I was curious to know if any of you can share your experience with the lane departure warning feature in snowy/sloppy weather. Given that it's camera based we wouldn't be expecting magic on fully snow covered roads, but I was wondering if it was helpful when the roads are track-bare or centre-bare or slush filled between lanes. Often a challenge to find the lanes in these kind of conditions especially at dusk so I was thinking it could have some significant benefit in this regard, especially in the northern climes. Has anybody had any experience with the effectiveness in that kind of weather? (Asking because I'm considering adding it as an option on my order for the 2.0T Luxury to go with Nav and 18" wheels) The awareness package is $860 retail here in Canada...
driver awareness/lane departure in the snow
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I live in Syracuse, NY and have done a fair amount of bad weather driving in my ATS. The LDW works well. There are definitely times when it doesn't pick up the lanes because of snow and ice... or just no lines on the road. But there are other times when it does a surprisingly good job considering the conditions. There are actually times where on small neighborhood roads without markings, it would pick up the lane because of the slush that has accumulated on the edge and middle of the road. It really is hit or miss though and just depends upon if thre are any sort of indicators for it to key on (whether it be lane markings, snow/ice accumulation, etc). As far as clear conditions go ... it's pretty much spot on.
Great insight danscrim. sounds like it does provide value in situations like that, or perhaps even heavy rain / low visibility conditions where it might make enough of an incremental difference to be worth the option.
One more opinion... I don't think it is worth the option if you are evaluating it specifically for low visibility or snow. If you can't see the lanes, the system won't either. If the system goes off, and you immediately glance at the lane, the lane divisions will be obvious. I still find it handy, because I found that I was occasionally getting closer to the lines (in general, in all conditions) more than I thought. I imagine everyone is in the same boat in that regard.
Yeah I mean I like the feature. I leave it on all the time. The safety alert seat is also very well done. Great way of notifying the driver of things without being annoying to other passengers, interrupting the music, etc. Like huna said though... I wouldn't buy the package for low visibility conditions... it's just not made for that. It may or may not work in those conditions (understandably) and it would be a shame if something you paid extra for was useless many of the times you actually wanted it.
That being said, I like the safety alert seat. I like the rainsense wipers. And I do like the LDW. So for $860 over the life of the car.... I'd do it!
That being said, I like the safety alert seat. I like the rainsense wipers. And I do like the LDW. So for $860 over the life of the car.... I'd do it!
LDW is for distracted drivers. Based on the conditions you describe, if you are NOT distracted, then you will see the lines when the camera does and you will likely do better at realizing lane markings that pop out sporadically amidst the mess of snow and ice. I think you would maybe be MUCH better served in the Performance/Premium line with the better headlights if seeing lane markings in poor visibility is key. Also, if winter driving is a focus, and if budget is tight, maybe opt for a set of snow tires and stick with the 17" rims to offset cost -- that though might be a tough sell for you now that winter is nearly over (I am also in the GTA) and you have not taken delivery of your ATS yet.
agreed with all comments here - and thanks. the question was definitely triggered by recent weather here (as peever will attest), but by no means not the primary reason for consideration...just a curiosity prompted by a recent drive in the slop. i could actually see it being a bit of a pain in slushy conditions with tracks crossing each other due to merges and lane changes. definitely a 'cool factor' gizmo attraction though....along with the safety factor that gives you a 'stop texting' buzz.
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