What does the car button with an 'a' and a circle mean?
3 Answers
Car button with an 'a' and a circle refers to the Auto Hold function of the car. The Auto Hold system is a technical application that enables automatic handbrake during vehicle operation. This technology allows drivers to avoid prolonged braking when the vehicle is stopped, and prevents unnecessary vehicle sliding when the automatic electronic parking brake is activated. The functions of the Auto Hold system are: 1. Replacing the driver's manual pulling of the parking brake lever with a button, making it simple and effortless, reducing the driver's operational intensity; 2. Achieving basic functions such as static parking, static release (off), and automatic release (off).
That button with an 'A' inside a circle is the auto start-stop function switch. My car has this feature, and every time the engine shuts off automatically at a red light, this symbol lights up on the dashboard. The original design intention of this function is to save fuel and be environmentally friendly, but some car owners feel that frequent starts damage the engine. I usually turn it off when driving in the city because the constant stopping and starting is really uncomfortable. However, I turn it on when driving on the highway, as it does save quite a bit on fuel costs. Also, it's important to note that you must turn it off when driving through waterlogged areas in the rain to avoid the risk of engine water ingress and secondary ignition, which would be disastrous. This feature is quite controversial, and whether to use it or not depends entirely on personal preference.
That 'A' button you mentioned is the auto start-stop switch. I've seen plenty of these after a decade in auto repair. Many car owners have no clue what it does – once met a lady who thought pressing it would transform her car into a robot. Actually, this feature automatically shuts off the engine when you brake at a red light and restarts it when you release the pedal. Manufacturers mainly added this to comply with emission regulations, and it can save about 7% fuel in real-world tests. However, it accelerates battery and starter wear – a replacement dedicated battery costs over a thousand. I recommend turning it off in heavy traffic to avoid excessive start-stop cycles that'll make your heart ache. Also, improperly wired aftermarket dash cams can disable this function, which is a common issue.
