What does 'folder' mean in a car?
4 Answers
In cars, 'folder' refers to a directory where you can switch between different folders. Some models display it as 'tunefolder', which translates to 'audio folder'. The function of this button is: when more than two song folders are created, pressing the FOLDER down button will automatically jump to the second folder. Here is an introduction to related car buttons: 1. A-OFF: This button turns off the engine auto start-stop function. It should be used in congested areas or waterlogged sections to ensure normal engine output. 2. AUTOHOLD: The auto-hold button, usually located next to the electronic handbrake. When encountering traffic lights or temporary stops, using this button will temporarily auto-stop the engine. Similar to the auto start-stop function, its advantage is that you can release your right foot directly in D gear, especially useful on slopes. To start, lightly press the accelerator, and the parking system will automatically disengage. 3. DUAL-DUAL: The air conditioning zone control button. Pressing this button lights up the indicator, allowing you to set the air conditioning temperature for the driver and passenger areas separately. After adjusting to the desired temperature, turn off this button, and the automatic air conditioning will regulate the temperature according to the set values.
I remember being puzzled by this when I first got the car. The 'folder' mentioned in the car usually refers to the air conditioning system's air distribution mode button, used to switch between different vent combinations. For example, pressing it might make the AC blow air from both the footwell and windshield vents simultaneously, which is particularly effective for defogging in winter. Some cars display this with icons - one arrow pointing downward toward the feet and another pointing forward toward the windshield. Last time I encountered heavy fog on the highway, this mode cleared the windshield in just three minutes. Of course, designs vary between different car models, so it's best to check the manual to confirm the specific function, but it's generally located in the air conditioning control area.
Last time I helped a friend check out a car, I explained this. The 'Folder' button on many car air conditioning panels is the air vent selection key, controlling where the airflow comes out. Common combinations include footwell plus windshield defrosting, or footwell plus dashboard vents. This design is particularly practical—for example, when the windshield fogs up on rainy days but you don't want your feet to get cold, just toggle with one button. My old German car has a physical knob marked with an icon of a foot and a windshield, which serves exactly this purpose. Modern new cars integrate it into touchscreen menus, where you might need to dig into the air conditioning submenu. The principle is actually quite simple: it's just mechanical air flaps controlling the direction combinations.
I often encounter car owners asking about this during repairs. Simply put, the 'folder' is the mixed air delivery mode switch, which activates both the foot vents and the windshield defroster vents. It's particularly useful in damp and cold weather, such as when the windshield is frosted, as it quickly defogs while keeping the feet warm. A typical example is the button on the Toyota Highlander's climate control panel marked with a small foot and a fan-shaped symbol, or the dual arrows pointing to the windshield and downward on the round knob of some Ford models. Different brands may label it differently, but you can generally find it in the climate control panel area to the right of the steering wheel.
