Maintain Vehicle Safety Sensors to Ensure Optimal Performance

To ensure your vehicle’s safety systems function effectively, it is crucial to keep safety sensors clean, particularly during winter months. Vehicles manufactured in recent years may be equipped with up to six different types of sensors that play vital roles in driver safety. Neglecting their maintenance could impair their ability to protect you on the road.

Types of Safety Sensors and Cleaning Tips

The first sensor to address is the backup camera. This camera typically features an anti-reflective coating that can be damaged by improper cleaning techniques. To maintain it, flush the lens with water and wipe it gently using a soft cloth. The rear windshield washer may have a specialized nozzle that assists in this cleaning process. For added protection, consider applying a hydrophobic coating to help keep the lens clear over time.

Next, the bumper sensors, which serve as parking assistants, require attention as well. These small, circular sensors located in the vehicle’s bumpers should be cleaned with a combination of water and car wash detergent applied with a soft cloth. Ensuring these sensors are free from dirt and grime will help them function correctly.

Radar sensors used in blind spot monitoring are housed within the rear body panels. Regularly remove any accumulated dirt, snow, or salt to maintain their effectiveness. Similarly, the sensors responsible for forward collision warnings and lane departure alerts are situated behind the upper center of the windshield. It is essential to keep this glass area clean, but be cautious not to apply hydrophobic treatments in this section, as advised by the Subaru owner’s manual.

Additional Sensors and Their Maintenance

The 360-degree camera system, which provides comprehensive visibility around the vehicle, requires lens cleaning similar to that of the backup camera. Regular maintenance of these lenses ensures that the cameras accurately capture their surroundings.

Finally, many vehicles house radar sensors behind the front grille. Keeping this area free from snow and ice is important for the sensors to function optimally. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in vehicles around you rely on these sensors to activate features like automatic emergency braking (AEB). Ensuring that your lights are clean and operational is crucial for your vehicle to be correctly recognized by other vehicles’ systems.

Retired constable Tim Schewe emphasizes the importance of maintaining these safety sensors. He advises vehicle owners not to disable ADAS features, as they are designed to enhance safety on the road. Regularly checking and cleaning these sensors can significantly contribute to a safer driving experience.

For more information on vehicle safety and maintenance, visit DriveSmartBC.ca.