OWNERS of newer car models must check their advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) before driving during the winter or risk spending thousands on repairs.
As temperatures begin to dip across the country, the Department of Transport has issued an advisory, informing drivers to check their ADAS functions before driving.
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ADAS are technologies that help drivers operate their vehicles safely while behind the wheel.
Several new car models are equipped with high-tech features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, driver alertness detection, and parking assistance.
However, drivers could shell out thousands in repair costs when one of the ADAS features stops functioning.
Calum Thompson, the group aftersales director at Vertu Motors, provided some insight information for drivers this winter.
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“Almost all of the new cars that you browse for nowadays will have some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS),” Thompson said.
“But it’s not easy to know which ones are worthwhile for the types of journeys you are going to make.
“That’s why it’s important that you know what each of them do and what they are for.
“This can help you make an informed decision about what technologies are going to improve your driving experiences and which are going to be little buttons on your car that you don’t know they do because you’ve never pressed them.”
Repairing ADAS components can have significant implications on one’s budget.
The average cost of preparing ADAS parts in a minor front collision can cost a driver around $1,540, according to the American Automobile Association.
Thompson’s data showed that nearly 4,000 collisions occur due to sudden braking or driving close to another car on the road.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The expert recommends investing in your vehicle’s adaptive cruise control to prevent fender-bender accidents.
“This can monitor the speed of the car in front of you and adapt your speed to help maintain a safe distance between your front bumper and the back of another car,” Thompson said.
BLIND SPOT MONITORING
Another good feature to always be aware of is your car’s blind spot monitoring.
About 10% of collisions occur due to ineffective observation, according to the expert.
“This system involves sensors installed in your wing mirrors that alert you when another vehicle is in your blind spot,” said Thompson.
“Some systems can even anticipate potential collisions and engage steering control or issue an alert to prevent accidents.”
DRIVER ALERTNESS DETECTION
Thompson attributed 13,000 collisions to driver distraction and suggested updating your vehicle’s driver alertness detection system.
“This system can monitor your steering patterns, vehicle positioning, and in some cases where the driver is looking,” he said.
“It can be particularly helpful in winter when you will spend more time driving in the dark and concentration can wane.”
PARKING ASSIST
Finally, Thompson recommends keeping your parking assist feature up to date.
“And with 25% of all insurance claims relating to collisions at low speed or during parking, it’s no surprise the popularity of parking assist,” the expert said.
“This can range from ultrasonic sensors which monitor the space around you and notify you if you are close to hitting something, to semi-automated systems which are able to measure the space and take over the brakes and steering for you.
“They are particularly beneficial for drivers navigating busy urban areas and maneuvering into tight multi-story parking spots.”
More winter car advice from AAA
The American Automobile Association shared advice on preparing your car for the winter months.
AAA gave the following tips for drivers getting ready for cold weather:
- Get your brakes checked
- Check tire pressure
- Test your car’s battery
- Apply water repellent to your windshield
- Check antifreeze levels
- Clean your headlights
- Have emergency tools available like jumper cables, salt, and an ice scraper
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