Archives for October 2023

In most modern European cars, you will find advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS technology), which refers to the high-tech safety systems that alert you to an accident or prevent one from occurring. The Sommer Car Care team can help you understand everything you need to know about the different ADAS in your vehicle. In this article, we provide information about accident reduction, explain convenient ADAS features, highlight some real-world benefits and reference the latest advancements. Contact us today to schedule a diagnostics test at our state-of-the-art workshop in Newmarket, near Brisbane.

ADAS and Accident Reduction

Studies show that vehicles fitted with ADAS have the potential to prevent 47.4% of forward collisions and 31.3% of lane-keeping crashes. ADAS is increasingly common in European cars, particularly those owned by Australians. Sommer Car Care’s expert mechanics can install these features in your vehicle to improve your safety on the road.

Convenient ADAS Features

Text: Vehicles require ADAS calibrations to make them safer. Most systems use a camera mounted behind the windscreen or sensors in the front grill or bumper which can detect road markings, speed limit signs, road users and pedestrians. Convenient ADAS features can include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, roadside recognition and parking assistance. Other features for driving comfort include adaptive lighting control and adaptive cruise control.

What are Some Real-World Benefits?

The convenient features of ADAS technology offer you real-world benefits to improve the safety and comfort of your European car while on the road:

Avoid Collisions

Using the cameras and sensors at the front of the vehicle, a car with ADAS calibration can alert you of other cars, pedestrians or objects that pose a threat. It can automatically tighten your seatbelt and charge the brakes in preparation for a collision.

Prevent Accidental Lane Departure

Using sensors to detect the lane you’re driving in, ADAS can alert you if you accidentally swerve into another lane. It can even take basic measures to bring the vehicle back within your lane.

Greater Control at High Speeds

When you’re driving on a freeway or highway, it can be difficult to control and maintain the speed over an extended period. ADAS can automatically apply the brakes and accelerate to maintain an even speed.

Facial Recognition

Inner-cabin cameras can detect your facial awareness, tiredness, alertness and distraction. This ADAS feature will send you an alert when you display recognisable signs of inattentive driving.

Industry Advancements

The quality of ADAS sensors and cameras continues to advance. Using modern technology, such as infrared and radar detection, it can track moving objects and capture speed-sign changes. Sensor fusion is an evolving system of integrated sensors and cameras all around the car that work together to provide accurate and timely alerts.

If you want to learn about calibrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems technology in your European car, call the Sommer Car Care team on 07 3171 8780 or contact us online.

When you have a malfunction in the front suspension components of your car, you may notice a difference when you drive. The expert mechanics at Sommer Car Care in Brisbane can help you recognise some common symptoms of suspension problems. In this blog, we explore the dangers of driving with suspension issues and outline how to recognise and address these issues. Contact our friendly staff today to learn more.

Common Suspension Problems and How to Identify Them

Here are some front suspension components issues you may face, plus how to identify them:

Wheels are Unaligned

Hitting potholes or curbs can knock your wheels out of alignment. Poor wheel alignment can cause extra wear on the tread of your tyres which can result in costly repairs and replacements. Poor wheel alignment may be noticeable if your steering wheel is veering to either side when you’re driving straight.

Worn Out Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers limit the force of the impacts you feel when you drive, using liquid to dampen the effect of inconsistencies in the road. When shock absorbers leak, driving becomes more uncomfortable when hitting bumps and potholes. If you feel minor impacts a lot more than you used to, ask one of our expert staff to check your shock absorbers.

Sagging or Broken Springs

Springs are important front suspension components, as they hold the weight of your car. Wear and tear can cause springs to sag or break over time. You might notice that one corner of your car leans slightly further, or that you begin scraping either end of your car when entering or exiting a driveway.

Damaged Ball Joints

Ball joints attach your car suspension system to the wheels. They absorb impact and rotate a lot when you turn the wheels. If you are screeching when turning the wheel, it may mean your ball joints need to be replaced.

Worn Out Control Arms

Control arms connect your wheels to the frame of the car and the steering to the wheels. When the rubber bushings on the control arms wear out, they can cause issues with handling and lead to excessive wear on tyres. If you feel a loss of stability or control while steering, your control arms might need replacing.

Why are Suspension Issues Dangerous?

Poor suspension can cause you to lose the stability of your steering. It can also impact your ability to break correctly and cause damage if the front of your car dips. Driving with damaged suspension can also inhibit your ability to maintain control of your car when you hit potholes.

What Our Customers Think

When you bring your car into Sommer Car Care, our expert mechanics will use our state of the art diagnostics and years of industry knowledge to identify and resolve any suspension issues. Satisfied customers have left glowing reviews, such as “I felt like I drove away with a new car” and “Good replacement parts saved me a lot of money without sacrificing quality”.

If you think there may be issues with your car suspension or other components, call Sommer Car Care on 07 3171 8780 or contact us online to schedule a diagnostic inspection.