The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular SUV known for its blend of comfort, practicality, and advanced technology. Among its many features, the Auto Hold function stands out as a significant convenience and safety enhancement, especially for drivers navigating stop-and-go traffic or steep inclines. Understanding and utilizing the Auto Hold feature in your Volkswagen Tiguan can transform your daily driving experience, making it smoother and less stressful.
Understanding Auto Hold in Your Volkswagen Tiguan
Auto Hold is an electronic parking brake system that goes beyond simply holding your vehicle when parked. It’s designed to automatically keep your Tiguan stationary in driving situations, without you needing to keep your foot on the brake pedal. This is particularly useful in scenarios like traffic jams, traffic lights, and hill starts.
How Does Volkswagen Tiguan Auto Hold Work?
The Auto Hold system in your Volkswagen Tiguan utilizes the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. When activated, it remembers the braking pressure last applied when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This means once you brake to a standstill and Auto Hold is engaged, you can release the brake pedal, and the system will maintain the braking force to hold the vehicle in place.
Image: The Auto Hold button in a Volkswagen Tiguan, typically located near the gear selector.
To engage Auto Hold in your Tiguan, you typically press a dedicated button, often labeled “AUTO HOLD” or with a symbol of a ‘P’ inside a circle with brackets. Once activated (usually indicated by a light on the dashboard), Auto Hold will function automatically whenever you bring the vehicle to a complete stop using the brake pedal.
When you are ready to move again, simply press the accelerator pedal as you normally would. Auto Hold will automatically release the brakes, allowing you to drive off smoothly. The system is designed to release seamlessly, ensuring a natural driving experience without any jerking or hesitation.
Benefits of Using Auto Hold in Your Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan Auto Hold feature offers several key advantages for drivers:
- Increased Comfort in Stop-and-Go Traffic: In heavy traffic, constantly switching between brake and accelerator pedals can be tiring. Auto Hold eliminates the need to keep your foot on the brake, reducing driver fatigue and making traffic jams less stressful.
- Effortless Hill Starts: Hill starts can be daunting for some drivers, especially in manual transmission vehicles. Auto Hold prevents the Tiguan from rolling backwards on an incline when you release the brake pedal to accelerate, providing a smoother and safer hill start experience.
- Enhanced Convenience at Traffic Lights and Stop Signs: At traffic lights or stop signs, Auto Hold keeps your Tiguan stationary without requiring you to hold the brake pedal. This is more comfortable and convenient, especially during longer stops.
- Smoother Parking Maneuvers: Auto Hold can also assist during parking, particularly on slopes. It provides controlled braking, making it easier to maneuver into tight parking spaces without unintended rolling.
Image: The dashboard of a Volkswagen Tiguan, illustrating the Auto Hold indicator light when the system is active.
Activating and Deactivating Auto Hold in Your Tiguan
Activating and deactivating Auto Hold in your Volkswagen Tiguan is straightforward:
- Activation: To activate Auto Hold, press the designated “AUTO HOLD” button. The indicator light on the button and/or the dashboard will illuminate, confirming that the system is active.
- Deactivation: To deactivate Auto Hold, simply press the “AUTO HOLD” button again. The indicator light will turn off, indicating that the system is no longer active.
It’s important to note that Auto Hold is typically deactivated when the ignition is turned off and needs to be reactivated each time you start the vehicle if you wish to use it.
When to Use and When Not to Use Auto Hold
While Auto Hold is a highly beneficial feature, there are situations where you might choose not to use it:
- Low-Speed Maneuvering in Tight Spaces: In very slow-speed maneuvering situations, such as inching forward in extremely tight parking spots, some drivers may prefer the more direct pedal control without Auto Hold engagement. However, for most parking situations, Auto Hold is beneficial.
- Car Washes: In automatic car washes where the vehicle is pulled through on a track, Auto Hold should be deactivated to allow the car to move freely.
- Specific Driving Preferences: Some drivers may simply prefer the traditional feel of controlling the vehicle solely with the brake pedal in all situations. Ultimately, the decision to use Auto Hold is a matter of personal preference and driving style.
Image: A Volkswagen Tiguan parked on a hill, representing the Auto Hold feature’s benefit in hill starts.
Auto Hold vs. Traditional Parking Brake
It’s crucial to distinguish Auto Hold from the traditional parking brake. While both systems prevent the vehicle from moving, they serve different purposes. The parking brake is primarily for securing the vehicle when parked, especially on inclines, and is engaged manually. Auto Hold, on the other hand, is a dynamic system designed for use while driving, automatically engaging and releasing as needed in driving situations.
In 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, Tiguan drivers can enjoy a more relaxed and confident driving experience in various traffic conditions.
