IllusTraTIons : Jason schneIder |
Blind-spot monitoring
Sensors near the rear bumper use radar to determine if another vehicle is coming up alongside yours .
Winter Warning :
Rain and snow may confuse radar signals , limiting their effectiveness . Most systems warn motorists with a signal light on the driver-side mirror . Make sure it ’ s clear of snow .
lane-departure Warning
Video , laser and / or infrared sensors detect visible road markings to warn you if you ’ re about to unintentionally cross them .
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Winter Warning :
Sensors typically have trouble deciphering road markings that are faded — or covered by snow .
ForWard collision Warning
A forward-facing camera or radar alerts you to take corrective action if your vehicle is about to collide with another . A more advanced version of this technology , forward collision mitigation , can actually apply the brakes .
Winter Warning :
Like other radarand camera-based systems , sensors may be affected
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by snow and ice . And slippery roads mean longer braking distances : Even given a warning , your vehicle may not be able to stop in time .
tire-pressure monitoring
Direct monitoring systems have a sensor in each wheel , alerting you to pressure changes . Indirect systems monitor the rotational speed of all wheels simultaneously . A tire that ’ s losing pressure will spin faster , and thus trigger an alert .
Winter Warning :
Most winter tires aren ’ t equipped with pressure
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sensors . So , if your car has a direct system , talk to your tire manufacturer or mechanic to see if sensors can be installed . With indirect systems , you won ’ t be alerted if all four tires are losing pressure at the same rate — which can happen with cold winter temperatures .
Back-up camera
Allows you to see the area directly behind your vehicle while it ’ s in reverse .
Winter Warning :
Snow , slush and ice can cloud the camera lens . Wipe it off before getting behind the wheel .
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“ driFting snoW ” Blowing snow caused by winds ; may cause snow to stick on road surfaces and lower visibility
“ sWirling snoW ” loose snow circling on road surfaces ; caused by wind and traffic
“ loose snoW ” less than 8 cm of uncompressed flakes covering the driving surface
“ Heavy snoW ” More than 8 cm of denser snow that can cause problems stopping or passing
“ snoW packed ” The entire road is coated in densely packed snow
“ snoW driFts ” small peaks of snow at intermittent intervals
“ visiBility reduced ” drivers can see less than 800 m ahead
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AMA InsIder WInTer 2016 47 |