What is the difference between Auto Hold and Auto Start-Stop?
3 Answers
The differences between Auto Start-Stop and Auto Hold lie in their distinct functionalities, as detailed below: 1. The Auto Start-Stop function automatically shuts off the engine when temporarily stopping during driving, and automatically restarts the engine when needing to proceed. 2. Auto Hold prevents vehicle rollback; after being parked beyond a certain time limit, it activates the electronic parking brake to engage rear-wheel braking. When the vehicle is about to move forward, the electronic system detects throttle pedal pressure to determine brake release. Additional information about these systems: Essentially, Auto Hold serves as a driving assistance function, while Auto Start-Stop focuses more on energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection. The Auto Hold feature demonstrates stronger practical utility.
I often use these two features while driving, and they are quite different. Auto Hold helps by keeping the brakes engaged to prevent the car from rolling, like at a red light when you release the foot brake—it automatically locks the wheels. The Start-Stop system shuts off the engine when the car is stationary and restarts it when you move off, saving a bit of fuel. However, the Start-Stop can cause a slight delay and sometimes a small shake. They can be used together: Auto Hold keeps the car stable and stationary, while Start-Stop saves fuel—pretty convenient. In traffic jams, you don’t have to worry about rolling backward and burn less fuel, though the engine sound is noticeable when Start-Stop kicks in. New drivers using cars with these features should take time to get used to them and not panic.
To be honest, I was confused about these two when I first bought my car. The auto hold function is like an electronic handbrake that keeps your car stationary; the engine start-stop system shuts off the engine when the car stops to save fuel. Simply put, one prevents your car from rolling away, and the other saves you money on gas. Using start-stop in city driving can save some costs, but it always feels a bit sluggish when starting up; auto hold is most useful on hills or at red lights. They're quite common, especially in automatic cars, and once you get used to them, they're quite handy. Remember, the start-stop might not work in cold weather, which is normal.