Death of the Manual Handbrake

[MrDemon]

That would be a very good solution Andrew - and I take on board the (potential) advantages of having the brake lights on when the car is stationary.

However, I have to say that if you're unable to recognise that the car in front is stationary then you need to get your eyes tested and you're not fit to drive..! Although at long last I note that the government are contemplating making a regular eye test compulsory for older drivers, I believe that this rule should be compulsory for all drivers, regardless of age.

Many cars nowadays have the option of some sort of low speed collision avoidance system being fitted and it won't be long before that and adaptive autonomous cruise control become standard fitments, so the pesky brake light problem will become a moot point.

Jeff

Older people need more than a eye test, there should be a basic driving skills assessment at 70 imo as most are not fit to drive.

as for a hand brake, my golf does every thing perfectly with how it works, so I never need to press any buttons, I always leave cars in gear, stops them being towed away or rolling off. But the hold function on my Golf is perfect, I wish my porkers had the same system. The GT4 and Spyder system are very flawed in daily use. My GT3 I don’t notice as it’s more a hoon car. But Golf wins again, it really is the perfect car.

 

[alastairp]

Cars need an MoT every year from their third anniversary.

Not many accidents caused by defective cars.

I think things would change if drivers were tested every year/ two years/ three years/ five years/ ten years - delete as applicable.

Testing would include physical fitness to drive - i.e. eyesight test

This would (in no particular order):

(a) create jobs for instructors & testers

(b) improve standards of driving

(c) reduce accidents and the resultant financial cost to the insurance industry and health service

(d) take some of the cretins who have no idea of the content of the Highway Code off the road altogether

The cost of regular or even periodic testing would be offset by the reduction in accidents and reduced insurance/ road tax etc.

In my industry (construction) regular refresher training is required to operate any kind of plant etc., even training for manual handling (i.e. lifting things by yourself), inspecting and using a safety harness etc. needs to be updated on a regular basis.

It is ironic that driving a car to/ from work is not subject to the same level of regulation.

 

[Manuel_G]

I have to disagree, I always hated manual handbrakes and never trusted them(maybe cause the one in my first car, Renault 5, never worked properly) so it was great when I had my first electric one. I don't have any issue with the one in my 718, just a couple of days to get used to where it was positioned and that was all. I also read it wasn't intuitive, but pushing it (ON) is way more confortable that pulling it, and I have long arms so I'm perfectly fine with it.

looks like it's

Electric Handbrake : 1

Manual Handbrake : 1000's

 

[Motorhead]

Ha, Ha!

Maybe the post should be called Death of the 'Manuel' Handbrake. []

Good to hear that you're happy with the arrangement Manuel, although I fear that you're in the minority on here.!

Jeff

 

[GrahamW]

I have to disagree, I always hated manual handbrakes and never trusted them(maybe cause the one in my first car, Renault 5, never worked properly) so it was great when I had my first electric one. I don't have any issue with the one in my 718, just a couple of days to get used to where it was positioned and that was all. I also read it wasn't intuitive, but pushing it (ON) is way more confortable that pulling it, and I have long arms so I'm perfectly fine with it.

I also have no problem with the electric handbrake and its improvement on the 718 in so much that the "HOLD" function works on the flat as well allowing the release of the footbrake at traffic lights etc. Currently have no idea if this function also releases the brake lights to stop dazzling the cars behind - must check this out.

 

[MrDemon]

I have to disagree, I always hated manual handbrakes and never trusted them(maybe cause the one in my first car, Renault 5, never worked properly) so it was great when I had my first electric one. I don't have any issue with the one in my 718, just a couple of days to get used to where it was positioned and that was all. I also read it wasn't intuitive, but pushing it (ON) is way more confortable that pulling it, and I have long arms so I'm perfectly fine with it.

I also have no problem with the electric handbrake and its improvement on the 718 in so much that the "HOLD" function works on the flat as well allowing the release of the footbrake at traffic lights etc. Currently have no idea if this function also releases the brake lights to stop dazzling the cars behind - must check this out.

Now being VAG I wonder if the 718 system is from the Golf

also wondered if my lights stay on on the hold function when you are not on the brake pedal.

i just miss hand brake turns

 

[Motorhead]

I would imagine that the brake lights go off when the HOLD function is operative.

Someone above has suggested that leaving the brake lights on when stationary in traffic is a safety feature, but if you want to grab someone's attention then flashing brake lights would be more appropriate ... and even more distracting and annoying ..!

Jeff

 

[neilm]

I would imagine that the brake lights go off when the HOLD function is operative.



Jeff

You'd have thought that would be the sensible way of working, but the 'Hold' function on my previous Merc SLK, activated by pressing the brake hard when stationary did keep the brake lights turned on.

Interesting to see if Porsche use the same 'logic' !

 

[GrahamW]

Just checked - it appears the brake lights stay on.