Can I drive with brake hold on?
Yes. Brake Hold lets you stop without keeping your foot on the brake, and it releases when you press the accelerator so you can drive away. It is not a substitute for the parking brake, and how it behaves can vary by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual for specifics.
What Brake Hold Does
Brake Hold is a driver-assistance feature designed to reduce fatigue in stop-and-go traffic by maintaining brake pressure after you’ve brought the car to a stop. While it can simplify starting again from a standstill, its exact behavior can differ from one model to another.
The following outlines the common behavior and how you interact with Brake Hold in most vehicles.
- After you come to a stop and the system detects that you intend to stay stationary, Brake Hold engages to maintain brake pressure and prevent unwanted movement.
- It holds the brake pressure so the car remains stationary even when you remove your foot from the brake pedal.
- To move again, press the accelerator; Brake Hold typically releases automatically as you begin to accelerate.
- It is not a parking brake and will not secure the car if you leave the vehicle unattended or on a long incline without using the parking brake.
In practice, Brake Hold can ease daily driving in heavy traffic and on moderate grades, but you still need to manage parking and steep terrain with the proper brakes. Always use the parking brake when you park or on very steep slopes.
Driving With Brake Hold: Practical Tips
Here are practical tips for using Brake Hold safely while you drive.
- Ensure Brake Hold is activated in your car’s settings or via the dedicated switch. Some cars enable Auto Hold automatically after you enable it in the menu.
- Maintain a safe following distance, since stopping distance can still vary with road conditions and weather even when Brake Hold is active.
- On steep hills or icy surfaces, be aware that Hold may not behave identically to your expectations; plan for extra caution and consider using the parking brake when stopped for longer periods.
- Be mindful of passengers or cargo; abrupt actions or door openings can cause the system to release or behave unexpectedly.
- If Brake Hold fails to release when you press the accelerator, press the brake pedal again or park to diagnose the issue with a technician.
Bottom line: Brake Hold is a convenience feature that complements safe driving, but it is not a replacement for the parking brake or proactive driving precautions.
Limitations and Safety Considerations
Brake Hold is widely available across many makes and models, but it has limitations and potential malfunctions that drivers should understand.
Not a substitute for parking brake or driver vigilance
It should not be relied upon to secure the vehicle when you are leaving it or on long, steep grades. Use the parking brake as intended and remain attentive to surrounding traffic.
Possible scenarios where Hold may release unexpectedly
Door openings, gear changes, or fault indicators can trigger an unintended release. If you notice any irregular behavior or a fault warning, have the system inspected by a qualified technician.
Model-specific behavior varies
Activation methods and release behavior differ by manufacturer and model. Some vehicles require manual activation, while others enable Auto Hold automatically. Consult your owner's manual for exact operation on your car.
Summary
Brake Hold (Auto Hold) is a helpful feature that allows you to stop without keeping your foot on the brake and to start moving again with a touch of the accelerator. It is designed to ease driving in traffic but does not replace a parking brake or sound driving judgment. Always verify how Brake Hold works in your specific vehicle and use the parking brake for secure stopping when needed.
