Are brake lights at junctions the new front fog lights?
Discussion
meatballs said:
In my BMW auto if I hold my foot on the brake the stop/start kicks in, and I stop polluting the poor guy behind me. If I apply the handbrake and release the footbrake the engine kicks back in.
To release the footbrake and keep the engine off I have to put the car into Park (changing into neutral stars the engine). This isn't even documented in the owners manual - its not really intended by BMW to do it on the road.
To then set off again I have to put my foot back on the brake to engage drive, which if it was going to dazzle the person behind would be dazzling them just as we are setting off.
I'm aware, I wish the handbrake did leave the engine off, but part of the brake drum maintenance is to coast with the handbrake on slightly so maybe that prevented them from doing it?
N.b. you don't really want to be on the road in Park as the parking pawl isn't designed for a shunt from another vehicle and probably cause a lot more damage than a bumper.
A new Vauxhall Insignia I had behaved exactly like this.To release the footbrake and keep the engine off I have to put the car into Park (changing into neutral stars the engine). This isn't even documented in the owners manual - its not really intended by BMW to do it on the road.
To then set off again I have to put my foot back on the brake to engage drive, which if it was going to dazzle the person behind would be dazzling them just as we are setting off.
I'm aware, I wish the handbrake did leave the engine off, but part of the brake drum maintenance is to coast with the handbrake on slightly so maybe that prevented them from doing it?
N.b. you don't really want to be on the road in Park as the parking pawl isn't designed for a shunt from another vehicle and probably cause a lot more damage than a bumper.
Tony33 said:
olkswagen/Audi/Skoda/SEAT DSG
Brake to a stop
Engine stops (if stop/start decides it should be)
Handbrake auto engaged
Release footbrake.
Press throttle to start engine and set off
EVEN EASIER!
By design (check the handbook) BUT...
...the brake lights are illuminated as a "safety feature" so other cars know you are stopped!
My bold.Brake to a stop
Engine stops (if stop/start decides it should be)
Handbrake auto engaged
Release footbrake.
Press throttle to start engine and set off
EVEN EASIER!
By design (check the handbook) BUT...
...the brake lights are illuminated as a "safety feature" so other cars know you are stopped!
It's the footbrake (ie. pads on discs) that is auto-engaged, not the handbrake (EPB). Keeping the brake lights illuminated is therefore the logical thing to do.
I mentioned a few posts up how to work around this in VAG cars...
To avoid the brake lights remaining lit you can engage the electronic parking brake (EPB).
The EPB is automatically disengaged when you put your foot on the accelerator.
Unfortunately, different manufacturer have different approaches and Jag, in their infinite wisdom, decided that he engine should be restarted when your foot comes off the brake pedal even when the EPB is enagaged.
Edited by LeoSayer on Thursday 6th June 08:01
Liquid Knight said:
Only when we're stuck behind idiots who don't know how to use a handbrake. 
Wife struggles with handbrake and gear stick Due to shoulder issue she is on a waiting list for fault finding.
We therefore replaced her car with an auto with EPB.
When I drive it I can't be arsed. Just put my foot on the brake. When she drives it she religiously puts the parking brake on.
Im guessing you prefer my wifes method ?
Pit Pony said:
I can't be arsed.
That edited quote epitomises everything wrong with the standard driving in the UK right now. People don't indicate; because they can't be arsed.
People don't use the handbrake; because they can't be arsed.
People don't put their phone down; because they can't be arsed.
People don't go round mini-roundabouts; because they can't be arsed...
...and so on; and so on: and so on. Until they crash because they couldn't be arsed to stop at give way line, they hit a cyclist because they couldn't be arsed to wait more than a few seconds to overtake safely, they end up in prison for thirteen years because they couldn't be arsed to stay on the left side of of the road tuning a right hand blind bend and killed a family in a head on collision.
"I can't be arsed"
Is the reason Britain will never be Great again.
Liquid Knight said:
Pit Pony said:
I can't be arsed.
That edited quote epitomises everything wrong with the standard driving in the UK right now. People don't indicate; because they can't be arsed.
People don't use the handbrake; because they can't be arsed.
People don't put their phone down; because they can't be arsed.
People don't go round mini-roundabouts; because they can't be arsed...
...and so on; and so on: and so on. Until they crash because they couldn't be arsed to stop at give way line, they hit a cyclist because they couldn't be arsed to wait more than a few seconds to overtake safely, they end up in prison for thirteen years because they couldn't be arsed to stay on the left side of of the road tuning a right hand blind bend and killed a family in a head on collision.
"I can't be arsed"
Is the reason Britain will never be Great again.
ksGary C said:
Liquid Knight said:
Pit Pony said:
I can't be arsed.
That edited quote epitomises everything wrong with the standard driving in the UK right now. People don't indicate; because they can't be arsed.
People don't use the handbrake; because they can't be arsed.
People don't put their phone down; because they can't be arsed.
People don't go round mini-roundabouts; because they can't be arsed...
...and so on; and so on: and so on. Until they crash because they couldn't be arsed to stop at give way line, they hit a cyclist because they couldn't be arsed to wait more than a few seconds to overtake safely, they end up in prison for thirteen years because they couldn't be arsed to stay on the left side of of the road tuning a right hand blind bend and killed a family in a head on collision.
"I can't be arsed"
Is the reason Britain will never be Great again.
ksBlame the lack of any world leaders with a spine.
Catatafish said:
I'm amazed there is a subhuman offshoot species amongst us.
This weak-eyed human variant will astound and delight the anthropology community as they try to understand how this evolutionary dead-end persists in the gene pool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwZ0ZUy7P3EThis weak-eyed human variant will astound and delight the anthropology community as they try to understand how this evolutionary dead-end persists in the gene pool.
That film should be part of the National Curriculum.
DoubleD said:
Pit Pony said:
No he's right. I used to care. Now I don't.
Blame the lack of any world leaders with a spine.
Thats a bigger issue, blame culture, its always someone elses fault.Blame the lack of any world leaders with a spine.
Sorry.
LeoSayer said:
Tony33 said:
olkswagen/Audi/Skoda/SEAT DSG
Brake to a stop
Engine stops (if stop/start decides it should be)
Handbrake auto engaged
Release footbrake.
Press throttle to start engine and set off
EVEN EASIER!
By design (check the handbook) BUT...
...the brake lights are illuminated as a "safety feature" so other cars know you are stopped!
My bold.Brake to a stop
Engine stops (if stop/start decides it should be)
Handbrake auto engaged
Release footbrake.
Press throttle to start engine and set off
EVEN EASIER!
By design (check the handbook) BUT...
...the brake lights are illuminated as a "safety feature" so other cars know you are stopped!
It's the footbrake (ie. pads on discs) that is auto-engaged, not the handbrake (EPB). Keeping the brake lights illuminated is therefore the logical thing to do.
I mentioned a few posts up how to work around this in VAG cars...
To avoid the brake lights remaining lit you can engage the electronic parking brake (EPB).
The EPB is automatically disengaged when you put your foot on the accelerator.
Unfortunately, different manufacturer have different approaches and Jag, in their infinite wisdom, decided that he engine should be restarted when your foot comes off the brake pedal even when the EPB is enagaged.
Pit Pony said:
DoubleD said:
Pit Pony said:
No he's right. I used to care. Now I don't.
Blame the lack of any world leaders with a spine.
Thats a bigger issue, blame culture, its always someone elses fault.Blame the lack of any world leaders with a spine.
Sorry.
Shifter1 said:
People are really bothered by brake lights? Never bothered me. Why is everybody so sensitive these days?
Because they don't have enough real problems so they like to moan about stuff that doesn't really matter But seriously, it is safer (and the "correct" way) to put the transmission in neutral and apply the handbrake - that way there's no chance of the vehicle moving if either your foot slides off the brake pedal or you ease pressure inadvertently. However, downside is that it takes a little longer to get moving once the lights change - generally not a big deal, but probably enough to annoy some other (or maybe the same?) people if you're first in the queue for a filter lane and as the light flicks to green (no amber warning) there's a delay while you react to the light, press the brake pedal, shift into D (I know there's no interlock, but it's never a good idea to rely on the parking brake to prevent a lurch as you shift into D), release the handbrake, then start to accelerate.GW65 said:
Because they don't have enough real problems so they like to moan about stuff that doesn't really matter But seriously, it is safer (and the "correct" way) to put the transmission in neutral and apply the handbrake - that way there's no chance of the vehicle moving if either your foot slides off the brake pedal or you ease pressure inadvertently. However, downside is that it takes a little longer to get moving once the lights change - generally not a big deal, but probably enough to annoy some other (or maybe the same?) people if you're first in the queue for a filter lane and as the light flicks to green (no amber warning) there's a delay while you react to the light, press the brake pedal, shift into D (I know there's no interlock, but it's never a good idea to rely on the parking brake to prevent a lurch as you shift into D), release the handbrake, then start to accelerate.
I drive a manual as still do a lot of people around here. But seriously, it is safer (and the "correct" way) to put the transmission in neutral and apply the handbrake - that way there's no chance of the vehicle moving if either your foot slides off the brake pedal or you ease pressure inadvertently. However, downside is that it takes a little longer to get moving once the lights change - generally not a big deal, but probably enough to annoy some other (or maybe the same?) people if you're first in the queue for a filter lane and as the light flicks to green (no amber warning) there's a delay while you react to the light, press the brake pedal, shift into D (I know there's no interlock, but it's never a good idea to rely on the parking brake to prevent a lurch as you shift into D), release the handbrake, then start to accelerate.Just a little point some of you have raised about being held up a fraction of a second while someone does a start with a handbrake.
You do realise you are not supposed to go until the vehicle in front of you has right?
I don't know how you ever passed a test but if something as simple as "Do not try to occupy a space that isn't there" appears to be beyond your capabilities you may want to think about getting a bus pass.
If I'm behind someone at a set of lights I always leave a gap and hardly even look at the lights. I pay attention to the vehicle ahead and surrounding traffic. When they go I can go. Never before. Sometimes depending on the conditions I even wait to ensure a two or more second gap before I set off. That way I won't end up blocking a box junction, pedestrian crossing or if they have any kind of issue (that has happened before) I have room to stop safely.
Idiots who go on green even though there are vehicles ahead of them and simply have to get through the light are the type of impatient cretins who sit on the brake pedal and clutch to save a precious fraction of a second or so.
They're the ones who will tailgate you. Completely unaware of anything outside their pathetic little world other than you. Then they will either overtake (seldom with any regard to their safety or anyone else on the road) if you have the audacity to stick to the speed limit or eventually move back just in time for the next light. They will try to go though on amber even if you are stopping in front of them. Emergency stop, horn blasting and hand gestures while sat millimeters from the back of your car until they try to go on the "a" of the amber/red again (even though you are still in front of them and haven't moved yet).
You do realise you are not supposed to go until the vehicle in front of you has right?
I don't know how you ever passed a test but if something as simple as "Do not try to occupy a space that isn't there" appears to be beyond your capabilities you may want to think about getting a bus pass.
If I'm behind someone at a set of lights I always leave a gap and hardly even look at the lights. I pay attention to the vehicle ahead and surrounding traffic. When they go I can go. Never before. Sometimes depending on the conditions I even wait to ensure a two or more second gap before I set off. That way I won't end up blocking a box junction, pedestrian crossing or if they have any kind of issue (that has happened before) I have room to stop safely.
Idiots who go on green even though there are vehicles ahead of them and simply have to get through the light are the type of impatient cretins who sit on the brake pedal and clutch to save a precious fraction of a second or so.
They're the ones who will tailgate you. Completely unaware of anything outside their pathetic little world other than you. Then they will either overtake (seldom with any regard to their safety or anyone else on the road) if you have the audacity to stick to the speed limit or eventually move back just in time for the next light. They will try to go though on amber even if you are stopping in front of them. Emergency stop, horn blasting and hand gestures while sat millimeters from the back of your car until they try to go on the "a" of the amber/red again (even though you are still in front of them and haven't moved yet).
This is just the most awesome thread.
You certainly have some fervour there Mr Knight. I'm just wondering what the difference is between us. I suspect I drive in the same country as you and on similar roads. It just doesn't seem such a terrible place to me. I just seem to be able to drive round without being troubled by all the cretinous behaviour. I think I can only remember one 'stopping at lights' incident ever. (in close to 40 years behind the wheel). I can't even remember having to go through on amber to avoid the risk of a tailgater not stopping.
I just don't seem to find it as hard or as irritating as you do. Each to their own.
Happy driving
Bert
You certainly have some fervour there Mr Knight. I'm just wondering what the difference is between us. I suspect I drive in the same country as you and on similar roads. It just doesn't seem such a terrible place to me. I just seem to be able to drive round without being troubled by all the cretinous behaviour. I think I can only remember one 'stopping at lights' incident ever. (in close to 40 years behind the wheel). I can't even remember having to go through on amber to avoid the risk of a tailgater not stopping.
I just don't seem to find it as hard or as irritating as you do. Each to their own.
Happy driving
Bert
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