4 technologies to support driving on complex terrain, new drivers should know
Understanding the functions and how to use the increasingly popular driving assistance systems on cars, especially 7-seat SUVs, pickup trucks... will help "new drivers" reduce stress and drive safely on complex terrain.
On many car models today, especially 7-seat SUVs or pickup trucks... manufacturers equip many driving assistance technology systems. However, there is a paradox, many people who buy a car for the first time often choose versions equipped with many driving assistance technologies... but in reality, they rarely use them, and some "new drivers" do not even know what those features and technologies are for!?
Below are 5 driving assistance systems that "new drivers" should understand when driving on complex terrain or off-road:
1. Hill start assist system
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Hill Start Assist maintains braking force on all four wheels to keep the vehicle stationary for 3 - 5 seconds on a slope. |
On complex terrain, stopping and starting the car halfway up a slope is a relatively difficult situation that any driver, from the time they first get used to the steering wheel until they are confident in steering on the road, has experienced at least once.
This situation is very dangerous for vehicles not equipped with a hill-start assist system. Because if the driver does not accelerate in time when releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle can easily roll backwards and a collision may occur. With models equipped with this technology, when the driver stops the vehicle on a slope, the sensor on the vehicle will be activated to detect the tilt. The hill-start assist system will maintain braking force on all 4 wheels to keep the vehicle stationary for about 3 - 5 seconds, depending on the vehicle model. Although this period of time is quite short, it is enough for the driver to comfortably switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal so that the vehicle can continue moving.
2. Hill Descent Control System
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The system will deactivate when it detects the driver pressing the accelerator or when the vehicle is moving on a flat road. |
In fact, many car users, especially new drivers, do not fully understand the operating mechanism of the downhill assist system - DAC, also known as HDC (Hill Descent Control), so they are not confident when using it and even forget this feature when driving on steep passes or difficult terrain.
The hill descent assist system integrated into today's car models is very easy to use. When driving downhill, the driver only needs to activate the system through a button usually located on the center console or near the gear shift lever. When the hill descent assist system is active, the driver does not need to brake but only needs to focus on observing and adjusting the steering wheel. On steep slopes, if the vehicle's speed is pushed up due to inertia, the vehicle will automatically add braking force to maintain the appropriate speed. The system will stop activating when it detects the driver stepping on the gas or when the vehicle is moving on a flat road.
3. Traction control system
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Traction control system helps reduce wheel spin, on slippery roads or uneven terrain |
This system helps limit wheel slippage and helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle, especially on slippery roads or uneven terrain. The traction control system is automatically activated when it detects signs of wheel spin and loss of traction. The system then applies braking force to the wheels that are spinning and losing traction and reduces engine power to stop the spinning wheels. The system is automatically activated when the vehicle is started and begins to move.
4. Collision warning system and camera support observation
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Some vehicles also display images on the central screen and interior rearview mirror from cameras mounted on the vehicle. |
This system on popular cars is often used by manufacturers with sensors mounted on the front, rear or side of the car to calculate the distance between the car and surrounding vehicles and objects and then issue warnings to the driver. Some cars also display images on the central screen from cameras mounted on the car.
When moving on complex terrain, the system will warn the driver of the risk of collision through sound, warning lights or images displayed on the screen. This technology helps the driver detect the risk of collision, easily observe and steer the vehicle to move appropriately.