What does 'front' mean on a car?
3 Answers
The 'front' on a car refers to the front windshield defogger. It is represented by a button with a fan shape and several upward wavy arrows, labeled 'FRONT' below. There is also another button labeled 'REAR', which is for the rear windshield defogger. When driving, if there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car, fog may form on the windshield, which can severely obstruct the driver's view. In such cases, you can choose to press the 'FRONT' or 'REAR' button depending on whether the fog is on the front or rear windshield to clear it. Additionally, while driving, it's important to pay attention to the use of the air recirculation and fresh air modes. If driving for an extended period, it is advisable not to keep the air recirculation mode on continuously, as this prevents fresh air from entering the car, which is not good for health.
When I first started driving, I also found this button quite mysterious. Actually, the word FRONT most commonly appears on the air conditioning panel in cars. Pressing it directs warm air toward the windshield to defog. Foggy windows during rainy days are especially dangerous, and this feature can restore visibility within three seconds—it's literally a lifesaver. Some cars even allow separate temperature control for the driver and passenger vents, so you can have warm air on the left and cool air on the right. I remember one heavy rain when I almost rear-ended another car, but this button saved the day by quickly clearing the fog.
After driving for ten years, I've found that FRONT basically refers to the front part of the vehicle. The defogging function is the most common—when the front windshield fogs up in winter, pressing it directs hot air to blow onto the glass, instantly clearing the fog. In some cars with heated steering wheels, FRONT also controls the front seat heating buttons. If FRONT is labeled in the headlight control area, it’s most likely for adjusting the headlights. In short, almost all functions usable in the front row are linked to this term.
