Technology for driving comfort and safety, Park distance control pdc, Driving stability control systems – Mini 2011 Cooper Convertible User Manual

Page 64

Technology

r driving comfort

d safety

Technology for driving comfort and

safety

Park Distance Control
PDC*

The concept

PDC assists you with parking in reverse. Acoustic
signals warn you of the presence of an object
behind the vehicle. To measure the distance,
there are four ultrasonic sensors in either
bumper.
However, an acoustic warning does not sound
until an object is approx. 24 in/60 cm from the
corner sensors, or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the
center sensors.

PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached slowly,

as is usually the case when parking. Avoid
approaching an object at high speed; otherwise,
physical circumstances may lead to the system
warning being issued too late.

Automatic mode

With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated automatically after
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse gear
or move the automatic transmission selector
lever to position R. Wait this short period before
driving.

Acoustic signals

As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
If the distance remains constant, e.g. when driv-
ing parallel to a wall, the acoustic signal stops
after approx. 3 seconds.

Adjustments

The volume of the acoustic signals can be
adjusted, refer to the Owner's Manual for Radio.

Malfunction

Indicator lamp comes on: PDC has
failed. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors

clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using a high-pressure cleaner, do not
direct the jet toward the sensors for lengthy
periods and only spray from a distance of at least
4 in/10 cm.

System limitations

Even with PDC, final responsibility for esti-
mating the distance between the vehicle

and any obstructions always remains with the
driver. Sensors, too, have blind spots in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, ultra-
sonic detection can reach its physical limits with
objects such as trailer tow bars and couplings,
thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low
objects already indicated, such as curbs, may
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal.

Driving stability control
systems

Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.

The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.

An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging