What Does the P on a Car Mean?
2 Answers
The meaning of the P on a car varies depending on its location. P on the gear shift: It stands for Park, which is generally used when parking and turning off the engine. After the driver shifts to P, the car will be locked. P button on the car: It represents the switch button for the reverse radar, which is turned on by default. If the owner feels that the car does not need the reverse radar, they can press the P button to turn off the reverse radar function. P on the dashboard: It represents the parking brake indicator, indicating that the parking brake is in use. This P symbol is in the middle of the indicator, enclosed by a circle, and the circle is surrounded by brackets on both sides. Usually, the P light comes on because the handbrake was forgotten to be released, or there is a fault in the braking system, and the handbrake should be released promptly; if the P light remains on after releasing, it is necessary to promptly check the car's braking system at a 4S shop to see if there is an issue.
The P on my car is a safety symbol for me, representing the Park gear. When an automatic transmission car is shifted to P, the transmission locks, preventing the wheels from moving and avoiding rollaway accidents. I remember that time I forgot to shift to P on a slope, and the car rolled back, almost hitting someone. Since then, I always shift to P before turning off the engine, especially when there are kids in the back seat—extra caution is a must. P is different from the Reverse (R) and Drive (D) gears; you must shift to P before starting the engine, or it won’t ignite. Also, don’t forget to use the handbrake for double safety. With 20 years of driving experience, I’ve learned that good habits prevent accidents. A reminder to everyone: Don’t skip steps when parking—shift to P, pull the handbrake, and leave with peace of mind.
