Adaptive Cruise Control and how it really works
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Understanding Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Enhancing Driving Safety
Cars have evolved from simple two-stroke, one-cylinder powered carts to the sophisticated Hypercars of today. Modern cars increasingly rely on technology to enhance the driving experience. One such technology is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Also known as active cruise control, intelligent cruise control, autonomous cruise control, or radar cruise control, ACC first appeared in a Mitsubishi car, the Diamante. It was called Preview Distance Control and could control speed through throttle and downshifting, but not apply brakes. The latest adaptations of ACC offer much more advanced features.
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What’s the Difference between Adaptive Cruise Control and Standard Cruise Control?
Standard Cruise Control, or simple Cruise Control, has been around for decades and is still offered by most car manufacturers in their mid to high-end models. This system maintains the speed of the car according to the desired level set by the driver. This feature is particularly convenient during long drives on open highways as it allows the driver to take their foot off the pedal and focus on steering.
In contrast, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is equipped with the ability to detect other vehicles in front and measure the distance between them. When the distance reaches a predefined minimum threshold, the system reduces the speed of the equipped car to avoid potential collisions.
How Does ACC Work?
There are various implementations of Adaptive Cruise Control, depending on how the car manufacturer designs the system. Essentially, ACC decreases or increases the car's speed to maintain the distance set by the driver.
ACC relies on one or more sensors for detection and measurement. These sensors may include radar, ultrasonic, laser, or even video cameras. They are connected to a computer that analyzes the collected data and initiates actions based on the predefined thresholds. ACC can read and respond to traffic in the lane where the car is traveling.
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How to Set the Adaptive Cruise Control
To set ACC, the driver must first accelerate to the desired speed and then turn on the ACC system. The driver also needs to specify the following distance or gap, which determines how far the car should stay from the vehicle in front before ACC engages. Typically, there are preset distances such as short, medium, or long, depending on the specifications of the ACC system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ACC
Like standard cruise control, ACC is designed to make driving easier and more comfortable for the driver. Once set, the driver can relax their foot from the pedals (gas, clutch, and brakes) while remaining aware of their surroundings. ACC enhances this convenience by detecting the vehicle ahead, measuring the distance, and adjusting speed to prevent accidents.
However, it is important to note that ACC is most effective during clear weather conditions. It is not advisable to use ACC in heavy rain, fog, on dirty or muddy roads, or in snowy conditions, as these scenarios can impair sensor functionality and increase the risk of accidents.
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