Last Updated on August 3, 2022 by Victor A
The Audi side assist is an active safety system that constantly monitors the traffic behind the vehicle and warns the driver through LED indicators located in the side mirrors when another vehicle is approaching or is detected in its blind spot. The Audi side assist is available in every Audi model, but there is more to it, in this article we tell you about what it is, how it works, and if it’s worth it.
What is it?
As an active safety system, the Audi side assist helps the driver avoid dangerous situations and make better decisions. However, it’s important to know that it activates from 15 km/h (9.3 mph), and the sensors detect the vehicles coming from behind or on the car’s blind spot.
But the Audi side assist is more complex than it seems, as the 24 gigahertz rear radar sensors have a scanning range of around 70 meters (22.9), and a computer inside the car can analyze all the data provided by the sensors, so when an oncoming car approaches, one of the LED indicator located in each side mirror will warn you.
The brightness of the LED indicator is also quite complex as it adapts to the current ambient light condition, additionally, the driver can configure its brightness.
How does it work?
When you drive on the road, the car will constantly monitor the traffic behind you by using two radar sensors found in the rear.
If the radars detect another vehicle that’s approaching from behind or situated in your blind spot, your side mirror’s LED indicator will illuminate, warning you of the danger.
If you activate the turn signal to change lanes, and there is a vehicle approaching or situated in your blind spot, the mirror’s LED indicator will start flashing, therefore advising you to stay in your lane until the other vehicle has passed.
Is the Audi side assist worth it?
Back in 2010, the EuroNCAP awarded Audi a prize for the side assist’s potential to prevent accidents. It has also been acclaimed by many Audi drivers.
The Audi side assist can be very useful for those who often spend time on highways, as most situations where it will help out are when other cars overtake you at higher speeds. However, in cities, it can also be quite handy, especially in situations where other vehicles are situated in your blind spot.
Depending on the Audi model, it can cost around $500 (In Europe is priced at around 500€), or be included in a safety package where it will be complimented by other safety features.
If you use your car daily, and you usually drive through the highway, the Audi side assist might be for you. For those who take the car once in a while and usually inside the city, it won’t be that necessary. You might prefer to use Apple CarPlay when you’re inside the city.
The Bottom Line – Audi Side Assist
Today’s active safety systems are very advanced, and most automakers offer them since it’s highly valued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), and others.
These active safety systems work and save countless lives every year. If road safety is important to you, it would make sense to add them in your car.
If you still find yourself with some doubts about what it is and how it works, you can check out the video below showing it in action:
Source: Audi
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