Technology for driving comfort and safety

Technology for driving comfort and safety Technology for driving comfort and safety

Park Distance Control PDC*

The concept

PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic signals warn you of the presence of an object behind the vehicle. To measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in either bumper. However, an acoustic warning does not sound until an object is approx. 24in/60cm from the corner sensors, or approx. 5ft/1.50m from the center sensors. PDC is a parking aid that can indicate objects when they are approached slowly, as is usually the case when parking. Avoid approaching an object at high speed; otherwise, physical circumstances may lead to the system warning being issued too late.<

Automatic mode

With the engine running or the ignition switched on, the system is activated automatically after approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear or move the automatic transmission selector lever to positionR. Wait this short period before driving.

Acoustic signals

As the distance between vehicle and object decreases, the intervals between the tones become shorter. If the distance to the nearest object falls to below roughly 1ft/30cm, then a continuous tone sounds. If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driving parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops after approx. 3 seconds.

Adjustments

The volume of the acoustic signals can be adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

Malfunction

Indicator lamp comes on: PDC has failed. Have the system checked. To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that they will continue to operate effectively. When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy periods and only spray from a distance of at least 4in/10cm.

System limitations

Even with PDC, final responsibility for estimating the distance between the vehicle and any obstructions always remains with the driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultrasonic detection can reach its physical limits with objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings, thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects already indicated, such as curbs, may enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a continuous audible signal is given. Higher, protruding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously; otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or property damage. Loud sound sources outside or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.<

Driving stability control systems

Your MINI has a number of systems that help to maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse driving conditions. The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with driving stability control systems. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not reduce the additional safety margin by engaging