How To Use Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Understanding EyeSight Technology

Subaru has a well-earned reputation for building high-quality, safe vehicles. EyeSight is a suite of driver-assist systems that uses advanced optical sensors and radar technology to monitor traffic movement, optimize your Subaru’s cruise control, and warn you of potential hazards. In some situations, EyeSight systems can engage emergency brake support or provide steering input to help you mitigate or avoid a collision. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that EyeSight reduces rear-end crashes with injuries by 85%. As a result, all tested Subaru vehicles with EyeSight have received the highest possible rating from the IIHS.

Adaptive Cruise Control

EyeSight adaptive cruise control enhances standard cruise control technology by keeping your vehicle at a preset distance and speed while in traffic. Dual EyeSight cameras mounted high on the center of your windshield scan the way forward. When the vehicle in front of you slows, EyeSight automatically slows your Subaru down, even to a complete stop. When the way forward clears, EyeSight returns you to your preset speed. You can adjust the following distance while using EyeSight adaptive cruise control to account for weather or traveling at highway speeds where you might need more room to stop. Activating the system is easy. Start by tapping the cruise control button on the steering wheel. Then, tap the speed set button when you reach your desired speed. Next, adjust the following distance using the up or down arrow. Drivers with long commutes love EyeSight adaptive cruise control because it helps reduce driver fatigue.

Lane-Keep Assist and Sway Warning

Subaru EyeSight lane-keep assist and sway warning track your Subaru when traveling within marked lanes. It detects the yellow center lines and white edge lines to the right on surface streets. On the highway, it detects the white lane markings on either side. When active, the system alerts you when it detects an unintentional drift. If you react slowly to the alerts, the system will provide gentle steering correction to return you to your lane. Activate the system by pushing your steering wheel’s lane-keep assist button.

Pre-Collision Braking

EyeSight pre-collision braking scans the way forward and alerts you when it detects an obstacle. It could be a pedestrian crossing the street, a tree limb that fell during a storm, or a stopped car. The pre-collision braking system provides maximum brake power if you react slowly to help your Subaru stop quickly. A study performed by the IIHS determined that EyeSight reduced pedestrian-related insurance claims by 35%.

Pre-Collision Throttle Management

The pre-collision throttle management system works with the pre-collision braking system, detecting objects in front of you that you might hit. When the system senses an imminent collision, it reduces engine power. This power reduction gives you more time to react and minimizes the impact force and frontal damage from a collision.

Tips for Optimal Usage and Maintenance

Subaru EyeSight is your second set of eyes while driving, paying attention to things you might not notice around your vehicle. While it can alert you to potential hazards and intervene in some situations, EyeSight is not a substitute for safe driving habits. Staying focused on driving should be your number one priority. Distractions happen, but creating a distraction can be avoided. For example, texting while driving pulls your attention away from the road. No message is worth the damage caused by an accident. If you have something urgent to send, pull over and send it. It only takes a few minutes and could save lives. Get plenty of rest, particularly on longer road trips. Pushing on when you know you’re tired and need rest only creates an unsafe situation. Instead, pull over and take a nap. If you must drive on, get a cup of coffee and take a brisk walk to help you revive. Slow down in inclement weather. Even though EyeSight can detect and intervene, wet and slippery roads will affect your Subaru’s ability to stop compared to normal road conditions. We also recommend you increase the following distance settings if you use adaptive cruise control in bad weather. Always observe the rules of the road. If you’re running late, speeding won’t help; it’ll just create an unsafe situation. For instance, if you’re running behind for a meeting and are ten miles away, driving at the 45 mph speed limit, it’ll take 13 minutes to get to work. Speeding up to 60 mph will only shave off three minutes, and traveling at that speed in a 45 mph zone dramatically reduces your chances of stopping in an emergency. Other tips to maximize your EyeSight technology include keeping your windshield and EyeSight cameras clean and free from obstructions. These cameras are high-tech sensors that send images for processing in milliseconds. Dirt on your windshield can affect how the sensors function. You don’t have any routine maintenance for your Subaru EyeSight, but the sensors typically last a very long time. If a system malfunctions, you’ll receive a fault message on your driver interface. If this happens, bring your Subaru in for service immediately. In most cases, we can replace a sensor quickly and get you back to your busy life.

Experience Subaru EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth

At Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth, we know what drivers want from their safety systems, which is why we stock an expansive inventory of EyeSight-equipped Subaru vehicles at competitive prices. You can visit our Fort Worth dealership for a personal demonstration of Subaru EyeSight, or shop our virtual inventory for new cars with the latest safety tech.