This article answers the popular question, what is automatic emergency braking (AEB) & how does it work?
Q: What is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)?
A: Automatic emergency braking, also commonly known as intelligent braking, is a pre-crash warning and braking system.
This feature is typically paired with a feature called forward collision warning (FCW). FCW a safety feature that scans the road ahead while you drive. If you don’t react in time to the FCW alerts, the automatic emergency braking activates to slow your vehicle down. AEB will also bring your vehicle to a stop to avoid a collision.
Q: How do AEB systems work?
A: Automatic emergency braking is powered by camera or radar-based sensors located in the front of your car. The sensors can detect how close you are to the car or object ahead and detect when it is time to apply the brakes. When a vehicle or object is detected and the brakes are not applied by the driver following the alerts, the system will automatically activate the brakes and begin to slow the vehicle or stop the vehicle completely to avoid a crash.
Q: How do I activate Automatic Emergency Braking?
A: AEB is designed to activate when your vehicle is driving at highway speeds, as long as the forward collision warning sensors can detect the vehicle ahead. Some newer systems will operate when your vehicle is driving at slow speeds in town as well.
Q: Can you turn off AEB?
A: Yes. While it is typically a good idea to keep it on in your car, it is possible to turn it off. You will usually find the option to turn it on and off via a button or on the front navigation screen.
AEB Repair by Truman’s Automotive
AEB systems use sensors to function properly. If the sensors are not calibrated properly because of a crash, fender bender, or electrical issue, the AEB system may not activate properly. A malfunctioning sensor is as unsafe as not having the safety sensors at all.
Contact Truman’s Automotive for all your AEB sensor calibration, repair, or maintenance needs. Vehicle sensors are your extra set of eyes on the road, so we understand the importance of making sure they are functioning properly.