In newer cars, where you have Auto Hold switch, you can take your foot off the brake (while in D) and car will apply parking brake automatically for circa 3 minutes. During this time, if you press accelerator car moves normally. Beyond 3 minutes, car will disengage parking brake and may start rolling.
What car is that in? Everything I've been driven with auto hold applies the "main" parking brake after the car has been in auto hold for more than a certain period of time. Some also sensibly apply the parking brake if you take your seat belt off or open the door when in auto hold.
From a user's perspective, as most parking brakes are also auto release, it makes no difference, particularly in an auto.
Returning to automatic gearboxes, I have a friend who is adamant that you should never use the handbrake in an auto, and instead put the car into "Park" every time you're stopped for more than a few seconds. He won't listen to anyone and when I suggested that "N" may be more suitable if he wants to take it out of "D", I was told in no uncertain terms that "N" was only to be used when the car was being towed!! I avoid following directly behind him if travelling to the same place. Eventually he's going to put it into reverse by mistake when setting off again at the lights and back into the car behind. Surprisingly, given he keeps his cars a long time, he's never had a parking pawl break in the gearbox despite regularly using it to hold the car on steep hills. They must be stronger than many people think...
|
