What is Hill Start Assist?
2 Answers
Hill Start Assist is a function derived from the ESP system, which allows the vehicle to start on a slope without using the handbrake and prevents rolling back. The driver can release the right foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle still maintains braking for a few seconds, enabling the driver to easily move the foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. This avoids the hassle of using the parking brake for hill starts, which can cause panic for the driver. Conditions for activating the Hill Start Assist system: 1. The gear lever is not in the P position and the accelerator pedal is not pressed; 2. The vehicle must be in a stationary state; 3. The driver has not engaged the handbrake, foot brake, or electronic brake.
The hill start assist is a pretty practical feature. When you stop on a slope and want to start moving, it automatically holds the brakes for a second or two to prevent your car from rolling backward. I remember when I used to drive a manual transmission, if I stopped on an uphill road, the car would slide as soon as I released the brake. I had to coordinate the clutch and gas pedal, which was quite nerve-wracking and sometimes even led to stalling. Now with this feature, starting uphill is much smoother. Especially in city traffic jams or on highway inclines, you just need to release the brake and press the accelerator. The internal system temporarily maintains brake pressure through the ESP controller until the engine power kicks in before releasing. This makes driving much easier and safer, eliminating worries about rolling back and hitting the car behind. I recommend new car owners choose models with this feature, especially when driving in mountainous areas—it can significantly reduce unnecessary troubles.
