When your customers buckle themselves in behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are now many systems installed that assist in getting them safely from point A to point B. Thanks to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in nearly every make and model manufactured today, vehicles have never been safer. In fact, ADAS technology is advancing so quickly that there is proof that these advances prevent more and more accidents every year.

ADAS systems include a complex network of sensors and cameras located around the vehicle. These microscopic points of contact work together with the computer to perform countless calculations while drivers operate the wheel. And as we are seeing, driverless vehicles are now hitting the roadways thanks to ADAS. But how do you identify these on a vehicle? Well, here’s what Triad Truck & Auto Tools wants you to know.

The Anatomy of ADAS

Not all manufacturers include the same ADAS features. While you will find a lot of similarities, some of the leading universal features include lane assist, automatic braking to avoid collisions and rear-view camera operations for easy backouts. But let’s look at a few of the other features that you might find in today’s vehicles.

1. Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control operates similarly to regular cruise control. But in ACC, radar sensors also measure the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This means adaptive cruise control will control your speed if you approach a car too quickly. In the case of adaptive cruise control, there will also be wheel speed sensors and an ACC button on the steering wheel.

2. Blind Spot Warning

Changing lanes at a high rate of speed on the highway requires several mirror checks and a glance over the shoulder. Vehicles equipped with the blind spot warning system provide drivers with an extra layer of protection. Like park assist sensors or warning lights, blind-spot warning lights are often found in the side mirrors and light up when a vehicle is in your blind spot.

3. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

The forward collision warning (FCW) does exactly what you would expect: It prevents collisions with the vehicle in front of you. This system warns you when you approach another vehicle too quickly and even applies pressure to the brakes to avoid an accident. Often, the warning light for this system is located on the dash and flashes bright red. In some vehicles, even the seats vibrate.

4. Night Vision

Not all vehicles are equipped with full computer panels as the dash. But for those that are, these vehicles often come with night vision. Using infrared sensors on the front of the vehicle, this night vision system allows you to see further in the dark by displaying those images on the dashboard. In some makes, like BMW, these sensors even pick up pedestrians ahead and alert you when you’re too close.

5. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

While the ESC has been mandatory in vehicles since 2012, technology continues to advance, making this feature a crucial component. The ESC’s role is to control the skid in a hard braking scenario. For example, if the ESC picks up your car veering off to one side, it will apply small steering and braking actions to correct course.

Deciphering the Lingo

As we have already discussed, not every make and model comes with the same ADAS features. In fact, many of these advanced ADAS features are only available in certain makes with a certain trim. Additionally, deciphering all the ways OEMs brand the same technology can be tricky. How are you supposed to tell the difference between Honda’s Road Departure Mitigation System and Volvo’s Lane Keeping Aid?

While these systems do the same thing and operate similarly to protect drivers, one of the best ways to tell which one you are dealing with and where those sensors are located is with your Autel diagnostic scan tools. These tools and software databases are critical for any repair shop, giving automotive technicians access to thousands of OEM codes and data information.

Choose Your Tool from Triad

If Autel tools have been on your list for quite some time, now is the time to purchase your diagnostic scan tools from Triad Diagnostic Solutions. Our ADAS tool packages come with everything you need to recalibrate ADAS systems on all makes and models. So, order yours online today, or give us a call at (317) 939-3690.