Brake lights in stationary traffic

[MaDProFF]

I do not really have a problem tbh, I must admit if I have to stop I try and stop with a gap in front, and make sire that the brake lights are on when I see a car coming up behind, and when it gets close I creep forward with brakes still on.

I might add though I do not do a lot of driving in the work going to and from times.

What I really have a PROBLEM with is Rear FOG lights, when following people especially when they are driving really slow for no reason, and cant see in front of them to overtake.

[anotherv60]

Originally Posted by MaDProFF

What I really have a PROBLEM with is Rear FOG lights, when following people especially when they are driving really slow for no reason, and cant see in front of them to overtake.

Agree people are slow turning off rear fogs these days; the V90 rear fogs on mine increase the brightness of all the rear light cluster - I assume this is normal and not a fault!

[GreenBrick]

I had an argument with someone on here in the past about fog lights.

I still maintain that if I can see my headlights reflected off the car in front...
A) They can see me.
B) I can see them.
C) No fog light required.

[nu11eaf]

My wife always say's "we do not have arguements", "we have discussions", as happens on our forum from time to time.

[jotka]

I was told you should not put the drive into P or N, waiting at lights. This will shorten the lifespan of the gearbox. Always D, and then a foot on the brake.

[familymangreg]

Originally Posted by jotka

I was told you should not put the drive into P or N, waiting at lights. This will shorten the lifespan of the gearbox. Always D, and then a foot on the brake.

Not doubting what you say, but you'd expect it to be the other way around, i.e. when in drive the engine is putting pressure onto the drive shafts through the gearbox, but it's being resisted by the brakes. Probably my over-simplistic view of things!

Maybe modern engines and gearboxes are more intelligent and don't put that pressure on the drivetrain when held on the break, and therefore continual switching in and out of drive in stop-go traffic does more harm!

:wq

[Milliner]

On the T8, the park is an electronic button which might help...

I completely agree the full brake lights are dazzling at times, especially with modern LED rears. I wasn't aware of MB's solution though, which sounds a sensible compromise. I wonder why it's not used universally?

I can't imagine it's innovative enough that they have a patent on it??

[Quacker]

Originally Posted by jotka

I was told you should not put the drive into P or N, waiting at lights. This will shorten the lifespan of the gearbox. Always D, and then a foot on the brake.

It really doesn’t matter. It will not shorten the gearbox life, because the slippage is at the torque converter where there is no mechanical coupling. It will waste fuel if you persist in D at a stop for a while. I’ve no idea why anyone would think P or N would be detrimental. They are not. There may be some slight wear on the park lock if the car is held by it on a slope, as it is released, but I’ve never seen it in practice.

[morgano]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

I think it must be a safety issue to warn approaching drivers you are stopped, the highway code suggests applying the parking brake and leaving brake lights on until the following traffic has stopped, before taking foot off the brake.This would also apply if auto hold is used.

In this scenario, any car with rear sensors should be programmed to turn off the brake light when an object is detected behind. Would be a useful solution for most of the volvo cars on the road with this install.

[AB-UK]

Originally Posted by morgano

In this scenario, any car with rear sensors should be programmed to turn off the brake light when an object is detected behind. Would be a useful solution for most of the volvo cars on the road with this install.

Unless the car behind continues moving forward when your brake lights go off thinking you're on the move again