One of the things that makes your Lexus ES an exceptional vehicle is its advanced safety features that help to keep you, your car, and other passengers safe on the road. The pre-collision system is one of these features that helps to prevent clashes on the road.
Based on the importance of this system, it is important to recognize common causes and signs of a malfunction so you can find a solution before any problem happens. This guide provides important information on the pre-collision system and how to deal with its malfunctions.
The Importance of the Pre-collision System in Your Lexus ES
The main function of the pre-collision system (PCS) in your car is to prevent collision incidences. It works by monitoring your environment and car movement and alerts you of obstructions and the possibility of a collision. This helps the driver make quicker decisions and avoid crashes. In essence, this system helps to ensure safety on the road. To achieve this, these components work together:
- Radar Sensing: this scans the road ahead for obstructions or the likelihood of collision.
- Camera: this provides a better view of the road ahead to identify obstructions.
- Alert Mechanisms: Vehicles with the pre-collision system have alert mechanisms installed to inform and warn the driver of possible collisions so they can avoid a crash.
- Brakes: the PCS also works with the brakes to slow or stop the car, depending on the proximity to the obstruction. The PCS can automatically activate the brakes if the driver does not respond in time.
- Steering Assist: like with the brakes, the PCS works with your car’s steering to adjust the direction of your car in a bid to avoid colliding with any obstruction ahead.
While all these features and components of the pre-collision system in your Lexus ES are great, they are not immune from malfunctions. Like every other system, the PCS can run into errors due to various reasons.
Common Causes of Pre-collision System Malfunctions in Hour Lexus ES
- Faulty Sensor: The function of the pre-collision system starts with the sensor being able to identify obstructions that could cause bad crashes. However, if the sensor gets faulty due to bad installation or obstruction by dirt, mud, or snow, it could affect the PCS.
- Software Issues: Software glitches or a failure to update the software are also common reasons for failure in the PCS. You need the software up to date to enjoy the safety privileges of your Lexus’ pre-collision system.
- Bad Weather: Another common cause of PCS failure in a car is poor weather conditions. The major components of the pre-collision system are found in the exterior part of your car. Hence, they can be easily affected by poor weather and fail to function adequately. For example, the sensors could fail to obtain adequate information about the environment when it is snowing hard.
How to Recognize a Failure Your Lexus ES Pre-Collision System
Here are two major ways to know that your car’s PCS is bad:
- Dashboard Warning: If your car’s PCS is faulty, one of the ways to alert you is through the warning message or warning light on your dashboard. The message could read “PCS malfunction” or “PCS unavailable.” You could also get an amber warning light showing a car and a collision sign to indicate that the PCS is malfunctioning.
- PCS Errors: Errors in the system can also be a sign to show that the pre-collision system in your car is faulty. For instance, this PCS could activate the brakes in your car even without an obstruction on your way. If this happens, you should inspect the system to identify the problem.
Where to Go For Your Lexus ES Pre-Collision System Errors
If you notice any of the above signs 
in your car’s pre-collision system, then you should work towards getting it fixed before it puts you and your car in danger. Going to an auto specialist workshop is the best way to handle this.
European Motor Cars is a premium garage for quality services for European vehicles like your Lexus. We have factory-grade tools and equipment and qualified technicians who can diagnose and fix any issue that your car may have. If you are in any of our nearby locations of Summerlin, Spring Valley, and Las Vegas, bring your car in today so we can check it out!
* Lexus ES Car image credit goes to: Artistic Operations.