What does the car symbol with an 'a' in a circle mean?
2 Answers
The icon of a car with an 'a' in a circle represents the Auto Hold function. Below is a related introduction to the Auto Hold function: 1. Prevents rolling: When encountering situations like a red light that require a short stop during driving, the system will automatically brake the wheels after the vehicle comes to a stop to prevent rolling. This eliminates the need for the driver to constantly think about pulling the handbrake. When the light turns green, simply press the accelerator to start, and the system will automatically release the wheels. 2. Automatic forward movement: The function is similar to the previous point. When starting the car, the system will automatically brake to prevent rolling backward. Once the forward traction reaches a level sufficient to move uphill, the system will automatically release the wheels and allow the car to move forward. 3. No need to pull the handbrake when parking and locking: The system will automatically brake the wheels at this time. However, the third function is not available in some car models, and manual handbrake operation is still required when parking.
I remember one time while driving, I noticed a circled 'A' symbol lit up on the dashboard. At first, I didn't understand what it meant. Later, I learned that it indicates the auto start-stop system is active—where the engine automatically shuts off at red lights to save fuel and restarts when the light turns green. This feature is quite eco-friendly, reducing exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. However, in heavy traffic with frequent stops and starts, it might feel a bit jerky, or it may temporarily deactivate on steep slopes or when the battery is low. Over time, I got used to its rhythm when the light is on, especially in city traffic jams, where it helped me save a lot on fuel costs. It's worth noting that if this symbol suddenly disappears or stays lit continuously, there might be an issue with the system, requiring a check on the fuse or battery.