Which symbol is used for the parking brake, an exclamation mark or a P?
2 Answers
The marking symbol for the parking brake is an uppercase P. When this symbol appears on the vehicle's dashboard, it indicates that the vehicle's parking brake is engaged, and the rear wheels are in a locked state. If the vehicle is forcibly driven under these conditions, the rear wheels will be dragged, potentially causing damage to the parking brake. Below is relevant information about the parking brake: 1. There are two types of parking brakes: the first is the traditional handbrake, and the second is the currently more popular electronic parking brake. The only difference between them lies in the operation method. The electronic parking brake can effectively save space, providing better interior space. 2. The parking brake cannot be modified, but currently, there are different ways to engage the parking brake, including handbrake, footbrake, and electronic methods.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also confused by that red parking brake indicator light on the dashboard—was it an exclamation mark or the letter P? Later, I realized it entirely depends on the car model's design. Some vehicles (like manual transmission or budget models) use a red exclamation mark inside a circle, symbolizing the brake isn't released; others (such as automatic transmission luxury models) display a large red letter P, indicating the parking status. As a beginner, I learned from the manual that this is crucial: driving with the light on not only wastes fuel and wears out brake pads but may also cause the car to roll on steep slopes. I recommend paying attention to the dashboard instructions in the manual when buying a car and ensuring the light is off after starting before safely hitting the road—don’t be like me, who almost crashed into a wall before learning the lesson.