What is FCW in a car?
Advances in technology have led to the development of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that aim to make driving safer. At the forefront of the ADAS wave is Forward Collision Warning (FCW). This groundbreaking technology is already making driving safer for thousands of Americans with equipped cars. But, you should know a few things about this technology and its limits before you handle an outfitted vehicle.
In this article, we will explain what Forward Collision Warning is and how it works, provide examples of automakers’ FCW systems available now, and explain the importance of FCW sensor calibration.
What is Forward Collision Warning (FCW)?
What actually is Forward Collision Warning (FCW) in a car? FCW is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that warns drivers when approaching an impending collision with an obstruction or car in its forward path. FCW systems aims to reduce the number of rear-end collisions that occur when an unexpected vehicle or object is suddenly in your path not giving you enough time to brake.
Forward Collision Warning has the potential to reduce collisions. A study of large trucks found that “FCW was associated with a statistically significant 22% reduction in the rate of police-reportable crashes per vehicle miles traveled, and a significant 44% reduction in the rear-end crash rate.”
In March 2016, NHTSA and IIHS announced that 20 major automakers had committed to making FCW and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) standard on all cars and light-duty trucks (weighing less than 8,500 pounds) by September 1, 2022. It’s becoming more and more common to see FCW on vehicles. Nearly all manufacturers offer it standard on at least one 2021 model, while many more have FCW available as an option. If you haven’t driven a car with this feature yet, it’s more than likely that you soon will. The trend isn’t going away.
How does Forward Collision Warning work?
Forward Collision Warning uses radar, camera, and laser technology to monitor the road ahead. When the distance between your car and an upcoming obstruction is closing too quickly, FCW systems alert drivers so they can brake. FCW provides audible and/or visual warnings to drivers. Some models even offer haptic warnings, with a seat or steering wheel vibration.
Forward Collision Warning Related Terms
While automakers have bought into FCW technology, not everyone has bought into common naming for ADAS systems. Here are a few terms used synonymously with Forward Collision Warning:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Collision Warning
- Pre-Collision Warning
- Forward Obstruction Warning
FCW Systems with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
FCW is often bundled with AEB to provide active assistance to avoid or lessen the damage from a crash. FCW calculates the likelihood of a crash and warns drivers while AEB takes control to avoid or lessen the damage from a collision. When the two systems are combined, they are known by a whole new slate of names, including the following:
- Auto Collision Avoidance
- Collision Avoidance
- Collision Mitigation
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Forward Collision Avoidance
- Forward Collision-avoidance Assist
- Frontal Collision Avoidance System
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Pre-Collision Safety System
- Precrash System
3 Real Examples of Forward Collision Warning
While many late model cars are equipped with Forward Collision Warning technology, it’s not always easy to spot. Here are a few examples of car companies describing their FCW features.
Honda Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Honda offers FCW on select models as part of its Honda Sensing package. Here’s how the Honda FCW system is described by the automaker:
“If momentarily distracted, a state-of-the-art warning system can alert the driver to a potentially dangerous situation ahead. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system—using both visual and audible warning—alerts the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle detected ahead.
FCW systems can detect vehicles directly in front of the vehicle. If the distance between the two vehicles is diminishing, the system compares the vehicles’ current speeds to determine if a collision may occur.
To alert the driver to apply the brakes, FCW issues a beeping sound and flashes an amber “Brake” message in the Multi-Information Display. To avoid unnecessary warnings, the FCW will not operate at speeds below 3 mph.”
Mazda Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Mazda’s FCW system has a similar name, called Forward Obstruction Warning. Mazda describes this system like this:
“Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) detects vehicles or obstacles in front of the car using a millimeter-wave radar. The system calculates the distance to the object in front and, if the car gets close enough that there is a risk of collision, sounds an alarm and displays a visual alert, prompting the driver to apply the brake.”
Ford Collision Warning with Brake Support
Ford offers its FCW system on select models. This system includes brake support, but rather than applying the brakes automatically, it works a bit differently. Here’s how Ford describes it:
“Your vehicle has been designed with a feature that can help alert you if it senses a potential collision with the car in front of you. This system uses sensors in the front of your car to detect slower vehicles traveling in the same direction, and warn you if you’re rapidly approaching. If this happens, a row of red lights on your windshield will flash, and you’ll hear an alarm.
If you don’t react and continue to get closer to the other vehicle, your car will pre-charge and increase brake assist sensitivity to provide full responsiveness when you brake, which may help you avoid an accident. Once your brakes have been pre-charged, even if you press them lightly, they’ll automatically apply a harder force to stop you quickly.”
Forward Collision Warning Sensors
While each OEM has its own FCW systems, most utilize radar sensors located in or near the vehicle’s front grille. This allows the sensor to aim ahead, calculate distances and speeds, and notify drivers of collision risks.
ADAS systems, including FCW, are a step toward autonomous driving. FCW radar sensors can’t work in every situation. Sensors’ activity can be hampered by heavy rain, snow, or fog, which interfere with radar signals. Standing water, snow, or icy roads may also interfere and temporarily disable your FCW system.
Forward Collision Warning Sensor Notices
The biggest myth about ADAS systems is that they are self-sufficient, or will alert you when the system is not calibrated properly. Most ADAS fall between levels 1-3 of automation. But even though the car can intervene with next-level steering and braking assistance, it doesn’t mean that drivers can sit back and relax.
Both drivers and techs have responsibilities for keeping a car’s FCW system running. Drivers need to know how FCW works and when to heed a system warning and take their vehicle in for repairs after a fender bender. A notification may be a sign your car’s ADAS sensors need calibration. Common warning messages include the following:
- ACC/FCW unavailable wipe front radar sensor
- Forward collision system unavailable
- Forward collision avoidance assist system disabled, sensor blocked
- Forward Collision Warning unavailable wipe sensor
- ACC/FCW unavailable service required
- Unavailable front radar obstruction
- FCW system failed
- Collision warning not available sensor blocked
- Pre-collision system malfunction reset
- Collision warning unavailable
FCW Sensor Calibration
FCW ADAS systems, like any other ADAS system, still need to be calibrated to make sure they are capturing the best, most accurate data possible. Vehicle sensor calibration also helps to avoid over-sensitive FCW car systems. Calibration of a car’s forward-facing radar is necessary after a crash. It also needs to be re-calibrated when other services take place, including the following:
- Wheel alignment
- Suspension work
- Bumper replacement
Additionally, anytime a sensor is moved or removed and replaced, calibration is necessary to ensure accurate radar readings.
The need for ADAS calibrations will soar over the next few years due to the influx of vehicles equipped with FCW and AEB. Calibrations are complex and require special facility conditions, advanced equipment, and expertise. Car ADAS Solutions is the ADAS calibration technology and services specialist. We partner with the automotive industry to help you build your own calibration center. We assist with workspace design, proprietary management software, training, implementation, and ongoing support. If you are interested in capitalizing on this new revenue stream — ADAS calibration services — contact Car ADAS Solutions to get started.
Related articles: Implementing ADAS Calibration Systems: 6 Challenges Most Shops Face (and What to Do About Them)
Want to Learn More About ADAS?
Read “What Is ADAS?” to learn about what ADAS is and all of the safety features and sensors that make up modern-day ADAS systems.
Forward Collision Warning FAQs
What is Forward Collision Warning?
Forward Collision Warning warns the driving using visual and audible signals of potential collisions ahead. If it senses that the vehicle is approaching an object ahead at a fast rate, the warnings will activate.
How does Forward Collision Warning work?
Forward Collision Warning works using radar sensors at the front of the vehicle that calculate distances and speed. If these sensors detect objects close ahead and the vehicle is still at a dangerous speed, it will warn the driver.
What is Forward Collision Warning calibration?
Forward Collision Warning is part of an ADAS system. For ADAS systems to properly operate, the sensors and cameras must be calibrated. Calibration is required after any sort of accident or repair.
