Are people not using handbrakes anymore?
Posted by Shumble91@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 148 comments
Not sure if it is because of electronic brakes are more prevalent, but I was waiting at a long traffic light last night and it was really dazzling to have all of the cars in front have their brake lights illuminated in the rain for the full 90seconds / 2 mins of the lights being red.
A) do electronic handbrakes leave the brake lights on,
B) or are people just deciding it's not worth their time to apply the handbrake?
EeveesGalore@reddit
On my car, the brake lights remain on when using the 'auto hold' feature. The electronic handbrake has to be turned on manually to hold the car still without leaving the brake lights on.
systanford@reddit
Also in many cars, for stop start to work correctly, foot needs to be on the brake. Releasing the break starts the car again.
Dr-Moth@reddit
I found I could keep the stop start active if I put the e-brake on, then car into neutral (not park), then released the brake. That exact order. However, I'm not doing this for short lights, because it's slower to get going again.
Not_Sugden@reddit
sir this is an askUK sub I will have to formally request that you do not use the term "e-brake". Its called a handbrake
systanford@reddit
A lot of autos you don't need to disengage Drive. Brake, come to a stop, continued depression of brake engages start-stop. Lifting the break even partially re-starts the engine ready/before you can move over to the accelerator.
Dr-Moth@reddit
Yes. But if you're stuck for a long time you don't want to keep your foot on the brake. This is where you need to e-brake and neutral before you lift your foot, so the engine doesn't restart automatically.
systanford@reddit
Well yes, In that situation most would stick it in P and possibly kill the ignition. If you're just at lights etc, planting the brake is fine. Stop Start isn't designed for long stationary periods. Partly due to the battery strain. It's been advised for quite some time to limit regular D->N shifts if possible due to the extra wear on gearboxes, as another commenter has pointed out. Which is why it's implemented the way I described.
Dr-Moth@reddit
I need to look into the neutral thing, because on long stops I'm using that rather than holding the brake because I didn't want to increase wear on the clutch.
My engine always restarts if moving to Park. It's also much worse damage if you're rear-ended when in park.
I'll do some more research later. Thanks.
LimeInternational856@reddit
On my car, unless you shift to Park, the engine restarts as soon as you take your foot off the brake, even if it's a tiny bit.
Dr-Moth@reddit
Annoyingly that doesn't work consistently on my Jaguar. The only reliable way has been to use neutral. It could be because you have to pass Reverse to get to Park.
systanford@reddit
Reliable is a choice word to use when talking about a JLR vehicle...
Dr-Moth@reddit
There's a reason I don't want to turn the ignition off manually.
overcooked_biscuit@reddit
Oooo I did not know this, my cars kick into auto stop/start after the car is sufficiently warmed up. Do you know if the techniques to enable stop/start with the break pedal is limited to a specific manufacturer, or manufactures for a specific part of the world?
Heck, I'm going to trying this on my drive home from work tonight if the start/stop hasn't automatically kicked in to see if its applicable to my Renault Clio.
systanford@reddit
Can't comment on Renaults... owned mostly Audis for the past 20 years. Though other German manufacturers I've driven have a very similar setup.
ProfileBoring@reddit
Really? Every stop start I've had you don't need to keep foot an break and pushing the clutch down starts the engine again.
systanford@reddit
Really. A lot of cars don't have clutches...
ProfileBoring@reddit
That's is true didn't even think of that to be fair.
Kitchen_Part_882@reddit
Stop start on my Peugeot works with the (electronic) parking brake or the pedal, as long as it's in neutral with the clutch pedal up.
Mine is a manual though (obviously), so things may be different on an automatic.
systanford@reddit
Yeah, while there may be different implementations, cars with automatic or semi-auto boxes often operate the way I've described.
cptlolalot@reddit
Wtf. I didn't know that. I've always been careful to take foot off brake and let auto hold do it's thing purposefully to not blind driver behind. Now you're telling me I've been one of those dickheads all this time?
Terr0rBytes@reddit
Unfortunately I would say so.
Assuming auto hold works the same across different car manufacturers, certainly in mine, auto hold keeps the brake light on regardless if your foot is on the brake pedal or not and the brake lights only go out when you press the accelerator to move.
Im resigned to the fact that people, mostly now a days, don't know what lane they are supposed to be in, what that weird stalk is poking out the side of the steering wheel is and are so important that waiting 10 seconds is life or death, so me having brake lights on throughout out a stop I don't feel guilty for.
MindlessMacaron@reddit
It's one of the reason I don't use auto-hold. I shift to park and the auto handbrake engages. I find I can get away quicker if I shift from park to drive, than if I press the accelerator and wait for auto hold to release.
In stop start traffic (I don't call it nose to tail, as there's no benefit to being that close), I'll use radar cruise control (but stick it park if stopped for a while). That way I can just tap the accelerator, or press a button on the steering wheel, when the car in front moves and I'll follow them.
shortercrust@reddit
I’ve always wondered that but never bothered to look
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
!answer
sockeyejo@reddit
I also find it annoying. Best thing to do is look slightly away or down so you're watching the car ahead/traffic lights out of your peripheral vision, and resist the urge to join em if you can't beat em.
Prestigious-Salt-245@reddit
Brake lights are no brighter than modern LED traffic lights, so it shouldn't be a problem for anyone.
sockeyejo@reddit
Just because it's not a problem for you, doesn't mean it doesn't exist 🙄
Prestigious-Salt-245@reddit
If people are being dazzled by traffic lights they shouldn't be driving.
sockeyejo@reddit
Nobody is talking about being dazzled by traffic lights. Even when I'm cycling, I've been never been so close to a traffic light as one is to a car's brake light in stationary traffic. If you can't understand the difference, that's on you.
I_am_Relic@reddit
I feel the same. I'll always look away as much as is safe to do so.
I'll add that I have to do this with oncoming traffic that has super bright headlights).
With any luck there won't be a cyclist in front of you wearing dark clothes and with no lights - hard to see those buggers at the best of times on an unlit street. Being blinded super bright headlights from icoming traffic makeshift even harder .
Intruder313@reddit
I was driven mad by this for many years (I find brake lights painfully bright) until I learned that A) is true so the majority of people are probably using eBrakes/AutoHolds and not just sitting with their foot on the brakes.
I then checked my own car and found that it did this so I'd been doing it for over a year before I realised.
Obviously the lights still hurt my eyes :(
Radiant_Fondant_4097@reddit
Yeah, pretty much.
If I'm in traffic generally it never stays still so like hell am I complete stopping > neutral > handbrake every five seconds, and if I'm at the lights it's generally only for a couple of minutes anyway with people slightly nudging forward.
My eyes aren't fantastic but "being dazzled by brake lights" just sounds silly, however I'll at least use my handbrake waiting at some traffic lights if its night time.
EpicFishFingers@reddit
For all the automatic cars that "require" the brake, and the auto handbrake that show the brake lights anyway, there are still those of us in manual transmission cars who can do our bit by putting it in neutral, applying the handbrake, and taking our feet off the pedals so the people behind us aren't dazzled by our brake lights.
Yes you can keep it in gear with the clutch in and handbrake on, ready to go. But holding the clutch in for minutes and minutes isn't great for it. Its rest state is the opposite position: raised. Just get the clutch on when you see the other lights cycle to red.
MaxMouseOCX@reddit
You know, regardless of the why here... I think the amount of people that give a shit if you're a bit dazzled is quite small.
CthulhusEvilTwin@reddit
Learned to drive last year and you don't get taught to use the hand brake at lights or for hill starts, because cars have hill start assist now.
FuelledOnRice@reddit
I was behind a new driver once, driving an older manual. Could not do a hill start to save their life, rolled back multiple times. Luckily there was no one behind me so I could reverse to avoid being hit.
evenstevens280@reddit
Surely you should be taught the base level techniques?
Auto-hold and hill-start assist aren't going to be standard features on a 10 year old Ford Fiesta.
Maximilliano25@reddit
Good instructors should do, but a lot seem more willing to just do whatever gets their pupils through test quicker (which is what the pupils want), so they skip over the 'unnecessary' bits
CthulhusEvilTwin@reddit
I'm not a young driver (I'm 52) but I do agree. My wife was horrified when she realised I didn't know how to do handbrake starts.
Doctor_Womble@reddit
I don't remember the last time I used my handbrake outside of parking.
But then I've got an automatic.
Vaniky@reddit
In a manual and the only time I use it is for parking and very steep hill stop and starts.
Elementzero12@reddit
Also in manuals, If I'm stopped the handbrake is on, for any length of time. Its just easier, and kinder on the clutch when moving off.
rectal_warrior@reddit
How?
Elementzero12@reddit
You aren't doing the pedal dance, so you can better judge your throttle postion.
My most modern car (2008) has a larger engine than most cars and permanent AWD (so 3 differentials instead of one). All that drivetrain takes more effort to move and is much more susceptible to clutch wear. This combined with natural delay of an electronic throttle means getting it right is much more important.
Its also just good practice. If you get rear ended, having only the footbrake on can lead hitting the car in front if your foot leaves the pedal. Or if waiting at a junction having the handbrake when rear ended can prevent you from being forced into oncoming traffic or into the main road. Its saved me before when a BMW didn't see the bright red car in front of him at the roundabout just as lorry was infront of me and went into the back of me.
I usually time my application of the handbrake as I'm releasing the footbrake so every stop is smooth. Its less important with modern cars, but my other car turns 60 this year (and is on its original clutch), so smoothness matters much more.
rectal_warrior@reddit
This makes no sense to me, you use the clutch and accelerator in exactly the same way if you're using a foot break or a parking break
BassJeleren@reddit
Doesn't that wear out the clutch spring?
rectal_warrior@reddit
If you're in neutral you don't need to have the clutch pressed as well
PartTimeLegend@reddit
I just turn my car off and the brake engages at that point. I put it in drive and touch the accelerator and it comes off. I might be a bad driver though so don’t take my advice.
daedelius@reddit
My new car has autohold, which is activated by hard press on brake. It holds the car like handbrake, but lifts instantly when I press accelerator. So I use that for convenience, but yes, the brake light is on even though I no longer have my foot on the pedal. Too lazy to use handbrake where I have to engage forwards button to start. 😟
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
My work van had autohold. I hadn't realised it kept brake lights illuminated!
daedelius@reddit
Well it’s difficult to tell isn’t it. I tried getting out really fast, but could never catch it on.
Dildo_Shaggins-@reddit
I discovered this myself about a fortnight ago when I was following my partner's car after I had been moaning about nobody using their hand handbrakes anymore.
Absolutely ridiculous and I'll bet 95% of drivers are also assuming that auto hold disables the brake lights. Stupid design feature.
terahurts@reddit
Same with our car (manual gearbox). The handbrake button is hidden away on the right side of the steering wheel to the point that I had to ask the salesman where it was during the handover. The autohold disable button is where I'd expect a handbrake to be.
AirlineSevere7456@reddit
My EV shows the brake lights when stopped at lights without having to press the brake pedal. They apparently turn off after a set time, but I wouldn't know...
smackdealer1@reddit
Mate drivers think the highway code is just advice. Who are you kidding!
VOOLUL@reddit
Auto hold keeps lights on. My car doesn't even have a hand brake button, I have to put it in park. I'm not putting it in park at some lights.
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Honest question. Why not? It's no different from applying hand brake in a manual. (I've also driven automatics)
VOOLUL@reddit
Because doors unlock and it thinks I've actually parked somewhere.
Praetalis@reddit
If I put my automatic in park from drive my engine turns off. The manual says to keep the foot brake pressed.
u7N269eEYxJw@reddit
Most automatics have an interlock to prevent you from shifting from park into drive or reverse, you release that by stepping on the foot brake whilst you shift. Add to that the stop/start and what would seem like a fairly simple way to stop the car becomes several steps. For me I would have to use the brake to stop the car at the lights, as normal, then shift into Park, apply the handbrake and then release the foot brake. At that point the stop/start will more than likely stop the engine. As the lights change I would need to press the foot brake, shift from Park to Drive, this would start the engine, and whilst keeping the foot brake on, release the hand brake, then come off the foot brake and apply pressure to the accelerator pedal.
It’s possible to do and I have done it in the past at cross roads where I know I will be waiting a while. It’s a few steps to move after the lights change and there is always someone in the queue that just can’t stand the 1 to 2 second delay before your car starts to move. Its easier just to hold the car on the foot brake and as the lights change to amber, lift your brake pedal a small amount to start your engine and then accelerate away when the lights change to green.
If you know the light sequence for when your queue will start to move then you can preempt the transition, but given that the person in front has their foot on the brakes, dazzling you anyway, you just end up joining in and looking away.
MindlessMacaron@reddit
I put my car in park most of the time at traffic lights. If there's someone in next to me who thinks they can turn the lights green creeping forwards... I guarantee, the moment the lights turn green, I'll be away first while they're still creeping, every time.
Necessary-Mess-8877@reddit
Same here with my EV. Pull up to lights, auto hold comes on, light goes green, press accelerator and off we go.
If I used park, its light goes green, press brake pedal, switch dial, then accelerate.
MindlessMacaron@reddit
Why would wait for the light to turn green before pressing the brake and turning the dial? There's plenty of time to do this on the amber.
Nickjc88@reddit
I have an auto, when I stop I just keep my foot on the brake. Lights rarely stay red long enough for me to bother using the handbrake
zwifter11@reddit
Have you ever thought about getting your eyes tested by an optician? As I’ve never found this to be a problem. I also keep my windscreen clean.
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Recently and nothing wrong other than a slight prescription change. It was raining but not enough for faster wipers so was catching the light as well. Carbon front was definitely newer with what I assume to be LED strip along back window.
TheSecretIsMarmite@reddit
Mine is a manual and has an autobrake. To enable it I have to press on the brake pedal, but I can then release it and it will hold. I have no idea whether the brake light is lit up though.
roddz@reddit
Automatics are becoming more prevalent with EVs/PHEVs so changing gear and being on the clutch is not a thing anymore reducing the direct need of having the handbrake.
Obvious_Arm8802@reddit
EV’s don’t even have gears. My PHEV doesn’t.
I hardly ever even need the brakes. Only when stationary really.
DoctorOctagonapus@reddit
I put the handbrake on when I'm stationary in traffic or at lights.
markycrummett@reddit
Auto here and only use the handbrake when parked up
YetAnotherInterneter@reddit
The Highway Code is not law. It is just guidelines on how to drive safely and legally.
When it uses the terms MUST or MUST NOT then it is referencing an actual law.
But if it says SHOULD or SHOULD NOT it is merely a suggestion.
It is also not something that is considered during the driving test. So long as you maintain good control of the vehicle, they don’t care if you use the handbrake or not.
The handbrake advice in the Highway Code is a bit outdated now. Driving instructors use to advise their pupils to apply the hand brake when stationary for a long period of time, but for many instructors that advice has now changed.
https://youtu.be/fw7JY-4Vtuc?si=iNDY1ZbOle1h-ZCp
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
I get that it's not law, but guidelines that if everyone followed would make driving a much nicer prospect for all imo.
I wonder how much is, like me, people.notbrealising that auto hold keeps the lights on.
I wonder if manufacturers need to consider auto hold causing problems for others with the lights?
themcsame@reddit
The problem is that what's 'nicer' isn't always practical, or even safe.
My car for instance, if I put the parking brake on, the car will continue to pull against it. Should that fail, or not be applied properly, it's going to pull through it and potentially result in a collision.
I can't put it into neutral because that will result in the 12v being drained over time.
I can't put it into park because that unlocks the doors.
If you sit on the brake, it cuts drive completely, keep charging the 12v and the doors remain locked. Ergo, it is the safest option.
Aeysir69@reddit
Same here; auto hold. If I'm stopped, there will be brake lights on regardless of if it's my foot or the car doing the holding (s-pedal or auto hold). Worth noting my EV (smart) doesn't even come with a push button "hand brake", there's an option for a an e-brake that can be turned on but that's your lot.
CreativeAdeptness477@reddit
Old manual driver here, both the car and me... yeah no I'm not fucking around with my hand brake in stop start traffic and never have done. I'll use it if I'm expecting to be stationary for a notable while but not for a traffic light queue, for example.
My delivery van is an automatic. I don't use it there either.
IDoMathsNotMath@reddit
I have an automatic and use the hand brake at most lights. It's just a little button.
The reason I use it is because my car has brake lights that I feel are unnecessarily obnoxious (mk3 TT). The bar goes right across the width of the car and must be a nightmare for someone behind, especially in the dark.
The only exception is if the person behind me has been riding my bumper. Then I'll just use the auto hold.
MindlessMacaron@reddit
There could be an argument for using your rear fog and hazard lights, rather than just autohold
DangerousSeesaw@reddit
I put my handbrake on if it looks like I’ll be stopped for more than 10 seconds or so. It’s even easier with an electronic handbrake as pressing the accelerator will automatically release the handbrake.
DougieHowitzerMD@reddit
Can’t agree more. Although I only flick the handbrake on when it’s dark. I don’t bother in the daylight. The brake lights are on because the handbrake isn’t applied the car is holding it in position with the brakes applied
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
So what you're saying is, that you can be considerate to others and that the extra movement of your hand to the handbrake switch doesn't negatively impact your driving experience in anyway!?
DougieHowitzerMD@reddit
No I’m saying don’t be inconsiderate to drivers behind you staring at you’re LED brake lights while you wait at traffic lights in the dark for the sake of flicking the handbrake on and switching said lights off. It’s not too much of a hardship.
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Absolutely agree!
DougieHowitzerMD@reddit
Get you 👍🏻 sarcasm don’t always work in print lmao
MindlessMacaron@reddit
No what they're saying is that they'll be considerate to other drivers (with their brakelights) when it's dark. No one is getting blinded by brakelights in daytime.
AvatarIII@reddit
I just use clutch control if I think I'm going to be stopped for less than 10 seconds. There's really no reason to "stay stationary" with the foot brake, it's for slowing down not staying stationary.
Schmicarus@reddit
Interesting with rule 114.
I was driving a work colleague somewhere, she’s a good 30+ years younger than me and she said her driving instructor told her to keep the foot in the brake, when stopped, so that the cars behind you know that you’ve still got your foot in the pedal.
Seemed silly to me 🤣
MindlessMacaron@reddit
Highway code says to keep your foot on the break, unless there's a stationary car behind you. The idea being that you're only dazzling someone when they're behind you, and you don't need to show your brakelights to someone who is stationary.
But if I'm at red lights, no one needs to see my brakelights unless I'm in a vehicle that is big enough to obscure the traffic lights (or they are small temporary lights)
Active_Definition_57@reddit
I can see why you might do that if you are the last in a queue and are wary of being rear-ended but not when those behind you have also stopped.
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
What!? If you're stopped, you're stopped!? If others can't see that, they probably shouldn't be driving!
Schmicarus@reddit
Crazy logic eh!
I was taught about 50 years ago and can accept that maybe the teaching has changed but your inclusion of the rule shows that it hasn’t!
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
I only passed my test 3 years ago (but was on and off driving with L plates for at least 10 - money and travelling not entirely inept!). Was never told to not use hand brake
noodlezs76@reddit
There is very little common courtesy in anything these days, there are always exceptions of course but it has become a rarity. People are selfish and inconsiderate in general, I’m not saying everyone is but it’s a majority now where maybe even just 10years ago it was a minority.
Just use your damn handbrake !
FatBloke4@reddit
On my EV, the electric handbrake is applied if I press Park for at least two seconds - and if I do that, the doors will be unlocked. So I tend to use the Hold feature instead, which means the brake lights will be on.
ARobertNotABob@reddit
People have enough trouble lifting a finger to toggle their indicators, so .....
skatemoose@reddit
I've never noticed any different, that vast majority of the time, people are just sitting on their brake peda(unless thier cars are leaving that illuminated when in ato stop). I usually put my ha brake on as its easier to hill start.
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
I was taught to do this when learning to drive but told once I pass I do not need to do it, so now I just sit with the foot brake on when at lights, unless I have been driving a while and want to give my feet a break or I know it's a longer light and will be sat for a while.
My boyfriend who passed his test last year actually puts his handbrake on at every single light, I asked once why he did it and he thought you had too, I said no, but you can do if you want too, he said at the time he preferred too but I am unsure if this has changed since he has got more comfortable on the road!
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Who told you that you didn't need to do it after passing your test? What you learn in the instruction for your test is the rules of the road!
Rule 114 of highway code "In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again."
imperfect_and_tense@reddit
Probably the same people who say you don't have to indicate, you don't have to stick to the speed limit, you don't have to be aware of or show consideration to other road users, etc.
MindlessMacaron@reddit
You don't have to drive around mini roundabouts, you avoid cutting corners on T-junctions, you don't have stop when you see a yellow and are able to do so, you don't have to drive in the outside lane on a motorway when not overtaking, you don't ever have to check your mirrors (except the one on your sun visor).
It's amazing how much you don't have to do after passing your test.
SuspiciouslyMoist@reddit
If I'm driving a manual, I always put the handbrake on if I'm stopped at a light or in a queue of traffic that looks like it isn't moving.
In my EV, I have no way to manually activate the handbrake in the mode I use (auto-handbrake, auto-brake when foot off accelerator). I could put it into manual handbrake mode but I don't see the point; it's better at managing the brakes than I am.
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
The instructor haha, he said once you can drive you can just sit with your brake on if you want but that you need to learn both - Only ever did lessons in the day so this could be why
Well, I never knew 😆 Been a good few years since I passed my test now, I might be due a re-read of the highway code! I also don't drive very often at night to be fair, once in a blue moon for me as I am more of a walker or normally in bed before it gets dark but I will remember this for future reference!
I wonder about the cars that have the automatic braking system though, my footbrake goes on automatically when on a hill and stopped so surely my lights would be on regardless 🙁
Playful_Echidna_3465@reddit
Been driving 15 years, do about 40-50k a year and have never manually put my handbrake on.
Ain’t gonna start now, sorry pal.
tricky12121st@reddit
Sorry. Just apologising in advance. I never use a handbrake unless pulling from an incline.
Playful_Echidna_3465@reddit
Been driving 15 years, do about 40-50k a year and have never manually put my handbrake on.
Ain’t gonna start now, sorry pal.
Altruistic_Grocery81@reddit
Could also be an automatic. They often don’t have handbrakes and require a foot on the brake to prevent creeping.
mightbeyourpal@reddit
All cars have a handbrake, they just aren't manually activated by a lever in newer models
MindlessMacaron@reddit
Some cars have a foot operated parking brake. Many cars have an auto parking brake - it's operated by a button, but I rarely touch mine as I engage it by shifting to park or into drive/reverse and pressing the accelerator.
The only time I use it, is when I forget to put my car in park before trying to turn it off.
Familiarsophie@reddit
I’ve driven maybe 4 or 5 automatics and never seen one without a handbrake? Some have a button rather than the standard lever but they all had one.
Altruistic_Grocery81@reddit
My old W204 C-class Merc auto had a footbrake, with an additional foot-activated parking brake. There was no handbrake for traffic, and I rarely used the parking brake, P was enough as it locked the transmission. The Merc Vito/V-class has a similar parking brake on those with manual boxes too, curiously.
My Dad’s diesel BMW Touring with the 8-speed ZF “Auto” (think it may technically be an automated manual rather than a torque converter / “slushmatic”) does have a manual handbrake, as does my brother’s M140i. Most would (rightly or wrongly) drive them the same as an auto too though, using the footbrake, as they’d creep also.
Kernoriordan@reddit
The ZF8 is a torque converter, just a very good unslushy one.
spik0rwill@reddit
My 2020 Skoda Karoq doesnt have one.
petiweb5@reddit
I have never seen an automatic without handbrake. Which gearbox are you referring to?
BrightPomelo@reddit
Auto boxes all have a neutral position, same as manuals. And usually a park position which stops the car rolling on a hill. As well as a parking brake.
Low_Bandicoot2030@reddit
As people have said, autohold keeps the brake lights lit. But even in manuals/whatever without that feature, I was never taught to take it out of gear and engage the handbrake when at a stop, my teacher just taught me to hold on the clutch and brake, and I only really bother taking it out of gear if it's going to be a long stop.
Sylvester88@reddit
Had my car for 4 months before needing to use the handbrake.
It has auto hold, and the handbrake comes on when you turn the car off, and on when you start it up and drive
Secure_Owl69@reddit
"When a pause becomes a wait, apply the parking brake"
TypicalLobster86@reddit
I drive an EV and only really use the foot brake when something unexpected happens in front of me. I never use the parking brake, as I just let the car come to a stop then turn it off which engages the parking brake.
My brake lights don’t stay on for more than a second or two when the car is stationary.
zxcvbnmqwerty12345@reddit
the car may be automatic. Foot brakes are convenient.
Maleficent-Win-6520@reddit
EU standard. The brake lights remain on with the handbrake.
Competitive_Pen7192@reddit
Auto driver here too, converted last December after 20+ years of manual.
I believe even the manufacturers will tell you to hold cars on the brake in D rather than stick it in neutral and use the handbrake. I think more use of Neutral actually causes more wear in some auto gearboxes...
So lots of cars will be seen with their brake lights on in traffic.
ThePotatoPie@reddit
Yeah traditional auto boxes wear the first gear clutch bands when going between neutral to drive. Depending on the design this is the only time that clutch is even used in the gearbox so it might not be designed to handle the same wear as the rest of the box.
poopolisher@reddit
I don’t know anyone that uses their handbrake in traffic unless there’s been an accident and everything is stationary for a long period of time.
quick_justice@reddit
Most of modern EVs have automatic hand brakes that will engage once car is fully stopped even if in drive mode.
The break lights will also engage automatically and I see nothing wrong with it, it’s certainly not against the code.
For one, if your car is last in the queue you want them engaged, handbrake or not. Keeping them on when car is temporarily stationary contributes to safety and is hardly blinding.
lewis_t_duck@reddit
It's crazy the things people find to complain about.
Chrispy_GB@reddit
Brake lights aren't 'dazzling' and I've never known a red light to stay on for 2 minutes.
SpudFire@reddit
This has been annoying me since I started driving 15 years ago. I was taught to put the handbrake on and car in neutral at traffic lights and if stopped at a junction for more than a couple of seconds, handbrake on. That all complies with the highway code rule you've supplied. It's definitely got worse over the last few years but it's always been a problem.
It would be so easy for manufacturers to add in a feature that dims the brake lights if stationery for 3 seconds and turn them off if the electronic handbrake has engaged, regardless of whether the driver has their foot on the brake pedal. Anything that stops the driver behind having their retinas burned.
TrueArmchairAthlete@reddit
Along with dazzle from brake lights in front, there's also the issue of dazzle from modern silly lights on monster-truck height cars behind. The number of times I've had to use my rear view mirror's dip switch in the last year, when parked up, along with holding my hand to block dazzle from my driver's side mirror is crazy.
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Be careful, people will pounce on you for daring to mention headlamps dazzling on here!!
TrueArmchairAthlete@reddit
🤣😎
digitalfir3@reddit
Most new cars, when you're stationary you press the break down to activate the hold, you then release the break and it keeps you there (with the breaks, and therefore the break lights are on)
I've had this feature in both automatics and manuals now.
yolo_snail@reddit
Just don't look at the light and you won't get dazzled. Not difficult
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
Yes. Middle of three lanes with cars in front and next to me. I shall not look at my surroundings whilst stationary like you're supposed to.
yolo_snail@reddit
Just look slightly away from the light. That's what I do.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
OP marked this as the best answer, given by /u/EeveesGalore.
^(What is this?)
Farscape_rocked@reddit
I drive a van, I don't use the handbrake much when driving because it's not easy (it's not very reachable).
Shumble91@reddit (OP)
I drive a work.van too and it's not that far to reach. It's just part of my slow, neutral, brake procedure
Independent_Royal799@reddit
If I know the lights well I’ll use the handbrake
bennythefish@reddit
Yes you are right . People are using their hand breaks less
mrsilver76@reddit
To answer A, yes, my VW has an electronic brake that is automatically engaged when I stop and also turns on the brake lights.
Prize-Phrase-7042@reddit
I drive an EV with one pedal driving, meaning you don't touch the brake pedal unless you really need more than normal deceleration, but it will show brake light when "throttle" pedal is fully released, either when still decelerating, or at a standstill.
811545b2-4ff7-4041@reddit
Just got a Hybrid. What is this handbrake you speak of?
terryjuicelawson@reddit
Don't need it in an automatic so much, I tend to sit on the brake unless I am stopped a decent amount of time.
ternymal_velocity@reddit
Autos.
Legal_Alternative258@reddit
Auto hold brakes are more common on newer automatic cars.
FredH3663@reddit
Brake lights at traffic lights is not new
Sea-Ad-299@reddit
i don't put mine on unless i'm doing a hill start. was taught to use it. don't. not sure why.
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