Polish mechanics evaluate modern systems that facilitate driving
Focus not only on the road - sign recognition system
Cameras monitoring the surroundings are becoming a standard in many car models. They support various systems, such as lane assistant or road sign recognition. The principle of operation is simple: the camera registers signs while driving and displays appropriate notifications to the driver on the on-board computer screen.
- The character recognition system is available on models of many brands. Of course, this is not yet standard equipment, for such an assistant you usually have to pay extra. The solution itself can be really helpful, especially in newer cars, where such a system is often coupled with navigation. The driver receives notifications at the right time, which allows him to quickly correct driving and adapt to regulations, e.g. regarding speed limits or overtaking. This is important both on a new route and where we already drive a bit "by heart". Unfortunately, the simplest systems that do not use GPS are hardly a reliable solution. If the sign is, for example, damaged or dirty, the camera may not recognize it. In some cars, there are also situations where the cameras read e.g. motorway exits and treat them as a restriction for the entire road. Therefore, the system does not exempt us from maintaining common sense and knowledge of traffic regulations. For example, in Poland, the speed limit outside the sign cancels the intersection, and a simple system will not recognize it and will continue to display a message about the limit - says Adam Lehnort, ProfiAuto expert.
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Find a spot and the car will do the rest - parking assistant
Parking assistance systems are no longer the hallmark of high-end cars. Currently, they can be found in an increasing number of models, also among city cars. How it's working? When we find a parking space, the computer performs calculations, assessing the appropriate distances, and helps the driver to perform the parking maneuver. The car will start to control the steering wheel, but it is the person who should press the gas and brake, although there are already cars that do this as well as shifting gears. Of course, there are cars on the market that allow parking without the presence of the driver, e.g. BMW 7 series - can enter the garage, but must be positioned in front of the entrance. On the other hand, in E-class Mercedes, it is even possible to park perpendicularly and parallelly, even when the car is not perfectly parked and there is no driver in it. However, in less prestigious models, this option requires the presence of the driver. Many online videos show that a seemingly simple activity such as parking can cause a lot of problems. Therefore, the assistant may turn out to be a friend of people who do not feel like maneuvering masters.
An extra pair of eyes, i.e. cameras and parking sensors
While the parking assistant may be considered by some drivers as an unnecessary gadget, cameras and sensors helping during this activity can be really useful. More and more models are equipped with such solutions as standard.
-Parking sensors are a big help for drivers who do not have to rely solely on the mirrors and their "feel" of the car. This is one of the more useful and practical solutions to facilitate maneuvering. They especially facilitate reverse parking when our field of vision is very limited. They work differently, depending on the car model (including due to the calibration of their sensitivity). If, in addition to the sensors, the car is additionally equipped with a camera, the simplification is double. We don't have to look in the mirror, only at the display screen in the car. Of course, you should remember that the camera can get dirty, and the visibility will be sometimes limited or distorted, for example by sunlight - comments Adam Lehnort.
Economic and smooth driving with Shift Assist
In theory, every driver knows when to shift up or downshift. Some learned it during a driving course, others only in practice - by trial and error during independent driving. Seemingly difficult, but manufacturers of many well-known brands are increasingly installing gear shift assistants in individual models. It is supposed to affect the smoothness of driving and the optimization of fuel consumption. How does it work? When the driver starts moving, the car informs him, most often through visual signals - up or down arrows - that he should shift up or downshift. The whole thing is controlled by an on-board computer that analyzes the current driving and its parameters. Each model has its own settings and shift recommendations. Basically, the point is to make the car burn as little fuel as possible, which is why the car suggests high gears when we have not yet left the parking lot. Gear shift information is only a recommendation, it all depends of course on the driving style of the driver. It should be remembered that driving at too low revs will translate into lower fuel consumption, but the savings may be apparent. Such a driving style will accelerate the wear of engine and transmission components, and these repairs are not cheap.
For long journeys and to the city - active cruise control
"Adventure" with active cruise control was started by car manufacturers in the 90s of the last century. Since then, technology has moved forward, and with it solutions that maintain a constant speed and distance from the vehicle in front. In the past, active cruise control was the domain of high-end cars, but now we can find them even in city cars.
- If the driver has ever used cruise control while driving, he knows that it is a very useful solution. When we go on a long trip, e.g. on the highway, it is very convenient to set a specific speed and calmly go to your destination. The option of active cruise control is an even greater convenience that will work not only during long-distance driving, but also in city traffic. Thanks to the system of cameras and sensors, the on-board computer continuously analyzes the distance of our car from other vehicles. This allows you to accelerate or decelerate when it is safe to do so. Electronics is responsible for everything, but it is always up to the driver to make the final decisions regarding the operation of the system, says Adam Lehnort.
Systems supporting the work of drivers are becoming a standard. The more advanced ones are available for an additional fee or in higher priced vehicles. All of them have been designed with comfort and safety in mind. Do we need them during everyday use of the car? There is no clear answer here, because the choice of a specific system or assistant depends on the needs and skills of the driver. Therefore, before buying a vehicle, it is worth considering whether it will be a useful solution or an unnecessary gadget. Let us also remember that no system can be blindly relied on and it is the driver who takes responsibility for a safe journey.
