Loading

What is the difference between Honda brake hold and parking brake?

The main difference between Honda's Brake Hold feature and the traditional parking brake is that Brake Hold is an automated system that holds the brakes for you, while the parking brake is a manual mechanism that you need to engage yourself. Brake Hold is designed for convenience and ease of use, while the parking brake is a more traditional safety feature.


What is Honda Brake Hold?


Honda Brake Hold is an advanced braking technology that automatically holds the brakes when the vehicle is stopped, even if the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal. This feature is designed to provide added convenience and prevent the vehicle from rolling away when stopped at a light or in traffic. Brake Hold activates when the driver presses the Brake Hold button and the vehicle is at a complete stop.


How Does the Parking Brake Work?


The traditional parking brake, also known as the hand brake or emergency brake, is a manual mechanism that the driver must engage to hold the vehicle in place when parked. The parking brake applies friction to the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. It is typically engaged by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal, and must be manually released when the driver is ready to start driving again.


Key Differences



  • Automation: Brake Hold is an automated system, while the parking brake requires manual operation.

  • Purpose: Brake Hold is for convenience when stopped, while the parking brake is a safety feature for parking the vehicle.

  • Application: Brake Hold holds the brakes, while the parking brake applies friction to the rear wheels.

  • Engagement: Brake Hold activates with the push of a button, while the parking brake is engaged by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal.


In summary, Honda Brake Hold is a modern convenience feature that automatically holds the brakes, while the parking brake is a traditional safety mechanism that the driver must manually engage. Both serve important but distinct purposes in the operation of a vehicle.

Is it okay to drive with brake hold on?


Yes, you can drive with the brake hold feature on; it is designed to be engaged while waiting in traffic or stopped, and the vehicle will release the brakes automatically when you press the gas pedal. This feature allows you to take your foot off the brake pedal without the car moving and is meant to be used when stopped, not while the vehicle is in motion. Driving with the parking brake on is a completely different and dangerous situation, so it is important to distinguish between the two.
 
How to use brake hold

  • Engage: With your foot on the brake pedal, press the brake hold button to activate the system. The dashboard will indicate that the feature is on (often with a green "Auto Hold" or similar symbol). 
  • Release: Once the system is engaged, you can completely remove your foot from the brake pedal. The vehicle will remain stationary. 
  • Drive: To move forward, simply press the accelerator pedal. The brake will automatically release, and the car will drive normally. 

Dangers of confusing brake hold with the parking brake
  • It is crucial to understand that the "brake hold" feature is not the same as the parking brake. 
  • Driving with the parking brake on can cause significant damage to your vehicle and is dangerous, as it creates friction, heat, and drag that can lead to component failure. 
  • Using the brake hold feature correctly is safe and is designed to be engaged and disengaged automatically as you drive, while the parking brake must be manually released before you start moving. 



What is the difference between parking brake and brake hold?


A parking brake is used to hold a vehicle stationary when parked, whereas brake hold automatically keeps the brakes engaged when stopped in traffic, allowing you to release the brake pedal. The parking brake is for long-term stops, while brake hold is for short-term stops to reduce foot fatigue.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to use the electronic parking brake and auto brake hold feature: 58sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Parking brake

  • Purpose: To keep the vehicle from rolling when it is parked. 
  • Function: An electronic or manual control that applies the brakes, usually at the rear wheels, to secure the vehicle. 
  • Activation: Activated by pushing a button or pulling a lever, and released by pressing a button while on the brake pedal. 
  • Use case: Engaged when you are done driving and shifting the vehicle into Park, or in emergencies. 

Brake hold
  • Purpose: To automatically hold the vehicle stationary at a complete stop without requiring the driver to keep their foot on the brake pedal. 
  • Function: Uses the vehicle's existing braking system to keep it from moving forward or backward, even on inclines. 
  • Activation: A separate button on the console must be pressed to turn the feature on. It automatically disengages when you press the accelerator. 
  • Use case: In stop-and-go traffic, at stoplights, or while waiting on a hill to reduce driver fatigue. 

This video demonstrates the functionality of the brake hold system, including how it works on inclines: 1mBrian Doolan at Fitzpatricks Garage KildareYouTube · Aug 4, 2022



What is the difference between park and hold?


The main difference is that hold places a call on a line that can only be picked up from the same phone, while park places a call in a virtual "parking lot" where it can be picked up from any phone within the system. "Park" is essentially a universal hold that is ideal for transferring calls or when a colleague needs to retrieve the call, while "hold" is for a temporary pause where only you can resume the call. 
This video demonstrates the difference between call hold and call park: 55sShared Moravian Ministry OhioYouTube · Aug 12, 2020

Feature Hold Park
Phone Access Only the phone that placed the call on hold. Any phone within the system.
Purpose Temporarily pause a call without needing assistance from others. Place a call aside so someone else can answer it, or so you can retrieve it from a different location.
Functionality A "local" or "personal" hold. A "universal" hold.
Use Case Example You need to quickly look up a client's information while they wait. You need to step away from your desk and have a colleague answer the call for you, or you need to answer it from a different phone elsewhere in the office.
Line Status Ties up the line at one station. Frees up the line so you can take or make other calls.
(function(){
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_ssYlaaayFIaBi-gPk8SUmQc_194';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();



What does brake hold mean on a Honda?


On a Honda, "Brake Hold" is a feature that automatically engages the brakes when you come to a complete stop and keeps them engaged until you press the accelerator pedal. This allows you to take your foot off the brake pedal, which is convenient for stop-and-go traffic or waiting at stoplights.
 
This video explains how to use the Brake Hold feature in a Honda: 44sHonda InsiderYouTube · Feb 4, 2024
How it works

  • To activate: Make sure your seatbelt is fastened, and press the "Brake Hold" button (often found on the center console). A green indicator light will appear on the dashboard, showing it's in standby mode. 
  • To engage: When you come to a complete stop, press the brake pedal firmly. The system will automatically engage, and the dashboard indicator will change to show that the brakes are holding the car. You can now safely remove your foot from the brake pedal. 
  • To disengage: To resume driving, simply press the accelerator pedal. The brake hold will automatically release, and the indicator light will turn off. 

Benefits
  • Convenience: Frees you from having to constantly hold down the brake pedal in traffic. 
  • Comfort: Allows you to rest your leg while stopped for extended periods. 
  • Safety: Keeps your brake lights illuminated so other drivers are aware you are stopped. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.