# Unlocking Your Car's Hidden Self-Driving Capabilities
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Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Driving Levels
The concept of self-driving vehicles has taken the automotive world by storm, with Tesla often at the forefront of this conversation. However, many are unaware that their own vehicles, even base models like the Honda Odyssey, may possess similar abilities. This guide will help you explore how to leverage these features effectively.
Despite Tesla's claims regarding its Autopilot feature, the reality is that these cars are not fully autonomous. Earlier this month, Tesla acknowledged to California regulators that their vehicles still require attentive drivers. The company’s website clarifies that while Autopilot offers advanced driving assistance, it should be used with a vigilant driver at the wheel, ready to take control at a moment's notice.
I recently chatted with a Tesla owner who described driving with Autopilot as akin to babysitting: “You aren’t doing much, but by the end, you feel drained.” Although promises of fully autonomous vehicles have been around since 2016, the current state of self-driving technology feels more like a halfway point. Teslas are equipped with advanced sensors and software that can alleviate some driving tasks, but they still demand complete focus from the driver.
This situation is disappointing for those who invested significantly in a Tesla, hoping it would transport their children or serve as a robotic taxi service. Conversely, it’s promising news for the average consumer. While Tesla has been busy showcasing flashy features like Auto Summon, other manufacturers have been enhancing their entry-level models with sophisticated sensors and software. In many scenarios, my basic Honda Odyssey minivan can autonomously navigate just as effectively as a high-end Tesla Model X.
Section 1.1: Assessing Your Vehicle's Features
Unlike Tesla, traditional automakers typically do not enable self-driving features by default or label them as “self-driving.” As a result, owners of these vehicles may need to invest time in understanding how to use these functions. Here are some tips to maximize your car’s existing capabilities, turning it into a self-driving machine that can compete with Tesla’s Autopilot.
Self-driving cars are categorized by levels, ranging from Level Zero (a vehicle with no automation) to Level Five (a fully autonomous vehicle). Tesla’s Autopilot is classified as a Level Two system, which allows the vehicle to adjust its speed in accordance with surrounding traffic and perform basic steering to remain within lane markers. Additionally, it can execute emergency braking when required.
To see if your car possesses similar features, start by examining the types of sensors and software integrated into it. Many manufacturers refer to these systems under names like “adaptive cruise control” or “advanced driver assistance.” They often use branding that suggests these features are merely extensions of traditional cruise control rather than full self-driving capabilities. For instance, Cadillac offers “Super Cruise,” and Toyota has “Toyota Safety Sense.” This cautious naming likely aims to alleviate consumer apprehension regarding self-driving technology.
Take the time to review the systems available from major car manufacturers and see if your vehicle includes any of them. Many new cars, especially those purchased or leased in the past two to three years, are likely equipped with features necessary for Level Two self-driving. Visually inspecting your vehicle for sensors can also provide clues; most Level Two-capable cars have a front-facing camera embedded in the windshield, along with radar sensors often found in the bumper.
Once you’ve identified your car’s hardware and software capabilities, familiarize yourself with the terminology your manufacturer uses for its self-driving features. Understanding when and how to use these functions will be essential for your testing.
Section 1.2: Key Features for Level Two Self-Driving
To achieve a self-driving experience comparable to Tesla’s Autopilot, focus on three crucial functionalities:
- The capability to follow a vehicle ahead while maintaining speed (longitudinal control).
- The ability to stay centered in the lane (lateral control).
- The capacity to execute emergency braking.
Emergency braking is a common feature available since at least 2006 and is often enabled by default. Look for an emergency braking icon on your dashboard to ensure it’s active. In my Honda Odyssey, this feature is controlled by a switch with a graphic indicating a collision.
Many car manufacturers label longitudinal control features as “adaptive cruise control” or “traffic jam assist.” These systems utilize cameras, radar, and stability sensors to ascertain your vehicle's position and to gauge the distance and speed of other cars. The system then modifies your speed to maintain a safe distance, even in stop-and-go traffic.
To activate adaptive cruise control, you typically set a target speed. Your car will adjust accordingly, slowing down to maintain a safe distance from slower vehicles. In my Odyssey, I set the adaptive cruise control to the speed limit, allowing the minivan to adjust its speed automatically based on traffic conditions.
Once you’ve mastered adaptive cruise control for longitudinal control, seek out features that assist with lane keeping, commonly known as lateral control or “lane following assist.” These systems leverage the front-facing camera to identify lane markers and keep the vehicle centered.
As with adaptive cruise control, you usually need to activate these systems manually. My Odyssey includes what Honda refers to as Lane Keeping Assist, which centers the vehicle within its lane and alerts the driver if there’s any unintended drifting.
Chapter 2: Practical Use of Self-Driving Features
The effectiveness of these systems varies based on road conditions. They tend to perform best on well-maintained highways where lane markers are clear. However, their efficacy diminishes in poor weather or on roads with faded markings.
In situations like overtaking a motorcycle or cyclist, it's advisable to manually steer, as most systems will disengage with a sharp turn or when signaling.
By enabling emergency braking along with both longitudinal and lateral controls, you effectively gain Level Two self-driving capabilities akin to those found in a Tesla. While Tesla may offer additional features such as auto-lane changing, achieving these fundamental functionalities makes you a Level Two driver.
As you utilize these capabilities, you’ll find they are particularly beneficial during long drives. For instance, while traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I found that my Odyssey’s systems made the journey significantly less taxing by automatically managing speed and steering.
What does the future hold for self-driving technology? The transition from Level Two to Level Three, often referred to as “eyes off,” represents a significant advancement. Level Four, where you can completely disengage your mind from the driving process, is also on the horizon. With Honda already releasing a Level Three vehicle in Japan, it’s likely that such advancements will soon be available in the U.S.
In the meantime, if you own a modern vehicle, you can start enjoying self-driving functionalities today without needing to invest in a Tesla. By exploring the longitudinal control, lateral control, and emergency braking systems your car already possesses, you can elevate your driving experience to Level Two autonomy—enjoying the journey with a smile as you head to your next destination.