How do I know if my car has parking assist?

In most modern cars, parking assist shows up as bumper sensors, a rear- or 360-degree camera, and on-screen prompts or steering assistance. The quickest way to confirm is to inspect the bumpers for sensors, look for a camera and a parking-view display when in reverse, and check the owner's manual or the window sticker for the term "Parking Assist" or "Park Assist".

What counts as parking assist

Parking assist spans a range of technologies designed to help you park with less effort. The following components are commonly used terms in vehicle brochures and owner manuals:

• Ultrasonic parking sensors embedded in the front and rear bumpers that emit audible beeps and show distance on the dash.


• A rear-view camera, and often a 360-degree "bird’s-eye" camera system that stitches multiple camera angles into a single view.


• On-screen parking guidance with lines and a proximity overlay on the instrument cluster or infotainment display.


• Automatic or semi-automatic parking features (Park Assist/Auto Park) that steer the car into spaces while you control braking and acceleration.


• Active parking assist or steering assist that can guide you at low speeds during parallel or perpendicular parking.

Feature availability varies by make, model, trim level, and market. Some features might be bundled with premium packages or only on newer models.

Visual cues and verification

In many cars, you can verify parking assist by looking for a P-with-sensor-icons on the dashboard, a camera icon on the infotainment display when reversing, or on-screen guidance lines that appear as you approach a space.

How to check in your car and enable parking assist

Follow these steps to confirm and enable parking assist on your vehicle. The exact steps vary by brand and year.

• Turn on the car and shift into Reverse to see the backup camera or 360-degree view on the display, which indicates the system is active.


• Look for a dedicated Park Assist button on the center console or steering wheel, often labeled with a P and sonar waves icons.


• Check the Infotainment or instrument cluster menus for a Parking Assist, Park Assist, Active Park Assist, or Surround View option to enable or customize settings.


• Note that some systems activate automatically at low speeds or when you select a parking space; others require manual activation.


• Confirm if your trim includes Park Assist or Surround-View by checking the window sticker or the owner's manual; some features require optional packages.

Regardless of brand, if you can't locate the controls or displays described above, your vehicle may not have parking assist or may only have a limited subset of the features.

Where to find more information

For the most reliable confirmation, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the window sticker on the door jamb or window, or contact your dealer. They can tell you exactly which driver-assistance features are included in your trim and how to activate them.

Summary

Parking assist is common on newer cars but not universal. Quick checks include bumper sensors, a rear or 360-degree camera, and on-screen proximity prompts. Always verify with official documentation or your dealer, as features vary by model, year, and trim level.

How do I tell if my car has park assist?

You can check if you have the parking, by checking the physical buttons beneath the touch screen. One is labelled park or p assist or something like that (only if you have the feature, obviously).

How do I turn on parking assist?

To turn on parking assist, press the dedicated button on your center console or activate it through the "settings" menu on your car's infotainment screen. After activating, use your turn signal to search for a space on the left or right, or select the option on the screen. Once the system finds a spot, follow the on-screen instructions to begin parking. 
This video demonstrates how to activate automatic parking assist in a Cadillac: 1mCadillacYouTube · Apr 9, 2024
Detailed steps

• Press the button: Look for a button with a "P" and a steering wheel symbol on your center console and press it. Some cars may require you to find the feature in the "Controls" or "Settings" section of the main infotainment display. 
• Select the search direction: Use your turn signal to indicate whether you want to find a parking spot on the left or right side of the vehicle, or choose the side on the center display. 
• Drive past the spot: Drive slowly past the parking spaces until the system detects a suitable one. A chime will sound, and a "Spot Found" message will appear on the screen. 
• Follow the instructions: Stop when the screen tells you to, then put the vehicle in reverse (or as instructed) and remove your hands from the steering wheel. 
• Control the pedals: Continue to control the brake and accelerator as directed on the touchscreen to complete the maneuver. 
• Finish parking: The system will alert you when it is finished parking with a chime and a "Finished" message. 

This video shows how to use the parking assist feature in a GMC Acadia: 57sCars With SteveYouTube · Mar 17, 2025

What does the p with a triangle button mean in a car?

The "P" with a triangle button activates the park assist system, which uses sensors to help you park. This system can be used to activate parking sensors that beep to warn you of obstacles, or a more advanced automatic parking assist that can steer the car into a space while you control the pedals, with the exact function varying by vehicle.
 
What it does

• Parking sensors: The button turns on sensors that detect objects around your car. As you get closer to an obstacle, the sensors will emit a series of beeps that get faster until they become a continuous tone. 
• Automatic parking assist: On some vehicles, pressing this button initiates a system that finds and steers the car into a parking spot. You may still need to control the brakes and accelerator, while the car handles the steering. 

How to use it

• To activate sensors: Press the button once to turn the parking assist system on. An indicator light on the button will usually illuminate to show it's active. 
• To activate automatic parking: You may need to press the button and then follow on-screen prompts, which often includes using your turn signal to indicate the side of the parking spot you want to use. 
• To turn off: Press the button again to turn the system off. 

Why it might be flashing or not working

• Dirty sensors: The indicator light may flash or turn on if the sensors are blocked by dirt, mud, or snow. 
• Obstacle detection: The system is designed to warn you of obstacles, so the light might flash or the alarm might sound if the sensors detect something. 

When to turn it off

• You may want to turn off the system temporarily if it's interfering with your driving, such as when you are towing a trailer or have a bike rack on the back of your car. 

What does the park assist symbol look like?

The parking assist symbol is typically a "P" with a car icon and a cone or lines, indicating the parking assistance system is active. The "P" stands for parking, the car represents your vehicle, and the cone or lines show that the sensors are detecting objects nearby. The specific design varies by manufacturer.
 
Key components of the symbol

• The letter "P": This is the most consistent element, standing for "parking". 
• A car icon: Represents your vehicle. 
• A cone or lines: Represents obstacles detected by the parking sensors. 
• Wireless signal icon: Some symbols may include a wireless signal icon to show the sensors are active and scanning. 

How it works

• Activation: When you press the parking assist button, the symbol appears on your dashboard to confirm the system is on. 
• Function: The system uses sensors to detect objects and a corresponding visual on your dashboard or head-up display will change to show your distance from them. 
• Alerts: The system will provide audio and visual alerts that increase in frequency or intensity as you get closer to an object. 
• Turning off: Pressing the button again or turning the car off will typically deactivate the system. 

Important considerations

• Consult your owner's manual: The exact design and functionality of the symbol can differ between car models. Always check your owner's manual for specific details on your vehicle's system. 
• Other symbols: Be aware that the "P" symbol can have other meanings (e.g., Park gear, autopilot) so look for the additional icons like the cone or lines to confirm it's the parking assist feature.