What does the hold button in a car mean?
4 Answers
Hold in a car refers to the auto hold function, which is used to control the auto hold switch. Its purpose is to adjust the car to the most efficient driving state based on different road conditions. If driving on extremely poor road conditions, this button can effectively prevent the transmission from frequently shifting gears. Additionally, during overtaking, it can also serve the function of forced downshifting. Here are some related details: 1. If you need it to work, simply press the hold button while in D gear, and the car's transmission will maintain the second, third, or fourth gear. Pressing the hold button in third gear will keep the car in second or third gear. 2. Pressing the hold button in second gear will keep the car in second gear, and pressing it in first gear will naturally keep it fixed in first gear. Using this button will not cause any harm to the transmission.
The other day I was driving my friend's new car and noticed an HOLD button next to the gear shift. After pressing it, I realized how convenient this feature really is. HOLD is essentially a function that keeps the brakes applied for you - perfect for situations like waiting at traffic lights or during traffic jams when you don't want to keep your foot on the brake pedal. It activates when you firmly press the brake after coming to a complete stop, indicated by a green light on the dashboard. A light tap on the accelerator automatically releases it, making it ideal for stop-and-go city driving. I even tested it on a hill climb once - the auto hold system engaged perfectly to prevent any rollback during hill starts. Nowadays, this feature comes standard on most new energy vehicles, with some even allowing customizable activation sensitivity. It's so much more convenient than traditional handbrakes.
I've been using the HOLD function in my car for over three years, which is essentially an electronic parking system. When waiting at a red light, a firm press on the brake activates it, allowing you to take your foot off the pedal to rest. A parking icon will appear on the dashboard, and a light tap on the accelerator is all it takes to move again. It was especially useful during a rainy day stuck in traffic on the elevated highway—my right foot didn't get tired at all. I recommend beginners practice a few times in open areas to get a feel for the accelerator's sensitivity. Nowadays, this feature is standard in cars priced above 100,000, but note that some older models require the seatbelt to be fastened for activation.
The HOLD button primarily addresses the issue of preventing vehicle rollback when parked. When the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the system automatically locks the wheels. The next time you start, simply pressing the accelerator releases it, making it especially useful for slopes and traffic lights. Mercedes-Benz calls it HOLD, while Audi uses AUTO HOLD, but essentially, both are electronic parking brakes. Once, while driving a friend's car, I forgot about this feature and kept my foot on the brake for a full two minutes at a green light before realizing I could free my right foot.
