Impact of KERS on tyre wear

[johnb80]

The Highway Code says that you should use the handbrake when:
Parking
You should apply the handbrake when you park your car, including when you're parking on a hill.
Stopping in traffic
You should apply the handbrake in stationary traffic queues. Once the traffic moves, you can take your foot off the brake to avoid blinding the drivers behind you.

Notice the word 'should' thats an advisory item in the highway code, items that are mandatory will have the word 'must' preceding the item.

Waiting
If you're stopped for more than five seconds, you should apply the handbrake. This frees up your feet so you can use the accelerator and clutch when you're ready to move again.

Thats not universally good advice either, If youve used the handbrake it will delay moving off when road conditions dictate and you will fail your driving test for this, flat road, down hill etc, no handbrake needed.

I must say I do share PVperson's take that it's good manners not to keep your foot on the brake in a queue with driver behind in mind. My previous car was a 44. TDV8 Range Rover and of course, the rear lights are high up and very intense for anyone behind. I always used the handbrake or park when in a queue for the comfort and safety of the guy behind. I dont agree with PVperson's 'educating' service and he should really stop it for his own safety as a smack in the gob often offends. I have witnessed a similar situation with high intensity rear lights and a driver from behind getting out to explain to the driver in front, the drivers door was opened so fast it knocked him over and a good hiding followed.

Life is too short to get so wound up.

 

[Gomev]

Did you mean the foot (hydraulic) brake?

On my ZS EV, auto hold activates the hydraulic brake, which releases more quickly than the handbrake. Though if you are waiting with autohold more than about 5 minutes, it seems to transfer automatically to the handbrake.

All this is rather unfortunate for people with sensitive eyes, as brake lights by law have to be a certain brightness to get attention even in poor weather.

No I mean the handbrake. From the MG5 owners manual......

Page 172
STARTING & DRIVING
Auto Hold
When Auto Hold is being used to stabilise the vehicle, power system shutdown, releasing the seat belt or pressing the auto hold switch, the electronic parking brake is applied.
..
Auto hold has 3 main states:1 Off: Function in Off state.
2 Standby: Function in Standby state; the function is activated but the vehicle is not parked, and the indicator light of auto hold switch is on. Once the vehicle has stopped, and all other conditions are met, the system will automatically select Park

 

[kevin ellard]

So, you would fail your driving test, and are aggravating drivers behind you whenever you do that (incorrectly keep your foot stamped on the brake pedal) the hand brake comes on and off with a touch of the centre of the drive knob, why do you think it's so prominent??
You will also burn out your brake light bulbs 10x faster, not covered in the warranty, and you have to replace them.

The Highway Code says that you should use the handbrake when:
Parking
You should apply the handbrake when you park your car, including when you're parking on a hill.
Stopping in traffic
You should apply the handbrake in stationary traffic queues. Once the traffic moves, you can take your foot off the brake to avoid blinding the drivers behind you.
Waiting
If you're stopped for more than five seconds, you should apply the handbrake. This frees up your feet so you can use the accelerator and clutch when you're ready to move again.

I paid the full £34,000 for my MG5 almost 2 years ago. I can afford new brake light bulbs if they blow. Has anyone had to replace a brake light bulb on an MG5 yet?

Fortunately I don't have to use the clutch anymore.

When I'm in stop start traffic I generally let the car take care of the brakes and throttle. It seems to do quite a good job of it. I wonder if it keeps the brake lights on?

 

[EVsince2016]

I have regularly slowed from 80mph to 20 leaving the motorway without touching the brake pedal. unfortunately my MG5 does not slow to a stop by regen, but about 6mph on the flat. I usually put in Neutral and coast to a stop! brakes are for emergencies, slowing to a final stop, or if you're approached a corner too fast! I only wish more people would remember what they were taught and use the hand brake when stopped, rather than idiotically stamping on the brake pedal when stationary at light and in traffic!!! I usually use my main beam and horn to remind them.
There have been times at my local level crossing, when behind an annoying driver who's got his foot on the brake for 4min+ I got out and educated them on the proper use of the hand brake....

The MGs have a hold option when stopped in traffic so you don't need to touch the pedals. This puts the brake lights on but I bet most don't know that.

If you came to "educate" me I'd tell you to f*** off.

 

[EVsince2016]

So, you would fail your driving test, and are aggravating drivers behind you whenever you do that (incorrectly keep your foot stamped on the brake pedal) the hand brake comes on and off with a touch of the centre of the drive knob, why do you think it's so prominent??
You will also burn out your brake light bulbs 10x faster, not covered in the warranty, and you have to replace them.

The Highway Code says that you should use the handbrake when:
Parking
You should apply the handbrake when you park your car, including when you're parking on a hill.
Stopping in traffic
You should apply the handbrake in stationary traffic queues. Once the traffic moves, you can take your foot off the brake to avoid blinding the drivers behind you.
Waiting
If you're stopped for more than five seconds, you should apply the handbrake. This frees up your feet so you can use the accelerator and clutch when you're ready to move again.

There is much in the Highway Code that applies to ICE cars that doesn't really apply to EVs. Auto hold is effectively the same as a handbrake.

 

[PVperson]

Bearing in mind some cars now turn on the brake light when using auto hold, so it's not necessarily the driver holding their foot on the brake, you really ought to stop that behaviour. It's also dangerous for yourself and your car. Doing the turning up at the drivers window to "educate" thing to the wrong person having a bad day and it may not end well for you!

That's why I don't use auto-brake. I noticed it was blinding drivers behind me, so better to use the handbrake instead! (As you're supposed to anyway if you'll stopped for more than four to five seconds...)

 

[Gomev]

That's why I don't use auto-brake. I noticed it was blinding drivers behind me, so better to use the handbrake instead! (As you're supposed to anyway if you'll stopped for more than four to five seconds...)

As has been stated several times when using autohold you are using the handbrake. (it's not braking for you so it's not called auto-brake). It additionally illuminates the brake lights which is the issue you are complaining about.

 

[PVperson]

Yes.

An interesting thread. Regarding using KERS 3, brake pad wear will be reduced.

Does anyone have a routine of using the brakes, not necessarily to clean the discs, but to work the slider pins (hope this is the correct term as I am not very mechanical) ?

My previous Lexus hybrid had seized pins due to lack of use from the previous owner. Lubricating the pins was NOT in the service schedule. It was suggested to brake hard at least once a week or put the car into neutral on a downhill slope and brake (not recommended on safety grounds perhaps?)

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this.

Can the MG be put into neutral safely while coasting?

Yes.

As has been stated several times when using autohold you are using the handbrake. (it's not braking for you so it's not called auto-brake). It additionally illuminates the brake lights which is the issue you are complaining about.

No, it puts the main brakes on, and annoyingly, the brake lights! Better just press the button (on the gear shift) for hand brake. Then you are not breaking the highway code by blinding drivers behind you whilst stationary for more than 5 seconds.

I was taught not to coast as you are not in full control of the vehicle.
I only use fog lights in the fog and 'P' when stopped.

Yes, I know coasting is tech. illegal in the UK, but when you're in an automatic EV, with your foot covering the brake (but not when stationary! ) and a knob at your fingertips which can engage full engine braking (regen) in a fraction of a second, I think it's safer than "coasting" in an ICE car...

 

[Dekkerb]

Hi
I saw a post recently that suggested that KERS resulted in the tyres wearing quickly, especially if you use KERS 3. I usually drive Normal and 3 but after seeing that post I've switched to 2. I do a lot of miles 44k since November 21. Have changed fronts once (Falken-good)and rears will need changing soon. Should I stick with 2? Thanks

Just to update took my pre FL MG5 to a trusted tyre place pre MOT. Rears definitely needed changing (originals still on and now up to 55k miles). Wear on fronts not critical but decided to change anyway. Suggestion of under inflation. No issues on sensors and I check manually monthly. Wound up changing all 4. After much research settled on Kunho PS71. A rated for stopping and economy. 71db. Honestly felt like a new car. Smooth and comfortable ride. Will keep a closer eye on pressures. Only drive Normal/2 unless desperate on range( have got down to 1%(!). Not usually I had ten to add! They were @£85 each via black circle and a able to specify my local guy for fitting.

 

[Gomev]

No, it puts the main brakes on, and annoyingly, the brake lights! Better just press the button (on the gear shift) for hand brake. Then you are not breaking the highway code by blinding drivers behind you whilst stationary for more than 5 seconds.

If you don't want to use Autohold then simply use the parking brake and leave it in Drive, no need to use Park.

 

[Dekkerb]

Just to update took my pre FL MG5 to a trusted tyre place pre MOT. Rears definitely needed changing (originals still on and now up to 55k miles). Wear on fronts not critical but decided to change anyway. Suggestion of under inflation. No issues on sensors and I check manually monthly. Wound up changing all 4. After much research settled on Kunho PS71. A rated for stopping and economy. 71db. Honestly felt like a new car. Smooth and comfortable ride. Will keep a closer eye on pressures. Only drive Normal/2 unless desperate on range( have got down to 1%(!). Not usually I had ten to add! They were @£85 each via black circle and a able to specify my local guy for fitting.

PS should say Kumho Ecsta

 

[SimonomiS]

If you don't want to use Autohold then simply use the parking brake and leave it in Drive, no need to use Park.

This is what I do. It gets your right foot off the pedal while you wait and very easy to release and drive off just using the accelerator. I found Autohold a little harsh when stopping, I like to come to a smooth stop and it would sometimes pre-empt that, particularly on a downwards slope.

 

[nexia201]

Just changed a tyre which i changed in august 26th , yes i did 25k kms but seem to eat tyres too fast , yes i drive on kers 3 for maximum charge

 

[CarlThom]

An interesting thread. Regarding using KERS 3, brake pad wear will be reduced.

Does anyone have a routine of using the brakes, not necessarily to clean the discs, but to work the slider pins (hope this is the correct term as I am not very mechanical) ?

My previous Lexus hybrid had seized pins due to lack of use from the previous owner. Lubricating the pins was NOT in the service schedule. It was suggested to brake hard at least once a week or put the car into neutral on a downhill slope and brake (not recommended on safety grounds perhaps?)

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this.

Can the MG be put into neutral safely while coasting?

We use kers 2 and eco for normal driving and the brakes to slow down and stop, I very read of MG cars suffering seized pads and requiring new rotors through using kers3 all the time instead of the brakes. Figures quoted to replace are frightening so I'll stick to using the brakes thanks. Incidentally our rate is 4.2m/kwh

 

[Eddie99]

I found that my excessive tyre wear was due to 'Lane Keep Assist' being set to High Sensitivity - you can even feel the wheels 'seeking' left to right constantly whilst driving at high speed to keep the
Lane Centering in the centre of the lane.

 

[kevin ellard]

We use kers 2 and eco for normal driving and the brakes to slow down and stop, I very read of MG cars suffering seized pads and requiring new rotors through using kers3 all the time instead of the brakes. Figures quoted to replace are frightening so I'll stick to using the brakes thanks. Incidentally our rate is 4.2m/kwh

The KERS setting doesn't make a difference to the amount of KERS used. On KERS 2 the car still uses KERS when you press the brake pedal, it doesn't start using the brake pads until you request more brakes than KERS can provide.

 

[nexia201]

I always drive on kers 3 and always switch off lane assist and my rear only lasted 25k kms , having kers on 3 is like braking slowly when you let go throttle so it must consume a bit of tyre .I have 225/40/18 on it

 

[Verdigris]

I always drive on kers 3 and always switch off lane assist and my rear only lasted 25k kms , having kers on 3 is like braking slowly when you let go throttle so it must consume a bit of tyre .I have 225/40/18 on it

But the 4 is rear wheel drive, so you can't attribute the wear to KERS, as propulsion will almost certainly be responsible for most of it. Same as the front tyres wear out first on the front wheel drive 5.

 

[nexia201]

Yes mine rear wear fast , front last double

 

[smokie]

My pre FL just sold at 23k miles and the tyres still had plenty left on them all round (and yes, I do once in a while "enjoy myself" (away from the lights etc). I put it in Kers2 if I remember and I always have lane assist on the highest setting.