Brake Hold in Honda vehicles is a driver-assistance feature that keeps the brakes applied after you come to a complete stop, letting you lift the brake pedal without the car rolling. It releases when you press the accelerator. It is designed for stop-and-go traffic and is not a substitute for the parking brake.
Overview: What Brake Hold does
The following points explain how Brake Hold typically behaves in Honda models with automatic transmissions. Availability and exact controls can vary by model and year, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics.
- Brakes are held after you come to a complete stop if Brake Hold is enabled, preventing the car from rolling forward or backward.
- An indicator on the instrument cluster (often labeled “BRAKE HOLD” or “HOLD”) confirms that the system is active.
- The feature is generally designed for stop-and-go traffic and long idles, easing fatigue by letting you release the brake pedal.
- Brake Hold is not a parking brake and does not replace the parking brake; you should still engage the parking brake when parked or on steep grades when stopped for longer periods.
- The hold typically releases when you press the accelerator or re-apply the brake; a fresh stop may re-engage the hold as you slow to a stop again.
In practice, Brake Hold offers a smoother, less tiring experience during city driving, but it relies on proper traffic conditions and should be used as a convenience feature rather than a parking solution.
How to use Brake Hold in daily driving
To take advantage of Brake Hold, you generally need to enable it first and then use it during normal driving in traffic. The steps below describe common behavior, but always follow your specific model’s instructions.
The following steps outline typical usage for most Honda vehicles with automatic transmissions equipped with Brake Hold.
- Turn on Brake Hold using the switch or control on the lower dash area; wait for the BRAKE HOLD indicator to illuminate on the instrument cluster.
- Drive to a stop in traffic and apply the brake pedal to come to a full stop; Brake Hold will engage if the system is active.
- Release the brake pedal; the car stays stationary thanks to Brake Hold.
- To move again, gently press the accelerator; the system releases the brakes and you can proceed with driving.
If you need to stop again or re-engage hold, simply press the brake pedal to a stop again or re-activate the hold according to your vehicle’s controls.
Safety considerations and limitations
Brake Hold is intended for routine traffic stops and should not be relied upon as a parking solution. It does not replace the parking brake, which should be used when parking or on inclines where the vehicle could otherwise roll.
Keep in mind that Brake Hold behavior can vary by model and year. Some models may disengage Hold if the battery is low, if the ignition is turned off, or if the driver applies the accelerator too aggressively. Always use cautious driving practices and stay attentive to traffic conditions.
Summary
Honda’s Brake Hold is a convenient feature for automatic-transmission models that keeps the brakes applied after you stop, reducing the need to stand on the brake pedal in slow-moving traffic. It releases when you press the accelerator and should not be used as a parking brake. For best results, activate it when appropriate, be aware of its limitations, and always engage the parking brake when parking for extended periods or on grades.