From Drive to Neutral at lights?

[Harry Bloomfield]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking, my point was why would you need to?

I do use my handbrake whilst in motion, it is necessary, but only sometimes and only the final yard or so gently. My handbrake uses a completely separate shoe system to the foot brake. If it is only applied whilst still, then the drums rust up and it becomes almost useless. Applying the brake occasionally, keeps the shoes and drum polished and working at best efficiency.

 

[Keithmac]

Our Dual Clutch Transmission releases the clutches and puts car into Hill Start assist when sat with the brakes on in Drive, knocking to Neutral and back at every stop is just unnecessary wear..

I would not leave handbrake on with a DCT in Drive and foot off the brake as as the built in "creep" function would eventually wear the clutch packs out (it would on ours at any rate).

 

[johnny2007]

I would not leave handbrake on with a DCT in Drive and foot off the brake as as the built in "creep" function would eventually wear the clutch packs out

Can you please expand on that, because I do it all the time, but maybe I'm wearing out my clutch.

 

[Keithmac]

Can you please expand on that, because I do it all the time, but maybe I'm wearing out my clutch.

On our DTC when you press the brake pedal it decouples / opens the clutches, when you let go of the brake it will "creep" forward or backwards without accelerator input (mimicking the old slush boxes).

If you apply the handbrake and select drive you can feel the transmission loading up, press the brake and you can feel the clutches release. It's subtle but definitely happening.

So on our Powershift It's either in Neutral with handbrake on or in Drive/ Sport with brake pressed when stationary.

When the transmission is in creep mode the clutch plates are rubbing together (same as biting point in a manual) so they are being worn out over a period of time.

What car have you got?.

 

[johnny2007]

On our DTC when you press the brake pedal it decouples / opens the clutches, when you let go of the brake it will "creep" forward or backwards without accelerator input (mimicking the old slush boxes).

If you apply the handbrake and select drive you can feel the transmission loading up, press the brake and you can feel the clutches release. It's subtle but definitely happening.

So on our Powershift It's either in Neutral with handbrake on or in Drive/ Sport with brake pressed when stationary.

When the transmission is in creep mode the clutch plates are rubbing together (same as biting point in a manual) so they are being worn out over a period of time.

What car have you got?.

A6.
On my car the electric parking brake applies the brakes as if you were pressing the brake pedal.
Got to check on the manual to see if it says anything there.

 

[johnny2007]

I found this in the manual, so it shouldn't be a problem with my automatic.

 

[RandomGrinch]

There has been a convergence on the standards of car controls from the very complex beginning of motoring.
I believe A Cadillac and then the Austin 7 were the first to pioneer the three pedal layout.
The problem now seems that with the rapid increase in in-car technology, there doesn't seem to be a new standard.
Manufacturers are going their own ways and there is a divergence in the ways cars should be driven.
Maybe when electric becomes the norm, a one pedal stop/go system will take over.
Also, we aren't a huge step away from totally autonomous driving without the need for any controls!

To get the most from our cars now, I think the best thing to do is read the flippin' manual!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

To get the most from our cars now, I think the best thing to do is read the flippin' manual!

Even manuals are written for the lowest common level and to be proof against fools. They often do not tell the whole story.

Microwave oven manuals will simply say don't put any metal in them, despite the oven linings being metal. In fact a single solid metal object like a fork or spoon, left in an insulated dish is absolutely fine, providing there is no chance of the item touching any other metal, or the lining. Put two such objects in, where they can make contact and you can expect sparks. Likewise with metal foil, or china cups with gold on them, which will have a high resistance.

 

[Vicario]

Going back to my original question, I wonder what driving instructors are telling their students. And would a tester fail someone who left the car in Drive when stopping at lights that had just turned red? And apparently a rear-end shunt is much more likely to turn nasty if the car is in gear.

 

[Keithmac]

I found this in the manual, so it shouldn't be a problem with my automatic.
View attachment 245012

It would be interesting to see what the clutches are doing (via diagnostics) but if VW say it's fine then all good!.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Going back to my original question, I wonder what driving instructors are telling their students. And would a tester fail someone who left the car in Drive when stopping at lights that had just turned red? And apparently a rear-end shunt is much more likely to turn nasty if the car is in gear.

Handbrake applied, in neutral and footbrake on until they have come to a stop behind you. If you are already being followed, lead them up to to a gentle, progressive stop.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Going back to my original question, I wonder what driving instructors are telling their students. And would a tester fail someone who left the car in Drive when stopping at lights that had just turned red? And apparently a rear-end shunt is much more likely to turn nasty if the car is in gear.

... And presumably with the move to electric propulsion, the end of the manual driving test?

 

[Keithmac]

All four wheels locked with hydraulic brakes is far less likely to move vs mechanic handbrake on rear axle only.

 

[Vicario]

I think the concern is that a rear impact might cause the foot to release the brake and the car would be able to shoot forwards.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I think the concern is that a rear impact might cause the foot to release the brake and the car would be able to shoot forwards.

Which is why I suggested applying the handbrake too and into neutral.