What is the symbol for the handbrake being engaged?
2 Answers
The symbol for the handbrake being engaged is a bracket with a small circle inside, which contains an exclamation mark. In some vehicles, the small circle may have the letter 'P' instead. When this warning light illuminates on the dashboard, it indicates that the handbrake is engaged. The handbrake is a frequently used device in daily driving. It is essential to engage the handbrake properly when parking to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The handbrake is typically used for both short-term and long-term parking. Many modern vehicles now use electronic handbrakes instead of traditional handbrake levers. Electronic handbrakes usually have two motors on the rear wheels. If the warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard after engaging the handbrake, it may indicate a malfunction, and you should visit a repair shop or 4S store for inspection. Some drivers may find their handbrake too loose, causing the vehicle to roll even after tightening the handbrake lever. In such cases, the handbrake needs to be repaired. Before driving, always remember to release the handbrake. Many careless drivers forget to release the handbrake while driving. When parking, always ensure the handbrake is properly engaged. Traditional handbrake levers usually have a cable at the back, which can become loose over time. In such cases, the handbrake cable may need tightening or even replacement if it breaks. When parking, try to avoid stopping on slopes, as the vehicle may still roll even after engaging the handbrake.
I remember paying special attention to this indicator when I first learned to drive. After engaging the handbrake, a red or yellow warning light would appear on the dashboard, commonly designed as an exclamation mark inside a circle or a capital letter P with brackets. Driving Toyota and Volkswagen models, I noticed slight variations in the symbol, but all were highly conspicuous. Once, a friend's car experienced a sudden surge in fuel consumption halfway through the trip simply because they overlooked this illuminated light—the handbrake wasn't fully released, causing continuous friction on the brake pads. It's advisable to always confirm this light is on before turning off the engine and ensure it's off when starting the car, as this is crucial for protecting the braking system.
