Electronic handbrake.. how to use it..

[PurplePfeiffer]

Hi

I have a manual A3 with an electronic handbrake. This sounds really stupid but I don't know how to use it.

Two weeks ago I rented a driveway space near to where I work. So, I reversed parked and off to work I went. This driveway was VERY, VERY steep. When I went to move the car from the drive, the car almost rolled back/crashed into the garage door. I started panicking and I really struggled to safely move the car forwards. I put the car in first gear, got my biting point (thinking it would automatically disengage) but it didn't. Then I put the car in first gear, got my biting point and pressed the button to release the handbrake and it keep on rolling back (I had to apply the footbrake, go into neutral and apply the handbrake etc). It happened around three times and each time the car keep on rolling nearer to the garage door. I can't even remember how I managed to get out of the space in the end but I remember I had to use LOTS of gas. I've been panicking since and because I am so scared, I haven't driven my car to work because I am so afraid of renting that particular driving space (it's the only one near the hospital). I am even too scared to go to my local shopping centre because of the spiral drive up to the car park and the steep ramps between the parking levels. 

 

Please, please can someone explain what to do? I've tried to look at video's online but they don't explain how to move from a very steep gradient. 

 

Thank you☺️

[Steve Q]

Welcome to the forum 🙂

now from my experience of a3 8v electronic handbrakes they should just disengage once you have the biting point. I must stress that the a3 will not have hill hold assist and as such it'll roll. I did find sometimes you have to apply extra acceleration as I found the handbrake a bit dimwitted. 

my advice would be to find a quiet country lane to practice hill starts on. 

cheers

Steve