What is the hold button on automatic car for?
The hold button on automatic cars is a feature that allows the driver to temporarily hold the car in its current gear, preventing it from automatically shifting up or down. This can be useful in certain driving situations, such as when navigating steep hills or towing a heavy load.
What is the Hold Button?
The hold button, also known as the "gear hold" or "manual mode" button, is a feature found on many modern automatic transmission vehicles. It is typically located on the gear shift or on the steering wheel, and allows the driver to override the automatic transmission's normal shifting behavior.
When the hold button is engaged, the transmission will maintain the current gear, even if the engine speed or vehicle speed would normally trigger an automatic upshift or downshift. This can be useful in a variety of driving situations, such as:
- Driving on steep hills: Keeping the transmission in a lower gear can provide more engine braking, preventing the vehicle from gaining too much speed on a downhill slope.
- Towing a heavy load: Maintaining a lower gear can provide more torque and power to the wheels, making it easier to pull a heavy trailer or load.
- Driving in slippery conditions: Holding the transmission in a lower gear can improve traction and control, especially on snow, ice, or loose surfaces.
- Performance driving: Some drivers use the hold button to keep the transmission in a lower gear for a more responsive, sporty driving experience.
It's important to note that the hold button is not a permanent setting, and the transmission will eventually shift out of the held gear if the engine speed or vehicle speed becomes too high or low. Drivers should use the hold button judiciously and return the transmission to its normal automatic mode when the driving conditions no longer require the additional control.
How to Use the Hold Button
To use the hold button, simply press the button or switch located on the gear shift or steering wheel. This will cause the transmission to maintain the current gear, even as the vehicle's speed and engine RPMs change. To return the transmission to its normal automatic mode, simply press the button again or shift the gear selector to a different position.
It's worth noting that the specific operation and behavior of the hold button may vary slightly between different vehicle makes and models, so drivers should consult their owner's manual for detailed instructions on how to use this feature effectively.
Can I leave the auto hold on while driving?
Yes, you can drive with auto hold on, as it's designed to be used during normal driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The system holds the brakes when you come to a complete stop and automatically releases them when you press the accelerator to move forward. You should turn off auto hold when reversing, parking, or driving downhill to avoid issues, and be aware that you may need to disable it before entering a car wash.
How it works
- Engaging the system: You must first enable the auto hold function, often with a button, while the vehicle is in gear and completely stopped. A light on the dashboard will indicate when it's ready.
- Coming to a stop: When you stop the car, the system automatically engages the brakes for you, holding the vehicle in place so you can take your foot off the brake pedal.
- Resuming driving: To move forward, simply press the accelerator pedal. The system will smoothly release the brakes, allowing you to drive away.
- Disengaging: You can also manually disengage the brakes by tapping the brake pedal again.
Important considerations
- Situations to avoid: Do not use auto hold while reversing, parking, or driving downhill, as this can put unnecessary strain on the system.
- Car washes: Remember to turn off auto hold before entering an automatic car wash, or the car could remain stopped during the wash cycle.
- Normal wear and tear: The system is designed for regular use and is not expected to cause excessive wear. It's a feature built to provide convenience and comfort, especially in traffic.
Is it good to drive with auto hold on?
Yes, auto hold is generally good for your car because it reduces driver fatigue and improves convenience and safety by automatically holding the vehicle at a stop without you needing to press the brake pedal. It can also increase fuel efficiency in cars with an auto start-stop system by allowing the engine to shut off completely while stopped. However, some drivers dislike the feature because it requires deactivation before certain situations, like automated car washes, or because it can interfere with certain driving habits, like creeping.
Benefits of auto hold
- Reduces driver fatigue: It removes the need to keep your foot on the brake pedal in traffic jams or at long lights, which can reduce leg strain.
- Increases convenience: The feature provides a smoother, more relaxed experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Prevents rollback: On inclines, it automatically holds the car to prevent it from rolling backward when starting from a stop, making hill starts effortless.
- Enhances safety: It minimizes the risk of the car creeping forward or backward unintentionally.
- Improves fuel efficiency: When paired with an auto start-stop system, it allows the engine to turn off completely while the car is stopped, saving fuel.
Potential drawbacks
- Requires deactivation: You need to remember to turn it off in situations like automated car washes.
- Can interfere with certain driving habits: It can be inconvenient for those who prefer to "creep" slowly when moving into a parking spot or at a stop sign, as the feature needs to be manually released by pressing the accelerator.
- Learning curve: Some drivers may find it takes getting used to, especially those coming from older cars without the feature.
- Potential for distraction: If you are not used to it, you might accidentally press the accelerator too quickly after the light changes.
What is the use of hold button in automatic transmission?
The auto hold button in a car is a feature that electronically engages the brakes once you come to a complete stop, allowing you to take your foot off the brake pedal. It is designed for comfort and convenience in situations like stop-and-go traffic or long waits at stoplights, and it automatically releases the brakes when you press the accelerator.
This video explains how to use the auto hold feature in a Hyundai: 58sHyundaiUSAYouTube · Sep 19, 2025
How it works
- Engaging the feature: First, you press the "Auto Hold" button, which is often labeled as such and may have a small indicator light that turns on.
- Stopping the car: When you come to a complete stop with sufficient pressure, and as long as the required conditions like a fastened seatbelt are met, the brakes will remain engaged even after you lift your foot from the pedal. A "hold" indicator will light up on your dashboard.
- Resuming driving: To move forward, simply press the accelerator pedal.
- Disengaging the feature: You can turn off the system by pressing the button again or by pressing the brake pedal and then pressing the button again.
Benefits
- Comfort: Reduces fatigue by allowing you to rest your foot in traffic or at long stops.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need to keep your foot on the brake pedal.
- Safety: Prevents the car from rolling backward when stopped on a hill, though this is a separate function from "Hill Start Assist".
- Fuel efficiency: In some cases, it can be more fuel-efficient, especially if the engine can shut off at a full stop.
What does the auto hold button do in a car?
Auto Hold* keeps the vehicle at a complete stop until you press the accelerator. This is useful in stop-and-go traffic and at traffic lights so that you can relax your foot more comfortably.
