Vx Insignia Handbrake: Am I an idiot?
Discussion
Thanks for the replies. It seems I'm not a complete idiot then (or at least I'm not the only one).
To be honest it was, I have to admit, a little bit scary as in between getting out the car and realising the car was rolling back, I'd moved across to get a paper towel I think, turned my attention to the task in hand and ended up between the fairly sharp edge of the open car door which was then moving towards me, and the corner of the petrol pump, which wasn't going anywhere!
Lesson learned I think (hope). Unfortunately I have a nagging feeling this is going to cost me some serious money though, as I doubt either vauxhall, the leasing company or our fleet manager will be too sympathetic.
To be honest it was, I have to admit, a little bit scary as in between getting out the car and realising the car was rolling back, I'd moved across to get a paper towel I think, turned my attention to the task in hand and ended up between the fairly sharp edge of the open car door which was then moving towards me, and the corner of the petrol pump, which wasn't going anywhere!
Lesson learned I think (hope). Unfortunately I have a nagging feeling this is going to cost me some serious money though, as I doubt either vauxhall, the leasing company or our fleet manager will be too sympathetic.
Kiltox said:
Why would he leave the engine running when filling up?
It's not supposed to release after doing so BTW - I'm pretty sure Vauxhall have a field service remedy for this.
I don't know why he would leave the engine running, but some people do, so I asked the question. It's not supposed to release after doing so BTW - I'm pretty sure Vauxhall have a field service remedy for this.
Interesting point it it being known fault, my car is now 2 years old and has 44000 on the clock and it's never been fixed or pointed out to me.
I'm more concerned about new front tyres every 10000 miles and back every 20000 at £255 a corner.
No i didn't leave the engine running. I know some people do but I always imagine being instantly engulfed in a giant ball of fire if I do that.
when all's said and done I suppose its my own fault, it just seems to be such an unnecessarily complex, and easy-to-screw-up solution to the supposed "problem" of having a perfectly functional ratchet-and-lever handbrake.
when all's said and done I suppose its my own fault, it just seems to be such an unnecessarily complex, and easy-to-screw-up solution to the supposed "problem" of having a perfectly functional ratchet-and-lever handbrake.
TeaNoSugar said:
No i didn't leave the engine running. I know some people do but I always imagine being instantly engulfed in a giant ball of fire if I do that.
when all's said and done I suppose its my own fault, it just seems to be such an unnecessarily complex, and easy-to-screw-up solution to the supposed "problem" of having a perfectly functional ratchet-and-lever handbrake.
Im not keen on this feature, i prefer an old fashion handbrake anyday. Seems a little dangerous to me to have it as a button.when all's said and done I suppose its my own fault, it just seems to be such an unnecessarily complex, and easy-to-screw-up solution to the supposed "problem" of having a perfectly functional ratchet-and-lever handbrake.
Ive done 13k miles since march in my Insignia. It did take a while to get used to the Handbrake thing..
Drive off with Automatic Handbrake release is great when you get the hang of it.
Brake hold for 2 seconds whilst on an incline after a brake application. Also great when you get used to it.
I have found that if you just quickly flick the switch to apply the handbrake it doesnt work. It requires a positive move to make it work.
Like most things in life. We have to adapt to modern technology. Im sure this Vauxhall is capable of 120k miles in 3 years without any issues just like the ones in the past 10 years Ive owned for work.
Drive off with Automatic Handbrake release is great when you get the hang of it.
Brake hold for 2 seconds whilst on an incline after a brake application. Also great when you get used to it.
I have found that if you just quickly flick the switch to apply the handbrake it doesnt work. It requires a positive move to make it work.
Like most things in life. We have to adapt to modern technology. Im sure this Vauxhall is capable of 120k miles in 3 years without any issues just like the ones in the past 10 years Ive owned for work.
redtwin said:
Another advantage of an autobox. Stick it in park and the handbrake can do (or not do) whatever it likes.
Only need the handbrake once a year and even then only for a second or two to get through the MOT.
Do you know that the parking pawl on most autoboxes are comically weak?Only need the handbrake once a year and even then only for a second or two to get through the MOT.
I hated my (company) insignia's handbrake to start with, but got used to it in the end, even managed handbrake turns in the snow (you had to be brave, and either start off very slow, or lock all 4 brakes momentarily and it would sometimes come on)
The moving off thing is brilliant when you're used to it, clutch up, TC off and mash the throttle, in mine the delay was just enough to get a bit of slip on the front tyres, then hook up and go like a scalded cat, showed up a few hot hatches like that
in the eraly days though, I did roll back an awful lot, the slightest throttle movement was enough to release it...
I miss it, my skoda is no-where as nice by comparison
The moving off thing is brilliant when you're used to it, clutch up, TC off and mash the throttle, in mine the delay was just enough to get a bit of slip on the front tyres, then hook up and go like a scalded cat, showed up a few hot hatches like that
in the eraly days though, I did roll back an awful lot, the slightest throttle movement was enough to release it...I miss it, my skoda is no-where as nice by comparison
Fleckers said:
park in gear
problem resolved
my boss has one of these cars and hates it
I had one for a few weeks in November, my thoughts at that time are noted here (scroll down a few posts)problem resolved
my boss has one of these cars and hates it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
it was not a bad car, it just had a mind of it's own
OP....I have always left my cars in gear (something my driving instructor taught me)
redtwin said:
ZeeTacoe said:
Do you know that the parking pawl on most autoboxes are comically weak?
Been driving autos for 23 years, haven't lost one yet.Maybe I am not doing it right.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/designlanguage/arch...
You're not the only one. I remember an item on Watchdog a couple of years ago about older Vauxhalls with ordinary handbrakes rolling away because the brakes slipped off. I've always had it drummed into me to leave cars parked in gear just in case. It still doesn't help on a steep hill though. You're supposed to park with your wheels turned towards the kerb to stop your car rolling away on a hill.
You're not the only one. I remember an item on Watchdog a couple of years ago about older Vauxhalls with ordinary handbrakes rolling away because the brakes slipped off. I've always had it drummed into me to leave cars parked in gear just in case. It still doesn't help on a steep hill though. You're supposed to park with your wheels turned towards the kerb to stop your car rolling away on a hill.
Ed. said:
My cousin is a mechanic in Canada, he often has to un-seize handbrake (or e-brake) mechanisms on 2 yearly checks because they are never used. Auto handbrake's are just another way to keep dealers in business.
I do use it on occasion precisely for that reason. I tend to apply it lightly when rolling slowly to keep the crud off the drums and shoes. When I lived in Florida there were no vehicle inspections so my handbrake/parking brake never worked and I never missed it.Utterly pointless inventions, had one in a hire car after some idiot decided to use the back of the mrs Focus as a braking aid... Infact, I think the Astra we had was possibly one of the most horrid, souless, unergonomic joyless turds I have ever had the misfortune to drive. The other "features" were just as abysmal, such as the "soft touch" indicators etc!
Why don't manufacturers concentrate on dynamics instead of trying to invent an expensive over complex solution to a problem that does not exist?
Why don't manufacturers concentrate on dynamics instead of trying to invent an expensive over complex solution to a problem that does not exist?
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