A new study has revealed that 41% of drivers don’t understand the purpose of a window lock button and the lack of knowledge extends to many other common car console symbols.
A new survey conducted by Auto Trader reveals that many drivers are in the dark about what basic symbols mean. In a world where cars are stocked with increasingly sophisticated technology, car console symbols are proving to be tricky to understand.
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Door-lock-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
The research, conducted by the UK’s biggest automotive marketplace, showed over 1000 drivers several symbols for buttons commonly found in a car’s centre console to determine whether they understood its purpose. Drivers who claimed to fully understand what a symbol represented were then asked to describe it in further detail.
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Front-and-Rear-fog-lights-buttons.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
The survey revealed over 40% of drivers are unable to understand the function of window lock buttons when shown a picture of it. Cruise control, parking assist and AUTO are also among some of the most misunderstood symbols.
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hazard-lights-v2.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
When looking at age differences, the results reveal that, while over half of drivers (52%) don’t understand the purpose of the Parking Assist button, it’s those aged 55 and above that struggle the most: nearly 62% admit they aren’t aware of its function.
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MEM-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SYNC-button-V2.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Parking-Assist-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AUTO-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cruise-Control.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/window-lock-button-V2.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/traction-control-V2.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rear-window-demister-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1741989.smushcdn.com/1741989/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Recirculating-Air-button.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
1 | MEM | 77% | Saves and recalls preferred settings for seat positions, radio stations, or other customisable features in some car models. |
2 | SYNC | 73% | Synchronises air conditioning settings or a vehicle’s entertainment system with external devices. |
3 | Parking Assist | 52% | Activates parking assistance systems, such as sensors or cameras. |
4 | AUTO | 43% | Controls automatic climate control systems. |
5 | Cruise Control | 41% | Allows the car to maintain a constant speed set by the driver. |
6 | Window Lock | 41% | Prevents passengers from opening or closing individual windows. |
7 | Traction Control | 38% | Helps maintain tyre grip and prevent wheel spin. |
8 | Rear Window Demister | 32% | Activates a grid of heating elements on the rear window for better visibility. |
9 | Recirculating Air | 32% | Controls air circulation mode. |
One Response
I am not surprised at all, there’s a worrying amount of people driving with no headlights in the dark and they wouldn’t know where to find the headlight switch either, I bet!