The Best In Car Technology - 2022

Automotive technology is consistently improving and developing. In terms of both safety and performance, important strides have been made to improve the vehicles we drive at a rapid pace in recent years.

It goes without saying that the cars we drive today look completely different from the cars of thirty or forty years ago. The operational aspects and aesthetics have dramatically changed and are still in the process of changing. This is mostly due to a group of electronic technologies known as the ‘Advanced Driver-Assistance System’, or ‘ADAS’ for short.

In this blog, we take a look at the individual technologies which make up ADAS and explore their unique roles in helping to keep us safe on the roads.

ADAS technologies

If you drive what is considered to be a fairly ‘modern’ car, the chances are that you will have encountered ADAS at some point. Whether parking or driving, ADAS uses human-machine interfaces to help drivers gauge their surroundings more accurately. This can take the form of parking sensors, lane assist software, and more.

Since most road traffic accidents are down to human error, it makes sense to target the zones of perception and spatial awareness when developing new assistive technologies. To some extent, ADAS can allow for autonomous driving, making it much easier for drivers to be safer in motion. For more information about ADAS in a deep-dive format, read another of our blog posts here.

Previously we’ve seen a more intense focus on fully autonomous driving but, with growing resistance to fully driverless cars, a lot of the tech developed for autonomous driving can instead be used to help & guide active drivers.

Here are some of the most exciting ADAS elements being developed.

1. Night vision

Night vision technology is already utilised heavily by organisations such as the army. Although this is typically found in more expensive vehicles currently, it is gradually expanding across a range of vehicles.

Night vision technology is helpful for nighttime driving as it improves visibility for drivers. It is especially useful for drivers on dark country lanes or unlit motorway sections.

2. Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is used to help the driver remain at an appropriate speed in relation to the vehicle in front. This improves the experience and safety of motorway driving in heavy traffic. It helps to prevent driver fatigue and avoid unnecessary accidents by automatically moderating vehicle speed.

3. Autonomous emergency braking

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is an important technological development to help to prevent accidents caused by driver error. This technology has been created to bring the vehicle to a stop automatically when a hazard is detected.

This reduces the risk of accidents due to drivers reacting to obstructions too late. At Continental’s Vision Zero Live events, they demonstrate this technology firsthand. Find out more here.

4. Self- parking

One of the areas of driving that many drivers find challenging is parking. Autonomous Self Parking (ASP) relies on sophisticated sensors which allow the vehicle to get into a parking space without input from the driver. If the sensors detect potential hazards, the vehicle will automatically come to a stop and only attempt the manoeuvre again when it is safe to do so.

5. Intelligent speed assistance

Governments are considering making this technology compulsory in vehicles. It restricts the car to the speed limit and, when paired with Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle will automatically speed up or slow down as the speed limit changes.

6. Hill descent control

This requires the driver to trust the technology. Hill Descent Control (HDI) is possible when the driver doesn’t touch the brakes when going down a hill. The brakes are automatically activated to steadily bring the car down the hill while the Anti-Lock Braking system keeps the vehicle stable.

Some drivers may not be comfortable with surrendering this much control but when you see the technology in action, the benefits of it are clear. Find out more about autonomous driving here.

7. 360- degree camera systems

Cameras are placed around the car which provide drivers with a view of the surroundings which wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This is especially useful for tight spaces where it is important to be fully aware of your surroundings. Find out more about smart sensors and cameras here.

Regenerative Braking

When it comes to electric & hybrid vehicles, the available range makes a real difference to real-world use. After all, we’re so used to being able to drive for, say, 200 miles, then stopping off at a petrol station, filling up, and heading on. But many electric cars have to be plugged in for a number of hours before they’ll have enough charge to go much further.

Regenerative braking is a fancy way of recapturing a significant amount of energy from braking so that EVs can go much further. Read a deep-dive of what it is and how it works here.

EV Superchargers

To continue from the last tech, Tesla recently released their Supercharger systems. These are supposedly able to charge a car enough for an extra 200 miles in as little as 15 minutes.

They’re yet to get widespread installation in the UK, especially outside of London, but it is a really promising development that’s likely to encourage more drivers to make the switch to full EVs. After all, if you only have to stop for 15 minutes to “refuel”, it’s a perfect amount of time to grab a coffee, get a snack, and rest up!

Drive at your best with Kwik Fit

With all this new and improved technology, it is expected that things might go wrong sometimes. And, should they do so, the experts at Kwik Fit can help you and your vehicle.

Our ADAS calibration services are capable of readjusting vehicles fitted with LiDAR or RADAR and camera detection to get you back on the road in no time. Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our specialist ADAS calibration centres.