Question regarding the handbrake on new Range Rovers

[EdJ]

When I'm at traffic lights, I put the car into neutral and activate the handbrake. When the lights are about the go green, I put it into drive and let the handbrake hold the car. The handbrake releases when I accelerate.

My question is whether this is bad for the handbrake / clutch? How long can I leave the car in Drive with the handbrake activated?

Thoughts appreciated!

Ed

[howlinmadmartin]

as far as i know this is just a convenience feature to allow for easy hill starts but im pretty sure that both the hand brake and clutch will be fine. the new disco's do it aswell so nothing to worry about really.

[Syd knee]

So which of the 2 pedles is the clutch then?

[Lost soul]

I thought the hand brake on RR-s locked the gearbox , well it did on my old RR circa 92

not sure if its the same set up on newer RR-s but i would not think its good for them if it is the same

[GKP]

The handbrake on L322s operates on the rear wheels. There is a drum (with shoes) inside the brake disc specifically for the parking brake.

[howlinmadmartin]

indeed the hand brake does operate the back wheels. so when you are driving along and hold on the handbrake the car will apply the rear brake to slow the vehicle. it has built in parameters so the vehicle will not damage itself when braking.

[EdJ]

Thanks for replies. Do we have a consensus then that keeping the car in Drive but with the handbrake on at traffic lights is okay?

[howlinmadmartin]

yes i think so cant see why not

[Aeroresh]

ROSPA advocates leaving in Drive at traffic lights and applying the handbrake. The argument is that you put more wear on the autobox by shifting from neutral to drive than you do leaving it in gear.

I'll usually leave it in drive for a minute or two. Any longer, and I'll pop into neutral.

The servo operated electronic handbrake on the RR does make it easier to hold on the handbrake than conventional cable operated systems so there's no reason not to use it!

[Triple7]

Ed, lots of talk about this, but just leave it in 'D' with EPB on. Shifting into 'N' just causes unnecessary wear on gearbox.

G

[g8kam]

This question always bothers me,If I knew the red light is going to be more than half a minute, I would shift it into neutral, as I do believe it causes less wear on transmission, obviously i have no proof to back me up, just my head thinks its the right thing to do....

Edited by g8kam on Sunday 8th March 15:16

[EdJ]

Great stuff - thanks all - I can now relax whilst waiting at traffic lights!