What does 'hold' mean on a vehicle?
2 Answers
Hold on a vehicle refers to the handbrake or parking system. Some vehicles may have an 'autoh' or 'autohold' button, which stands for automatic handbrake or automatic parking, both of which are standard features of the electronic parking brake system. The electronic parking brake system is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling back during short stops on slopes or in traffic jams. Before each use, the function needs to be activated. Even when in D gear, the driver does not need to keep pressing the brake pedal; releasing it only requires stepping on the accelerator. The system automatically disengages when the driving force exceeds the resistance, so there's no need to shift to neutral. However, for long-term parking, it's best to shift to neutral or P gear and engage the handbrake system.
As an ordinary car owner, I find the hold function incredibly considerate, especially in congested city traffic. When you stop at a red light, just press it lightly, and the car automatically brakes, so you don't have to keep your foot on the brake pedal, greatly reducing leg fatigue. To start, simply step on the accelerator to release it effortlessly, with no additional operation needed. This function also works in tandem with the start-stop system, saving fuel and preventing rollaway accidents. After driving for a while, I feel it's particularly friendly for beginners and daily commuters, reducing the risk of distraction. However, remember to check if your car model has this feature—some call it auto hold or electronic parking brake, but they're essentially similar, aiming to make driving safer and easier.
