Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 7/VII Forum

Stumbled on your site while looking for info about my new mk7.5 Golf.

Do you still have your mk7?

I wanted to mention about the electric handbrake/auto hold. The handbrake feature applies to the back brakes only, like a traditional handbrake. Thats why it takes a second, and you hear the whine as it operates. Auto Hold on the other hand, uses the footbrake system - thats why its instant, and there's no jerk when you pull away (unlike if you pull away with the handbrake on).

Auto Hold annoys me greatly - everybody uses it - but doesn't think about the fact that it leaves the brake lights on the whole time - which is very dazzling to the car sitting behind! As a courtesy I'll lift the handbrake on these occasions, but i don't think anyone else does!

Good work on the site!

Robert

Hi Robert,

Thanks for your message. Nice to hear that you like my site. Yes I still have my Mk 7.

Makes sense what you say about the Auto Hold using the footbrake system and the Electric Handbrake using the handbrake system. I guess then it is right that the brake lights come on when the Auto Hold function activates. Not any different to cars with automatic transmissions where drivers have to keep their foot on the footbrake. Like you say, the alternative to using the Auto Hold system is to apply the electric handbrake manually. Up to the driver I guess although I can see the appeal of Auto Hold to many drivers.

Stuart