This article answers the popular question, What is forward collision warning (FCW) and why is it important?
What is a forward collision warning (FCW)?
According to MyCarDoesWhat.com, forward collision warning (FCW) systems warn you of an impending collision by detecting stopped or slowly moved vehicles ahead of your vehicle.
How does FCW work?
FCW uses radar, lasers, or cameras on the outside of your vehicle to scan the road ahead of you while you drive. If there’s a vehicle that has stopped very suddenly in front of you, the system will warn you of the danger using flashing lights or messages on the dash, loud noises or beeps, vibrations of your seat or steering wheel, or a combination of all these alerts.
Does FCW apply the brakes to avoid an accident?
Not necessarily. Some vehicles are equipped with FCW capabilities but are not equipped with additional technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking. Forward collision warning is the technology that alerts you of imminent danger in front of you, but Automatic Emergency Braking is the technology that applies your brakes and brings your vehicle to a stop to avoid a crash. With that being said, many vehicles with forward collision warning are also equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking.
Read this article to learn about Automatic Emergency Braking.
How to activate FCW on your vehicle?
Forward collision warning can be activated with a simple ON button. It’s that simple! Once the system is turned on, they are usually ‘active’ when the vehicle reaches a minimum speed. All vehicles are different, so check your owner’s manual for FCW details specific to yours.
FCW Issues? Contact Truman’s Automotive
Truman’s Automotive & ADAS Calibrations is your go-to shop for all things calibration. When you bring your vehicle to Truman’s, we always perform ADAS calibration before it leaves our shop.