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If you are in the comfort of your Mercedes and all of a sudden the brakes slam without any apparent cause or the warning lights start blinking, it might be your active brake assist system causing the issue. Although this system is meant to protect you, its failure can be very dangerous. If your Mercedes is constantly alerting you of collisions that are not actually occurring, then it is high time to get to the bottom of the issue.
What Is Active Brake Assist?
Active Brake Assist is one of the safety features in most Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It has sensors, cameras and radar that it uses to observe the road in front of the car. If it anticipates that you are going to crash into another car, a pedestrian or an object, it prompts you. It can also apply brakes on its own to reduce the speed or even halt the car if you do not respond quickly enough. In most cases, the system performs its functions very effectively. But like any technology, it’s not perfect and there are bound to be issues. One common issue with this system is false alarms.
What Is a False Alarm?
False alarm is a situation whereby the system signals that there is a risk or threat when in real sense there is none. You may hear a loud beeping sound, notice flashing light signals on the car’s dashboard or feel the brakes being applied when there is no need. If it happens frequently then one can easily be forced to lose confidence in the system.
Why False Alarms Should Not Be Disregarded
If your Mercedes is still braking or beeping unnecessarily, do not ignore the system and leave it at that. The system is there to protect you. Ignoring the problem could lead to severe consequences or become dangerous for you and all passengers in the car. It is advisable to take it to the technician to get it checked and repaired. When a problem is small, it is much easier and cheaper to solve than when it is big and has grown into something more complicated.
How To Fix The Issue
- Clean the Sensors: Sometimes, the problem can be solved with a simple cleaning. Oil, dust, sludge, or road filth on the front bumper, the windshield, or the grille interferes with the proper functioning of the sensors. Wipe these areas carefully, particularly the radar and camera systems, and check if the problem persists.
- Look for Visible Damage: Check the front part of your Mercedes very well. Look for any signs of cracks, loose panels, or anything that is out of place near the sensors. Small scratches or other imperfections such as a broken radar cover or trim that is not aligned can cause your system to perform poorly. If there is an issue with it, it is advisable to have a technician look at it as soon as possible.
- Check for Software Updates: Mercedes also releases software updates for the sensors to enhance their performance or to correct certain issues that may have been discovered in the safety system. A certified shop or dealership can run a diagnostic test on your vehicle and upgrade the software to its optimal configuration.
- Recalibrate the Sensors: Most of the advanced driver-assistance systems depend on the positioning of the sensors. If you have recently been involved in an accident, had your windshield replaced, or even had your wheels aligned, then the sensors would require re-calibration. This is not something that can be done with basic hand tools; it is advisable to let a Mercedes technician handle this.
Trust Our Experts At European Service Center To Handle Your Brake Assist Issues
If you are experiencing false alarms with the active brake assist of your Mercedes, our automotive experts at European Service Center are at your service. Our years of experience and commitment to quality have made us one of the preferred destinations for all Mercedes needs. We are happy to serve Mercedes owners in and around Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Chamblee, Cumming, Roswell, Atlanta, Norcross, Duluth, GA; Houston & Dallas, TX. Our certified technicians know how the Mercedes safety systems work and we use factory-level equipment and the newest software to test the sensors, adjust the brake systems, and ensure that they are functioning optimally. If you need help with your brake assist or other issues, do not procrastinate. Visit our shop now or call us to book an appointment for your Mercedes inspection.
* Mercedes Benz Car image credit goes to: Artistic Operations.