AVH stands for Auto Vehicle Hold, an electronic braking assistance feature. When activated, it automatically keeps the car's brakes applied after you've come to a complete stop, even after you take your foot off the brake pedal. This is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic or at long traffic lights, as it prevents the car from creeping forward and reduces driver fatigue. The system automatically releases the brakes when you press the accelerator.
The core technology behind AVH is often integrated with the car's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. It uses wheel-speed sensors to detect when the vehicle has stopped. Once stationary, the system electronically maintains brake pressure. You typically activate AVH with a button on the dashboard or center console, indicated by an "A" icon inside a circle, often with the word "HOLD" beneath it. A notification on the instrument cluster confirms it's active.
It's important to distinguish AVH from other similar features:
- Auto Hold vs. Hill Start Assist (HSA): HSA is designed specifically for inclines. It temporarily holds brake pressure for a few seconds to prevent rollback when switching from the brake to the accelerator on a hill. AVH, however, works on any gradient and remains active until you press the accelerator.
- Auto Hold vs. Electric Parking Brake (EPB): The EPB is the modern equivalent of a handbrake, intended for parking. AVH is for temporary stops and is not a substitute for engaging the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
Here is a comparison of how AVH functions in different driving scenarios:
| Driving Scenario | AVH Behavior | Driver Action |
|---|
| City Traffic Light | Holds brakes indefinitely after complete stop. | Press accelerator to release. |
| Stop-and-Go Traffic | Holds brakes at each complete stop. | Press accelerator to creep forward. |
| Drive-Thru Line | Holds brakes, preventing constant foot on pedal. | Press accelerator to move to next position. |
| Steep Hill Start | Holds brakes to prevent rollback (functioning as HSA). | Smoothly transition to accelerator. |
| Parking | Does not engage the parking brake. | Driver must shift to 'Park' (P) or engage EPB. |
In essence, AVH is a significant convenience feature that enhances comfort during frequent stops. It's a standard or optional feature on many modern vehicles, from economy cars to luxury SUVs.
