What does 'push' mean in a car?
4 Answers
In a car, 'push' means to press. In automotive terminology, it has three meanings: 1. Airflow (also called mode). Press the PUSH button in the center of the gear knob to turn on the rear window defrost when the light is on; 2. Temperature (also called warm/cold). Press the PUSH button in the center of the gear knob to turn on the internal circulation when the light is on; 3. Handbrake. More information about the car handbrake is as follows: 1. The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the main brake, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the car. 2. Long-term use of the handbrake will cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel will also increase.
I also researched this when driving an electric car. In cars, 'push' usually refers to button functions, like the start button that says 'push to start'—press it and the car starts. But in veteran driver circles, 'driving push' means stepping on the gas pedal really hard or charging aggressively through corners, making the car feel like it's being pushed forward. Once during a performance car test drive, the salesperson said this mode delivers strong acceleration G-forces, as if someone is pushing you from behind to speed up. Some car modding enthusiasts also say that if the suspension is too soft, going over bumps feels like riding a boat, and stiffening it up gives that 'push' support sensation. In short, when you hear 'push' while driving, pay extra attention—the meaning varies a lot depending on the context.
I remember hearing a mechanic talk about this in a repair shop one year. The most basic 'push' in a car is pressing the start button—many cars nowadays don’t even require inserting a key; just step on the brake and press the button to start. Another meaning relates to driving habits—some people like to 'push' their cars, driving aggressively by stomping on the gas and brakes, making the front end dip down while moving. However, this wastes fuel and wears out tires. Experienced drivers will tell you that 'push' on a racetrack refers to quickly turning the wheel into a curve, but doing this on regular roads is quite dangerous. Some luxury cars even display a 'push' status when the mode dial is set to sport.
Young car enthusiasts often talk about 'push' related terms. The most common 'push' button in a car is the start button or electronic parking brake button, which can be operated by pressing. Nowadays, people who race on tracks say 'push the car,' meaning to push the car's performance to the limit, revving the engine into the redline zone. Recently, while test-driving a friend's modified car, he pointed at the dashboard and said the water temperature is too high now, don't push it too hard. Additionally, in the car's infotainment system, 'push' refers to message notifications, similar to pop-ups on a phone. If someone says 'this car is so push,' they might be praising its fast acceleration or responsive handling.
