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Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 6:50 pm
by bigt55
I really like the look and spec of the Niro and I am considering ordering one, but I am a little put off by the Massey Ferguson tractor style foot parking brake and would really appreciate any opinions from Niro owners. Also I was inclined to buy a First Edition but read about extra noise level and fuel consumption due to the wider tyres. Again I would be very interested to read your honest comments

Thanks Tony

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 7:21 pm
by Steve
Hi Tony

I don't use the foot parking break , i just leave it in park . i have the #2 , as i think its the best value , Autonomous Emergency Braking and adaptive cruise control is , i believe £350 option , but will make you wait months for the car ..Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)... Its just a gimmick in my opinion , as if you come to a not to sharp bend , it disengages . So at the end of the day , it all depends what toys you want , and how much you want to spend .... But no matter which model you have , you won't be disappointed .

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Thu May 18, 2017 4:32 pm
by gimball
Steve wrote:Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)... Its just a gimmick in my opinion
I beg to differ! ;)
It made my 1000Km (8hour +) rides enjoyable instead of having a stiff neck for a week afterwards.
The gold thing about active LKAS (you have to turn it on in settings) is it reduces fatigue in your arms and shoulders during long rides as you're applying minimal to no force in curves.

If you are just using the car for short commutes you won't get much out of it tho.

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Thu May 18, 2017 8:02 pm
by h2onorth
hi bigt55. Yes the foot hand brake is perhaps the worst feature and like Steve I only use it in emergency's. Also of course it means no one in the car has access to slowing the car in the event of driver incapacity. ( Yes I know it's rare but there are every other safety features in this car. Also the hatch cover mechanism is rubbish (2handed op) I took it out and no spare wheel.
However it is a great car and am glad I have one so do not let my comments put you off. Have 2model no extras and only go for them if you think the anti collision feature may be important
h2onorth

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Thu May 18, 2017 9:35 pm
by AlanW55
Some interesting comments here, it seems we are all agreed the foot-hand brake is a throwback from tractors and WW1 tanks!
Have you noticed that when (if) you put the handbrake on, the daylights go off? And if you leave it in Drive when stationary, the electric motor is powerful enough to overcome the brake and the car still creeps?

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 9:07 am
by M. Irvine.
I have got used to the foot parking brake now and quite like it.
I would not recommmend anyone to rely on the Park position only.
Like the majority of automatics a degree of creep is present in drive, which I think is unnecessary, but I suppose the manufacturer wanted to make it feel like other cars.

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 4:25 pm
by Greenman
I agree I use the parking break only when leaving the vehicle parked. When I'm in stop/start traffic or at traffic lights I only use "P". I've also set the door unlock to when "P" is used. Whilst maybe leaving you more vulnerable, it is far more convenient when picking people and luggage up.

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 5:21 pm
by gimball
Greenman wrote:When I'm in stop/start traffic or at traffic lights I only use "P".
There's no point in doing this - other than it being a fidget toy :lol:

This is a good watch for people new to dual clutch transmission vehicles:
5 Things You Should Never Do In A Dual Clutch Transmission Vehicle
(I'm assuming the inching forward point doesn't apply to the Niro as the electric motor takes care of that)

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 1:06 pm
by h2onorth
Hi greenman. I do take car out of drive if delay in traffic seems long and use neutral with footbrake though I don't like blinding cars behind me if it's night time. I do this because, as is mentioned elsewhere in this subject, the foot hand brake is not secure if car left in drive, particularly if facing downhill. The amount of force needed to hold the car in those situations with the foot handbrake on is such that when you need to release it again it's a real struggle to get it off quickly. Sorry do not like this system and much prefer a handbrake which could have been fitted elsewhere.
The other disadvantage of not leaving it in drive is that the anti roll back does not function so if you take the brake/s off before drive is initiated you roll back (slope) It's happened to me .
h2onorth

Re: Foot Parking Brake

Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 8:21 pm
by Greenman
The handbook says the engine only charges the battery in "D" or "P" - no charging in "N". That is why I use "P" in stop/start situations.