequent traffic lights; it also enhances safety—if I get distracted and yawn, the car won’t roll forward, avoiding the risk of rear-end collisions; and it adds to comfort, making it easier to listen to music or chat. However, there are also drawbacks: when starting on a slope, the system sometimes reacts a bit slowly, causing the car to roll back slightly, which can be startling; additionally, this feature adds components to the car, increasing maintenance costs, and repairs can be troublesome if it breaks. Overall, I think it’s well-suited for urban commuting, reducing fatigue and anxiety, but I’d recommend beginners practice and get familiar with it first to avoid misuse.
