Decoding car buttons that many drivers don't know

Little known car buttons

On some modern cars, there are some buttons to adjust the modes that are only available on new cars produced in recent years. Therefore, even long-time drivers may not know about these buttons.

Cruise Control button:This button allows the driver to automatically maintain the speed set by the driver without having to press the accelerator or control the steering wheel. In addition, modern cars also have the Adaptive Cruise Control feature - automatically adjusting the speed to maintain the safest distance from the vehicle in front.

The location of this button is usually in the control cluster to the right of the steering wheel. The button is identified by the symbol CRUISE.

Lane keeping assist button:Lane keeping assist system, corrects the vehicle when it drifts out of its lane or actively keeps the vehicle in its lane.

The button is usually located on the control cluster to the right of the steering wheel, right next to the CRUISE cruise control button. To use this feature, you just need to turn on LKA, which is symbolized by a car moving in the lane. Once turned on, this feature will notify a yellow light. The car will automatically maintain the selected lane.

Electronic auto hold brake: Also on new car models, you can not find the handbrake because this part has been replaced by an electronic brake button. The function is completely automatically controlled. The driver just needs to move the gear lever to P, the handbrake system will automatically activate.

The automatic handbrake button is marked with a capital P, located in a circle. This button is usually located near the gear lever or on the dashboard. In dangerous situations such as the car going uphill, the driver can use this button.

Driver seat adjustment button:The driver's seat adjustment cluster is usually located on the left side of the driver's seat. Basic functions include raising, lowering, moving forward, backward, and reclining. With luxury cars, the seat adjustment functions are more numerous, such as cooling, heating, massage, etc. You can adjust manually or electrically as you like to sit comfortably.

Gear shift lever:The trend in cars today is to equip the gear shift paddles. Usually, the position of this button is placed behind the steering wheel to help the driver easily use and adjust up and down without taking his hands off the steering wheel.

The function of the gear shift paddle helps the driver temporarily change from automatic transmission to manual mode. Specifically, when the gear lever is in D, the driver just needs to pull the gear shift paddle, the manual mode will be activated and the selected gear will be displayed on the gear indicator light on the dashboard.

You need to pay attention, the symbol “-” decreases the number, “+” increases the number.

2. Basic buttons

Steering wheel buttons:The steering wheel is an important part of the car, integrated with many buttons to adjust the light and signal, horn, wiper... Normally, the steering wheel knob has 3 main positions: OFF, PARKING and ON.

In the middle of the steering wheel is the car horn that the driver can use in emergency situations. However, you should note that you should not overuse the car horn in large urban areas because it will cause noise pollution.

The wiper control lever of the car is no different from other brands. In general, all car brands have the MIST, INT, LO positions. Specifically, the wiper control buttons are located on the right side behind the steering wheel.

MIST: Fog wiper mode - wipes at high speed until the lever is released. INT: Slow and intermittent wiper mode. LO: Slow wiper mode. OFF: Turns the wiper off. HI: Fast wiper mode. Auto: Automatic wiper mode. To turn on, off or change the wiper modes, simply push up or down according to the corresponding position of each symbol printed on the lever.

Hands-free talk button:Using a phone while driving a car has many potential risks of causing accidents. Therefore, the car talk button was created to help drivers not be distracted while making phone calls. This button is symbolized as a phone and is placed on the steering wheel.

Button on gear lever:The gear shifter is the most complicated part of a car with buttons. Manual and automatic cars will have many differences.

But basically, you just need to keep in mind the following:

For manual transmission: Neutral gear is 0; forward gear has many levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…; reverse gear is R.

For automatic cars: Neutral gear 0, forward gear D, reverse gear R, park P.

Fuel tank cap release button:The fuel tank cap release lever is usually marked with a fuel column symbol and is located on the outer corner below the driver's seat dashboard.

Hood release button:The button to open the hood is located on the outer corner below the dashboard on the driver's side. You just need to find the button with the image of a car to open the hood.

Main door lock and unlock button:Many people who first use a car are often confused about unlocking or locking the car door. Many people struggle for a long time to find this button. This button is usually located in the control cluster on the driver's side door. The symbol is an open/lock lock.

Air conditioner button:The AC button on the car is the button to turn on/off the air conditioning system on the car, which is the abbreviation for Air Conditioner. The air conditioning control panel is usually located right in the middle of the dashboard or you can find it in the central entertainment screen.

Hazard warning button:If you see a red triangle button located in the center of the dashboard, this is the car's hazard warning button. When you press this button, the hazard warning lights will be turned on to warn other vehicles of danger ahead or in the car that is in danger and needs help.

Engine start/stop button:Modern cars today are equipped with an engine start/stop button and smart keys instead of traditional keys.

This button is useful in cases such as:

- Step on the brake and press the button: Start the engine

- No brake pedal, just press the button: Only starts the vehicle's electrical system.

- Shift the gear lever to P and press the button: Engine off, steering wheel locked, vehicle electrical system off.

- Shift gear to P and press the button: The engine turns off but the vehicle's electrical system remains active.

Rearview mirror adjustment button: Most cars today are equipped with smart electric adjustment function on the rearview mirror. This function will work when the car's ignition is on. The button is located in the control cluster on the driver's side door.

You will see 2 buttons labeled L and R to adjust the mirror to the left or right. After turning it left or right, you will continue to adjust the mirror up or down with the MIRROR button. In addition, you need to pay attention to the mirror adjustment cluster with an electric folding button. When you press this button, the rearview mirror will automatically fold inward.

With the center rearview mirror, if you want to adjust, just turn the lever below the mirror. Slide up to observe during the day, slide down to reduce glare when driving at night.