What does the P on the car mean?

[DeAndrew]

The P on the car refers to the electronic parking brake. When pressed, the P on the dashboard lights up red, indicating that the parking brake is engaged. The parking brake is essentially the car's handbrake, which provides resistance when the vehicle is parked to prevent it from rolling. Nowadays, many automatic transmission models are equipped with an electronic parking brake. Working principle of the parking brake: It achieves parking control through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads, except that the control method has changed from the traditional mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. The electronic parking brake has evolved from the basic parking function to include the AUTOHOLD automatic parking function. This technology allows drivers to avoid prolonged braking when the vehicle is stopped.

[AlexFitz]

Oh, this is a very common question. The 'P' on the car actually stands for the parking gear, mainly used in automatic transmission vehicles. Next to the gear shift, when you engage the P gear, the car locks the wheels, keeping it stable and preventing it from rolling. I remember when I first started driving, I was especially afraid of forgetting to engage the P gear. Once, I didn't engage it properly on a slope, and the car almost slid down, giving me a real scare and a cold sweat. Since then, every time I park, I habitually shift into P gear and have also developed the good habit of checking the brakes. Actually, the P gear isn't just for convenience; it also protects the transmission from wear and tear. If you turn off the engine without engaging the P gear, the internal components of the car can get damaged over time, and repairs can be costly. Additionally, on the dashboard, you might sometimes see the P light on, which tells you that the parking brake is activated. So, next time, remember to engage the P gear before parking—safety first—and it can also help your beloved car last a few more years.

[Jace]

The P on the car? That's the P gear! I'm still new to driving, and my instructor keeps emphasizing this thing. Simply put, it's the parking position for automatic transmission cars. Once you shift into this gear, the car's wheels lock and won't move. It's pretty amazing when you think about it—just a light flick and you're safely parked, unlike manual transmissions where you have to pull the handbrake. I've found this P gear especially useful when looking for parking spots in the city. After parking, turning off the engine and starting up again goes smoothly. But be careful: don't shift into P while the car is moving, as it can damage the transmission—a common mistake for beginners. Also, some new cars integrate the P gear into electronic buttons, eliminating the physical lever and making it even more convenient. Overall, mastering the P gear is a fundamental skill for driving. Now, I always double-check the gear before getting out of the car to ensure safety.

[VanSabrina]

The 'P' stands for Park, primarily used in automatic transmissions to lock the wheels when parking. From driving experience, once shifted into P, the car is secured and less likely to roll; this is similar to pulling the handbrake in a manual transmission but more automated. In practice, always come to a complete stop before shifting to P to avoid damaging components. If the P light illuminates, it indicates the braking system is engaged. Should P fail, common causes include transmission issues or sensor malfunctions—prompt inspection is advised. I recommend making it a habit to turn off the engine after shifting to P, as this can extend your car's lifespan. Ultimately, this simple action ensures safer and more worry-free driving every time.