What does the letter P with a circle and parentheses around it mean?

[LaLincoln]

It means the parking brake (handbrake) is not released. Below is relevant information about the handbrake and gear shifting: 1. Handbrake: The parking brake, commonly referred to as the handbrake, functions to provide resistance when the vehicle is parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, whether it's a handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The parking brake exerts significantly less force compared to the service brake, only sufficient to prevent the vehicle from rolling on slopes. 2. Gear Shifting: Gear shifting refers to the transmission, which is used to alter the torque and speed of the engine crankshaft to meet the varying requirements of traction and speed for driving wheels under different conditions such as starting, accelerating, driving, and overcoming various road obstacles.

[VanJoshua]

When I first learned to drive, I also noticed that the circled P symbol on the dashboard seemed to have brackets around it. It actually indicates the parking brake warning light. When you park your car and pull up the handbrake or press the electronic parking button, this light will illuminate to remind you that the brake is engaged. Before driving off, release the handbrake, and if the light goes off, everything is normal. However, if the light stays on after releasing the handbrake due to carelessness or a malfunction, there might be an issue—perhaps the brake cable is stuck or the sensor is aging and faulty. I remember one time I was careless and drove with the light still on, causing the brakes to drag and wear the pads. I had to pull over immediately to check if the handbrake was fully released. I recommend that beginners pay extra attention and scan the dashboard before driving to ensure no abnormal lights are on. Developing this good habit will make driving more reassuring.

[TuckerLynn]

Seeing that circled 'P' with parentheses light on the dashboard is a pretty common occurrence—it's the iconic symbol for the parking brake. When you park your car and pull the traditional handbrake or engage the electronic parking system, the light illuminates to indicate the brake is applied, ensuring a secure stop. Just release it before driving off, and if the light goes out, everything's fine. If it stays on after releasing, it might be a minor issue like a stuck cable or something more serious like an electronic module malfunction. A friend of mine had this happen—his light stayed on while driving, and it turned out to be a loose connector; a gentle twist fixed it. Don’t stress too much. Understanding your car’s warning lights, like this 'P' light, can help you tackle minor hiccups and keep your daily drives smoother.

[LeXavier]

The 'P' with a circle and parentheses symbol on the dashboard is the parking brake status indicator light. When you pull the handbrake to engage it, the light will illuminate; releasing the handbrake should turn the light off for normal operation. If the light remains on after releasing the handbrake, the issue could be due to it being stuck or malfunctioning, requiring immediate parking to check if the brake is fully disengaged. If unresolved, visit a repair shop for technicians to inspect the wiring harness or module. Do not delay, as this may increase the risk of brake wear.