XC60 Parking Brake question

[prenton01]

This might be a stupid question

But having recently bought an XC60 with the parking brake i was wondering is it ok to drive then let the brake go off itself or is it better to manually take the brake off

Which is better for the car ??

All my previous cars have had handbrakes so took a few weeks to get used to it though i tend to take it of manually

[Bhowani 2]

Although I have a different model (V60) this is a moot point. The "book" says drive it off, whereas I am happier taking it off manually.

I have raised the point with Honest John in The Daily Telegraph, and he is getting a vehicle with an EPB this week, and will no doubt let us know!

Unless the process of manually releasing it is electronically the same, I can't see the point in driving it off, except in extremis (like a car behind not going to stop when you are stationary, and you want to get going really rapidly!)

Bhowani 2
V60 T3 Powershift

[wimorrison]

The process for release of the EPB manually or automatically is exactly the same at the brake. The signal that is sent to the motor to 'wind the brake out' from either the switch or from the accelerator is the same causing the same action to happen. There is no manual connection at any point between the switch and the brake.

I used the automatic release very happily for 41/2 years on my last XC60 without any issues and continue to do so on the latest incarnation. Utilising the automatic release also has the advantage that it reminds you to put the seatbelt on as the car wont move until you have 'buckled up'

[Mytholmroyd60]

I agree with mr Morrison. I use the auto release all the time. I've started applying the brake at traffic lights as well as you then don't need to keep the foot brake applied (on a geartronic)

[prenton01]

Thanks for all the replies people i will start using the brake in automatic mode instead of manual.

I also look forward to what Honest John says

Tony

[Ninja59]

Originally Posted by Bhowani 2

Unless the process of manually releasing it is electronically the same, I can't see the point in driving it off, except in extremis (like a car behind not going to stop when you are stationary, and you want to get going really rapidly!)

I take this advantage true, but surely in having it on (in automatic mode) say at a set of traffic lights behind another vehicle it removes one advantage utilising handbrake (whatever you wish to call it) has in making you unable to go forward if you should accidentally lift clutch or hit accelerator say?

[r-designbob]

Originally Posted by Mytholmroyd60

I agree with mr Morrison. I use the auto release all the time. I've started applying the brake at traffic lights as well as you then don't need to keep the foot brake applied (on a geartronic)

I do too.
And it's especially good for hill start.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by prenton01

Thanks for all the replies people i will start using the brake in automatic mode instead of manual.

I also look forward to what Honest John says

Tony

After reading all his answers for many years i would take what he says with a pinch of salt . especialy about volvos :-) most of his answers are generic rather than make specific . I gave up correcting him about 8 years ago .

[r-designbob]

Originally Posted by Clan

After reading all his answers for many years i would take what he says with a pinch of salt . especialy about volvos :-) most of his answers are generic rather than make specific . I gave up correcting him about 8 years ago .

Not so honest then?...lol

[Clan]

Originally Posted by r-designbob

Not so honest then?...lol

I'm sure hes honest but seems to have a sales related view of motor vehicle technology rather than technical experience . I may be wrong i don't know his background !