Brake Hold can keep your car stationary after you lift off the brake pedal, but you may want to disable it in certain situations. In most modern cars, you can turn it off with a dedicated button labeled Auto Hold or Hold, or through the vehicle’s settings. Releasing the hold is usually done by pressing the accelerator after a stop, though exact steps vary by model. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
What Brake Hold is and why you might turn it off
Brake Hold (also called Auto Hold in some cars) is a driver-assistance feature designed to keep the brakes applied after you come to a complete stop, until you press the accelerator to move again. It can be handy in stop-and-go traffic or on hills, but there are times you might want to disable it—for example when you’re driving in rough terrain, towing, or if you simply prefer manual control of braking when stopped. Understanding how your car handles Hold can help you decide when to leave it on or turn it off.
Two common ways to disable Brake Hold
Most vehicles offer one of two straightforward methods to turn Brake Hold off. The following options cover the majority of current models. If your car uses a different setup, your manual will confirm the exact steps.
- Use the dedicated Hold/Auto Hold button: Look for a button on or near the steering wheel, center console, or dash labeled “Auto Hold,” “Hold,” or a brake-hold icon. Press it to toggle the feature off; the Hold indicator light should disappear from the instrument cluster.
- Disable via settings in the infotainment or driver-assistance menus: Navigate to the vehicle’s Settings, then Drive or Braking Assist, and switch Auto Hold/Brake Hold to Off. In many cars, the setting remains off until you re-enable it.
With either method, once Brake Hold is turned off, the vehicle will not automatically hold the brakes at a stop. The system typically remains off until you choose to turn it back on, even after restarting the engine in most models.
Step-by-step quick-disconnect at a stop
If you need to disengage Brake Hold quickly while stopped, follow these general steps. The exact sequence can vary by model, so use this as a guide and check your manual for model-specific instructions.
- Come to a complete stop using the brake pedal while the Hold indicator is on.
- Press the Hold/Auto Hold button (or go to Settings) to deactivate Brake Hold. Confirm the Hold indicator turns off.
- Gently press the accelerator to move forward. The brakes should release when you apply the gas, and Brake Hold should remain off unless you re-enable it.
- If your car re-engages Hold after restart or under certain conditions, re-check the button or menu setting to ensure it stays Off for future stops.
Note: In some vehicles, simply pressing the accelerator after stopping will release Brake Hold automatically; in others, you must actively disable the feature before moving again. Always test in a safe area to confirm how your particular car behaves.
Model-specific considerations (general guidance)
Because implementations vary, it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions. In many mainstream vehicles, the most reliable approach is either a direct Hold/Auto Hold control on the dash or a toggle within Settings → Drive/Braking options. If you share the car with others, consider agreeing on how Brake Hold should be used to avoid surprises in heavy traffic or hilly conditions.
What to do if you can’t locate the control
If you cannot find a button or menu option, search the vehicle’s quick-start guide or the in-car manual app, and check under Driving Assistance or Braking settings. Car software updates can also alter where these controls live, so ensure your system is current.
Safety reminders
Turning Brake Hold off changes how the car behaves at stops. If you rely on this feature for convenience or safety in traffic, re-enable it when appropriate. Always verify that you can control the vehicle smoothly after disabling Brake Hold, particularly on slopes or in crowded areas. When in doubt, practice in a safe area and review the manual for your exact model.
Summary
Brake Hold can typically be turned off with a physical Hold/Auto Hold button or via the vehicle’s settings. After turning it off, the brakes won’t automatically engage at stops, and you’ll release hold by pressing the accelerator. Because the procedure varies by model, check your owner’s manual or contact the dealer for model-specific steps. Always ensure you can operate the car safely after changing braking assistance features.