Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a system designed to help vehicles maintain a safe distance and stay within the speed limit. It automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed.
ACC works by using sensor technologies installed in vehicles, such as cameras, lasers, and radar equipment, to create a picture of how close one vehicle is to another or other objects on the road.
These sensor technologies allow the car to detect and warn the driver of potential head-on collisions. When this happens, a red light starts flashing and the phrase "slow down now!" appears on the dashboard to help the driver slow down. There may also be an audible warning.
Adaptive cruise control, like other ADAS systems, requires proper configuration.
There is static and dynamic calibration. Static calibration takes place on a stationary vehicle. Instead of a handheld device, it takes place in a specialized workshop with many very sensitive technologies to evaluate each component or function and then restore them to optimal performance.
Dynamic calibration is also called mobile calibration. This type of calibration uses a portable device connected to the vehicle's systems. The vehicle is then driven a predetermined distance at a specified speed in ideal weather conditions. The distance and speed will be specified by the vehicle manufacturer to allow the system to adapt to normal road conditions.
During the static calibration, the technician will determine the line of sight and place the vehicle in front of the ADAS mechanism. Different ADAS equipment uses an array of targets (according to OEM specifications) that the device can read to recalibrate correctly.
During a dynamic calibration, the technician will drive the vehicle to fine-tune the camera, radar, or sensor depending on the device that needs calibration. The technician usually has to drive a straight route at a certain pace to calibrate the cameras. Dynamic calibration also requires visible lane markers and clear weather.
Since static calibration is performed in a workshop, it takes relatively less time. It can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the level of calibration required.
Dynamic calibration takes a little longer because it is performed while you are driving. It can take 2 to 3 hours, depending on the level of calibration required.
Adaptive cruise control will not work in bad weather, uneven roads, or when the road and surrounding vehicles are not clearly visible.