STUTTGART - Many drivers will know that sinking sensation that comes when hitting an unseen pothole, the size of it often corresponding with the newness of the tyres, but there could be a solution on the horizon. In select markets such as Germany, Mercedes-Benz drivers will soon be able to receive audible warnings as they approach potholes and speed bumps.
This forms part of new car-to-X functions that are being rolled out. For now, only the new C-Class, S-Class and EQS models have the technology to detect potholes and speed bumps, although it will be rolled out to other new models in the future. However, all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars built from 2016 onwards will be able to receive the warnings, provided that the owner has activated the online-based Car-toX Communication service. However, these drivers will have to settle for a voice warning that says “Traffic event ahead”, whereas owners of the new C-Class, S-Class and EQS models will hear “Look out, pothole!” or “Attention Speed bump”.
Of course, one car will need to hit each pothole before it becomes registered on the cloud-based system. A signal is sent when a certain threshold value is reached during sudden suspension compression and rebound, and the system can also distinguish speed bumps through another algorithm.
There is no word on when the Car-to-X communication system will be offered in South Africa, however, given the proliferation of potholes and speed bumps on our roads, owners might soon tire of the audible warnings.
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