What’s new (and what’s standard) with vehicle technology
With all the new bells and whistles on cars these days cars are getting easier to drive and harder to crash. Of course no technology replaces good driving and we still see lots of our customers in fender benders.
Here are some innovations that come standard on vehicles and some that are growing in popularity:
Tire pressure monitoring systems
Your tires are the only four points connecting your car with the road. So you don’t want to drive with low tire pressure that could lead to a blowout. A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, can help prevent an accident. TPMS works with sensors in your tires. When the pressure gets too low, a dashboard light will turn on and warn you about the tires. The alert could mean one of your tires is underinflated, has a bubble in the sidewall or is punctured. TPMS have been standard in all passenger cars and light trucks since 2008.
Electronic stability control
ESC works when it senses a loss in steering control like in a skid, running off pavement to gravel or slipping in wet or icy conditions. The ECS system will kick in and apply brakes to individual wheels while reducing engine power. This helps the driver remain in control and reacts much faster that a driver ever will. According to stats, the system lowers the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by up to 56 percent. This feature has been standard in all vehicles from 2012.
Reversing cameras
The reversing camera is such a basic idea we wonder why it wasn’t introduced earlier: Put a camera on the back of your car so you can see what's behind you while you're backing up. All passenger vehicles are required to include rear-visibility technology on standard models by 2018.
Blind Spot Information System - BLIS
While adjusting the mirrors should eliminate most blind spots, many auto makers include blind spot systems that use video, laser and infrared sensors. These warn the driver -- through a light, sound or vibration -- when something is in the blind spot. Of course drivers are still expected to check mirrors and shoulder check but this is a good failsafe. Blind spot monitoring was first used in 2007 on Volvos and doesn't come standard on all vehicles yet but it’s only a matter of time.
Lane departure warning system
Much like the blind spot warning system, sensors will trigger a sound or vibrate the steering wheel when the car leaves the lane of traffic. Some systems even help correct the car with an ‘assist’ system. These systems first came to the US in 2008 with GM in Cadillacs and Buicks.
Collision avoidance system
Toyota and Nissan first introduce the forward collision warning systems in 2003 and they have been rolling out in more vehicles ever since. Front sensors use radar and a camera to detect an imminent crash. The systems will provide a warning but many will automatically charge or apply the brakes if an object is approaching too quickly or during an accident. Some systems are even able to detect pedestrians or cyclists. Adaptive cruise control works with the same technology, avoiding rear end collisions by following at a steady distance in traffic.
With so many new features on vehicles it’s a wonder that cars are in accidents at all. But if you find yourself in an accident in need of repair, give us a call. Not only will we repair your vehicle, we will also restore all your technology, sensors and cameras back to pre-accident condition.
Call us at 562-426-2639 to schedule your repair or estimate.
