Driving a car is all fun until one has to drive on a hill or descend a steep slope. Going on a mountain, slope, or other inclined surface is the hardest, and sometimes, people lose control. Thus, to resolve this issue, car manufacturers offer the best technological instruments to make driving uphill much more accessible.
With the help of hill-hold power in cars, one can quickly drive a vehicle on any surface without any hassle, and it also ensures the safety of the drivers and passengers. However, this guide briefly answers what is hill hold control in cars and its benefits.
How does hill hold control work?
Here are some points on the query: What is hill assist control?
- The hill-hold control is a driver assistance system that prevents the vehicle from rolling back on a slope, uphill, or any inclined surface as the driver starts driving the car from a stationary position. For instance, when an individual moves his/her car on the uphill road from a dead stop position, the vehicle may roll back when one releases the brakes and starts driving again. Rolling back of a vehicle leads to severe accidents, injuries, and sometimes death.
- To resolve rolling backward situations and reduce accidents, car manufacturers use the latest technology and install hill-assist or hill-hold control in cars to allow optimum support.
- The hill hold control applies brakes for a few seconds after one releases the brake to allow additional time so the driver can quickly move the vehicle without rolling back. One can keep the car in a stable position.
- Hill hold control systems work with the help of a pair of sensors such as incline detection, clutch detection, engine torque detection, brake detection, forward roll detection, and backward roll detection. These sensors help quickly detect and measure the longitudinal incline of the hill and engage the braking system.
- This system works automatically whenever the sensor detects the inclined surface.
- It also eliminates the risk of wear and tear on different components in the car.
Use of hill assist control
Hill assist control is designed to ensure a hassle-free and safe driving experience in multiple driving situations where vehicles face inclines. It is useful in the following conditions:
- Urban driving – Useful when driving on flyovers, bridges, or steep roads in crowded cities.
- Mountain roads – Prevents rolling back on hilly or mountainous terrain, reducing stress for the driver.
- Heavy traffic – Helps in stop-and-go traffic on steep roads, ensuring smoother transitions between braking and acceleration.
- Parking ramps – Assists in navigating multi-level parking areas with steep inclines.
Advantages of hill hold assist in cars
Hill hold assist comes with several advantages that enhance driving safety and comfort. Here are some key benefits:
- Prevents vehicle rollback
It prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on a slope, reducing the risk of collisions.
- Enhances driver confidence
New or inexperienced drivers often struggle to manage the clutch, brakes, and accelerator on steep roads. Hill hold assist makes the process smoother, giving them confidence.
- Reduces wear on the clutch and brakes
Frequent use of the handbrake or half-clutch technique can lead to premature wear and tear. Hill hold control minimises this by providing an automated solution.
- Increases safety in traffic
In heavy traffic situations on inclines, it prevents accidental backward movement, reducing the chances of hitting vehicles behind.
- Works seamlessly with other safety features
Hill hold control works in coordination with ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control, enhancing overall vehicle stability.
List of cars with hill assist control in India
Many cars in India, especially in the mid-range and premium segments, now have hill hold control. Below is a list of popular vehicles that offer this feature:
Hatchbacks with hill hold control:
- Tata Altroz (DCA variant)
- Hyundai i20 N Line
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Automatic variants)
- Volkswagen Polo GT TSI
Sedans with hill hold control:
- Honda City (CVT variant)
- Hyundai Verna
- Skoda Slavia
- Volkswagen Virtus
SUVs with hill hold control:
- Mahindra XUV700
- Tata Harrier
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- MG Hector
Premium cars with hill hold control:
- BMW X1
- Audi Q3
- Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Volvo XC40
Hill hold control is a standard feature in most automatic transmission cars, while it is usually available only in higher trims in manual transmission vehicles.
Conclusion
As the automotive industry advances, hill hold control is becoming more common, even in budget-friendly models. If you frequently drive on hilly terrain or navigate steep urban roads, choosing a car with this feature can be a smart and practical decision.
Hill hold control enhances safety, reduces maintenance and repair costs, and helps prevent accidents. This can lead to lower premium rates when purchasing car insurance online. Additionally, fewer claims result in a higher no-claim bonus in car insurance, rewarding policyholders for minimal or no claims.
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