Pulling off - Automatic Gearbox with Auto handbrake
Discussion
about to drive an Automatic (VW DGS) with an automatic parking brake.
I have not driven one for years - can someone tell me how it works when you want to reverse up an incline. Just thinking that with my manual you lift the clutch so there is some bite - then the auto handbrake releases.
But as there is no clutch with an auto gearbox how do you give it sufficient 'bite'.
I have not driven one for years - can someone tell me how it works when you want to reverse up an incline. Just thinking that with my manual you lift the clutch so there is some bite - then the auto handbrake releases.
But as there is no clutch with an auto gearbox how do you give it sufficient 'bite'.
Unlike a more traditional torque converter auto, DSG gearboxes do have a clutch - two in fact. Hence, dual clutch gearbox. Modern DSGs have an inbuilt 'creep' function to mimic a TC auto, though iirc you can turn this on or off.
Simply tap the accelerator to release the auto handbrake, and then apply more or less pedal travel as required to give enough power to move up the incline. Very easy. Don't leave the 'box to hold you on the hill with its inbuilt 'creep' though, as unlike a TC it does have real clutches, like I said. They'll wear out eventually, just like a clutch in a manual box if you leave them slipping - especially under load on a hill. Otherwise, just drive it. They're intuitive when you're actually behind the wheel and you soon adjust. The wet clutch variants are nicer and smoother than the dry clutch ones, and will take a bit more 'abuse' as well so do bear that in mind.
Simply tap the accelerator to release the auto handbrake, and then apply more or less pedal travel as required to give enough power to move up the incline. Very easy. Don't leave the 'box to hold you on the hill with its inbuilt 'creep' though, as unlike a TC it does have real clutches, like I said. They'll wear out eventually, just like a clutch in a manual box if you leave them slipping - especially under load on a hill. Otherwise, just drive it. They're intuitive when you're actually behind the wheel and you soon adjust. The wet clutch variants are nicer and smoother than the dry clutch ones, and will take a bit more 'abuse' as well so do bear that in mind.
In normal driving we don't use auto-hold or auto handbrake in our Tiguan DSG - they're a nonsense in an auto. Just hold the car with your left foot on the foot-brake, same as people have done on autos for ever.
I've never driven a manual with them, but you read of people getting into all sorts of difficulty - especially in tight spots as if you're not positive about it the car will start to roll down the slope because the brake release when the gas is pressed and the clutch starts to come up.. Some cars seem to hold on to brake for longer - but there are reports of clutches burning out (especially on the 1 litre cars) and it's considered to be a bad thing for DSG clutches too.
You can use the electric handrake manually by holding the lever and letting it go when you're ready, just like with a normal handbrake.
I've never driven a manual with them, but you read of people getting into all sorts of difficulty - especially in tight spots as if you're not positive about it the car will start to roll down the slope because the brake release when the gas is pressed and the clutch starts to come up.. Some cars seem to hold on to brake for longer - but there are reports of clutches burning out (especially on the 1 litre cars) and it's considered to be a bad thing for DSG clutches too.
You can use the electric handrake manually by holding the lever and letting it go when you're ready, just like with a normal handbrake.
Sheepshanks said:
In normal driving we don't use auto-hold or auto handbrake in our Tiguan DSG - they're a nonsense in an auto. Just hold the car with your left foot on the foot-brake, same as people have done on autos for ever.
I've never driven a manual with them, but you read of people getting into all sorts of difficulty - especially in tight spots as if you're not positive about it the car will start to roll down the slope because the brake release when the gas is pressed and the clutch starts to come up.. Some cars seem to hold on to brake for longer - but there are reports of clutches burning out (especially on the 1 litre cars) and it's considered to be a bad thing for DSG clutches too.
You can use the electric handrake manually by holding the lever and letting it go when you're ready, just like with a normal handbrake.
On an F30 with ZF8 auto, the foot (service) brake IS the autohold. Works fine on hills - hold on footbrake, take foot off (no movement at all), apply accelerator then go. I think you have a few seconds only, but that is ample.I've never driven a manual with them, but you read of people getting into all sorts of difficulty - especially in tight spots as if you're not positive about it the car will start to roll down the slope because the brake release when the gas is pressed and the clutch starts to come up.. Some cars seem to hold on to brake for longer - but there are reports of clutches burning out (especially on the 1 litre cars) and it's considered to be a bad thing for DSG clutches too.
You can use the electric handrake manually by holding the lever and letting it go when you're ready, just like with a normal handbrake.
(I use the term foot service brake, because some cars have a foot parking brake)
I can understand the benefit of a "hill hold" automatic handbrake on manual cars, but always disable auto handbrakes on autos - it makes low speed manoeuvring more difficult, means the car is still in gear when the handbrake is on, and for the life of me I can't see any benefits. For autos, it seems to be the solution to a problem than never existed.
GW65 said:
I can understand the benefit of a "hill hold" automatic handbrake on manual cars, but always disable auto handbrakes on autos - it makes low speed manoeuvring more difficult, means the car is still in gear when the handbrake is on, and for the life of me I can't see any benefits. For autos, it seems to be the solution to a problem than never existed.
The duel clutch auto box will put the car temporarily in neutral while the brake is engaged to stop any wear. With a torque converter there will be no wear anyway as it is just fluid doing the part of the clutch. Sheepshanks said:
Auto systems don't apply the handbrake during normal use - they keep the footbrake on.
Not always the case. My previous car was a Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI (220) DSG. On first rolling to a stop, it'd apply the foot brake automatically and hold it there until you pressed the throttle. If you didn't move away after a minute or so (eg level crossing, busy junction, lights) it'd revert to the handbrake instead. Either way you just tapped the throttle to have it removed and continue your journey. After a day or two getting used to it, it was a really nice easy way to drive. 
rainmakerraw said:
Not always the case. My previous car was a Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI (220) DSG. On first rolling to a stop, it'd apply the foot brake automatically and hold it there until you pressed the throttle. If you didn't move away after a minute or so (eg level crossing, busy junction, lights) it'd revert to the handbrake instead. Either way you just tapped the throttle to have it removed and continue your journey. After a day or two getting used to it, it was a really nice easy way to drive.
Was that using stop/start? I don't know if makes a difference though as we don't use that either. Not sure where I;ve got this from, but I thought the footbrake should hold the car for around 20mins before the handbrake takes over. Quick Google just talks about a 'lengthy stop'.I things it's one of those things were if you have total faith in automatic systems then it (mostly) just works. However I prefer to be a little more in control - there are too many stories of either the system not working or people messing it up (one in the press today - wman dragged along the street by her VW T-Toc). I thought ours was slow to release from hold, so the car tends to lurch forward.
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