Electric handbrake tom-foolery
Discussion
I think half the problem is the lack of consistency, some just ‘work’ e.g. v90.
My 7series has one, after starting the engine, press the button on the steering wheel & then forget about it. When you stop, it activates. When you want to go, just touch the throttle & it releases. No mess, no fuss, it’s almost perfect (it could be better at not instantly engaging if you come to a halt & change the direction of travel, but that’s a minor foible). Overall, it’s great & suits the car.
By contrast, the z4 I had also had an electric switch, but this didn’t apply automatically at all, only by the switch. If you activated it, it would disengage drive through the DCT after a few seconds (good). However, to release, you were required to have your foot firmly on the brake. Why bother having electric actuation if you can’t then release it using the throttle? I’m 100% convinced this was done for cabin packaging reasons, but the net effect is that it made setting off more awkward than needed. Whenever you see a 2nd gen z4 at the lights, I’ll bet (guarantee) it’s sat on the brakes, rather than the h/b being used.
Auto-hold without auto-release is just wrong.
In 15 years time, there will likely be a relative consensus as to how the technology is applied, and we’ll all stop moaning about it, but until then, I’ll enjoy my 3 cars, one manual, one auto, one foot-applied, consistency is over-rated!
My 7series has one, after starting the engine, press the button on the steering wheel & then forget about it. When you stop, it activates. When you want to go, just touch the throttle & it releases. No mess, no fuss, it’s almost perfect (it could be better at not instantly engaging if you come to a halt & change the direction of travel, but that’s a minor foible). Overall, it’s great & suits the car.
By contrast, the z4 I had also had an electric switch, but this didn’t apply automatically at all, only by the switch. If you activated it, it would disengage drive through the DCT after a few seconds (good). However, to release, you were required to have your foot firmly on the brake. Why bother having electric actuation if you can’t then release it using the throttle? I’m 100% convinced this was done for cabin packaging reasons, but the net effect is that it made setting off more awkward than needed. Whenever you see a 2nd gen z4 at the lights, I’ll bet (guarantee) it’s sat on the brakes, rather than the h/b being used.
Auto-hold without auto-release is just wrong.
In 15 years time, there will likely be a relative consensus as to how the technology is applied, and we’ll all stop moaning about it, but until then, I’ll enjoy my 3 cars, one manual, one auto, one foot-applied, consistency is over-rated!
Buzypea said:
In my experience EHB’s work flawlessly. Pull away on an incline it realises automatically and the hill assist stops you rollling backwards. Where’s the issue?
Most people think that until one day it doesnt, and their cars not where they left it.Thread here
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The Dangerous Elk said:
Yes
Wrong answer - if you have a JLR product the answer is NO. I was talking to a Discovery owner a few days ago, and when his had an electric handbrake f*ck-up the 2 tonne POS couldn't be moved - luckily his was in warranty so JLR had to come out and fix it.
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
The Dangerous Elk said:
Yes
Wrong answer - if you have a JLR product the answer is NO. I was talking to a Discovery owner a few days ago, and when his had an electric handbrake f*ck-up the 2 tonne POS couldn't be moved - luckily his was in warranty so JLR had to come out and fix it.
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
The last 6 cars we've owned have had electric handbrakes, and I've yet to have an issue with any of them
4 Renaults (older cable operated and caliper operated systems)
A Peugeot
And a Ford S-Max
In most cases, the lack of a physical lever gives more space to put more interesting things on the center console.
Take the S-Max for instance - comedy lever vs somewhere to leave your phone or a small pizza
4 Renaults (older cable operated and caliper operated systems)
A Peugeot
And a Ford S-Max
In most cases, the lack of a physical lever gives more space to put more interesting things on the center console.
Take the S-Max for instance - comedy lever vs somewhere to leave your phone or a small pizza
Mr Tidy said:
The Dangerous Elk said:
Yes
Wrong answer - if you have a JLR product the answer is NO. I was talking to a Discovery owner a few days ago, and when his had an electric handbrake f*ck-up the 2 tonne POS couldn't be moved - luckily his was in warranty so JLR had to come out and fix it.
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
I find it sad a whole generation of young men will grow up never experiencing late night shenanigans doing handbrake turns in a McDonalds car park 
On a serious note my friend has a new BMW and I was very impressed to see it still had an analogue handbrake.
I personally won’t buy a another car with an electric handbrake, winds me up no end along with autoboxes and electric steering. My next ‘new’ car will be a lot older than the one it replaces but at least I’ll have a stress free driving experience
On a serious note my friend has a new BMW and I was very impressed to see it still had an analogue handbrake.
I personally won’t buy a another car with an electric handbrake, winds me up no end along with autoboxes and electric steering. My next ‘new’ car will be a lot older than the one it replaces but at least I’ll have a stress free driving experience
Mr Tidy said:
The Dangerous Elk said:
Yes
Wrong answer - if you have a JLR product the answer is NO. I was talking to a Discovery owner a few days ago, and when his had an electric handbrake f*ck-up the 2 tonne POS couldn't be moved - luckily his was in warranty so JLR had to come out and fix it.
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OirWVWHrnpQ
Handbrake locked on last year in a classic, had to take the rear brakes apart, so yes lever ones can also "lock you up".
Mr Tidy said:
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
Yep, twice. Seized handbrake on MINI overheated caliper and couldn't be driven until it was replaced. Fiat Coupe, cables allowed water between inner and outer which would freeze in winter locking up the rear wheels when parked. Couldn't be driven until you either hammered them free or used a blowtorch to heat them up.No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
I'm not saying electronic park brakes are perfect but you really have extra strong rose tinted specs if you think a cable handbrake with manual lever never goes wrong.
Smiljan said:
Mr Tidy said:
But has anyone ever had a mechanical hand-brake stop them using the car?
No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
Yep, twice. Seized handbrake on MINI overheated caliper and couldn't be driven until it was replaced. Fiat Coupe, cables allowed water between inner and outer which would freeze in winter locking up the rear wheels when parked. Couldn't be driven until you either hammered them free or used a blowtorch to heat them up.No, I thought not - so it's just another solution to a problem that didn't exist.
I'm not saying electronic park brakes are perfect but you really have extra strong rose tinted specs if you think a cable handbrake with manual lever never goes wrong.
I always look back at my old cars with a lot of fondness...but the reality was that they were crap!
cerb4.5lee said:
I suffered a couple of times with my Xr4x4 having a seized on handbrake. The car wouldn't move and it was a strip down job to get it working again. I also had the clutch cable snap three times too!
I always look back at my old cars with a lot of fondness...but the reality was that they were crap!
Crap?, not so. Better,? subjective. Nicer to look at?, quite often. Needs more wok ?, for sure. Needs DIY skills?, deffo.I always look back at my old cars with a lot of fondness...but the reality was that they were crap!
I had an 18 plate Golf here car, and an 18 plate Leon both with auto handbrakes. Excellent idea. Get in the car, start it, drive off and it auto releases - stop on a hill and the brakes hold you - turn the key off and the hand brake auto applys.
Fail to see how it’s a bad thing.
Oh yes - I remember - it will fail like everything else does. Off I go to buy a bog standard car because the central locking might lock me out, or the electric window regs might fail and leave me sweating in summer etc etc
Fail to see how it’s a bad thing.
Oh yes - I remember - it will fail like everything else does. Off I go to buy a bog standard car because the central locking might lock me out, or the electric window regs might fail and leave me sweating in summer etc etc
Mr Tidy said:
The Dangerous Elk said:
Yes
Wrong answer - if you have a JLR product the answer is NO. SkinnyPete said:
I find it sad a whole generation of young men will grow up never experiencing late night shenanigans doing handbrake turns in a McDonalds car park
I've never tried this, but it can be applied while moving - it has to, so it'll work as an emergency brake (which is what Americans call the handbrake anyway). Apprently it'll beep at you but it you hold the button / lever then the brake will apply.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff