The Volkswagen Tiguan is renowned for its blend of comfort, practicality, and advanced technology. Among its many features, the Auto Hold function stands out as a significant convenience, especially for drivers navigating stop-and-go traffic or hilly terrains. If you’re a Tiguan owner or considering becoming one, understanding and mastering the Auto Hold feature can greatly enhance your driving experience. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Volkswagen Tiguan’s Auto Hold, explaining what it is, how it works, its benefits, and how to use it effectively.
Understanding Volkswagen Tiguan Auto Hold
Auto Hold is an electronic parking brake system that goes beyond the traditional handbrake. It’s designed to automatically hold your Tiguan stationary without you needing to keep your foot on the brake pedal. This feature is particularly useful in situations where you frequently stop and start, such as in city traffic, at traffic lights, or on inclines. Unlike the traditional handbrake which you manually engage and disengage, Auto Hold operates automatically based on driving conditions and driver input.
How Auto Hold Works in Your Tiguan
The Auto Hold system in your Volkswagen Tiguan intelligently monitors various sensors in the vehicle, including wheel speed sensors, brake pressure sensors, and the accelerator pedal position. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically operates:
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Activation: Auto Hold is usually activated by pressing a dedicated button, often labeled “AUTO HOLD” and depicted with a ‘P’ symbol inside a square with parentheses around it, usually located on the center console near the gear selector. Once activated, an indicator light, often green, will illuminate on your instrument cluster, signifying the system is ready.
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Automatic Braking: When you come to a complete stop in your Tiguan, for instance at a traffic light or in traffic congestion, Auto Hold automatically engages the brakes to hold the vehicle stationary. You can then remove your foot from the brake pedal, and the car will remain stopped.
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Releasing the Brake: To move forward again, simply press the accelerator pedal as you normally would. Auto Hold will automatically disengage the brakes smoothly, allowing you to drive off without any manual intervention with a parking brake lever or button.
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Deactivation: Auto Hold can be deactivated by pressing the same “AUTO HOLD” button again. The indicator light on the instrument cluster will turn off, indicating the system is no longer active. The system might also automatically deactivate under certain conditions, such as when the electronic parking brake is manually engaged or when the ignition is turned off.
Benefits of Using Auto Hold in Your Tiguan
The Auto Hold feature in your Volkswagen Tiguan offers several advantages that enhance driving comfort and convenience:
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Enhanced Comfort in Stop-and-Go Traffic: In heavy traffic situations where you’re constantly stopping and starting, Auto Hold significantly reduces driver fatigue. You no longer need to keep your foot continuously pressed on the brake pedal, leading to a more relaxed driving experience.
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Smooth Hill Starts: When starting on an incline, Auto Hold prevents your Tiguan from rolling backwards. It holds the brake until sufficient engine power is applied to move forward, ensuring smooth and controlled hill starts, especially beneficial in hilly urban areas.
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Increased Convenience: Auto Hold simplifies driving in various scenarios, from waiting at traffic lights to maneuvering in parking situations. It streamlines the stop-start process, making driving less cumbersome.
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Reduced Brake Wear: By automatically and optimally applying brake pressure, Auto Hold can potentially contribute to reduced wear and tear on brake components compared to situations where drivers might unnecessarily hold the brake pedal too firmly or for extended periods.
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Safety Enhancement: By securely holding the vehicle stationary when stopped, Auto Hold can contribute to safety, particularly by preventing unintentional rolling on slight inclines or in bumper-to-bumper traffic where accidental rolling could lead to minor collisions.
Effectively Using Auto Hold in Your Volkswagen Tiguan
To maximize the benefits of Auto Hold in your Tiguan, consider these tips:
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Engage Auto Hold for City Driving: Activate Auto Hold when you anticipate frequent stops, such as in urban areas or during rush hour traffic. It will make navigating congested roads much more relaxed.
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Utilize Auto Hold on Hills: Always engage Auto Hold when driving in hilly areas. It provides extra confidence and prevents rollback when starting uphill, making hill starts effortless.
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Get Familiar with the Indicator: Pay attention to the Auto Hold indicator light on your dashboard. Ensure it’s green when you intend to use the system. If it’s not illuminated, press the Auto Hold button to activate it.
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Smooth Transitions: When starting from a standstill with Auto Hold engaged, apply the accelerator pedal smoothly. The system is designed for seamless release, but abrupt acceleration might feel less refined.
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Manual Parking Situations: For parking maneuvers, especially on very steep inclines or when parking for extended periods, it is still recommended to use the electronic parking brake in conjunction with Auto Hold for maximum security. Auto Hold is primarily designed for temporary stops during driving, not for prolonged parking scenarios.
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Understanding System Limitations: Be aware that Auto Hold is a driver assistance system and not a replacement for attentive driving. In very specific situations, such as on extremely slippery surfaces, the system’s performance might be affected. Always drive responsibly and adjust to prevailing road conditions.
Conclusion
The Auto Hold feature in the Volkswagen Tiguan is a valuable asset that enhances driving comfort, convenience, and safety. By understanding how it works and utilizing it effectively in appropriate driving situations, you can significantly improve your overall driving experience with your Tiguan. Mastering this feature is just one of the many ways to fully appreciate the advanced technology and thoughtful design that Volkswagen has integrated into the Tiguan. Embrace Auto Hold and enjoy a more relaxed and confident drive, especially in challenging driving environments.
