A client from Mechanicsville recently visited Extreme Audio to inquire about upgrading the safety equipment on his Chevy Malibu to make driving safer. The family had recently purchased a new vehicle and was impressed with the blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems that were included. The client contacted us to find out if we could add similar technology to their 2017 Malibu. After inspecting the vehicle, we explained how the solutions we offer worked and provided him with a detailed quote to install and calibrate the equipment.
Mobileye Lane Departure System
The project started with the installation of a Mobileye ME-630 collision avoidance system. The ME-630 includes a compact camera and control module that mounts in the center of the windshield and a small display/controller that we mounted in the corner of the dash.
The ME-630 includes several warnings to help make driving safer. First and foremost, the system monitors the lines on the road to let you know if you are veering out of your lane. Warnings are presented with small flashing icons on the display and audible beeps.
The Pedestrian and Cyclist warning is an impressive technology that provides alerts up to two seconds before a potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist approaching from either side of the vehicle. A forward collision warning alerts you if you are approaching a slow-moving or stopped vehicle up to 2.7 seconds before a collision. This is more than enough time to slow down and change lanes to avoid a catastrophe.
While the physical installation of the ME-630 is fairly straightforward, it takes some time to calibrate the system using specific templates and specialized calibration software. As an authorized dealer for Mobileye products, we have this equipment and the proper training to ensure everything will function accurately and reliably.
Blind Spot Monitoring System
The clients were also interested in a blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert system for their Malibu. We’ve experimented with several systems and found the USA Spec BSM200 to offer the most reliable and accurate performance of all the aftermarket solutions available.
The installation and calibration of this system requires that we remove the rear bumper cover to ensure the sensors are mounted in the correct position to provide accurate coverage. With the massive rear bumper cover removed and stored on a large soft blanket, our team of technicians set to work installing the microwave sensors on the rear of the vehicle. As you can see from the photos, the sensors include adjustable brackets that allow us to angle them perfectly to provide excellent coverage adjacent to and behind the vehicle.
The client didn’t want us to drill holes in the A-pillar trim panels to mount the warning indicators, so we mounted them on the surface on either side of the vehicle. In blind spot monitoring mode, the sensors will illuminate when there is a vehicle on the lane adjacent to the Malibu and is positioned anywhere behind the B-pillar as far back as 33 feet. If the client activates the turn signal while someone is in their blind spot, the system will produce an audible warning and flash the appropriate indicator. Unlike inferior systems, the BSM200 can detect vehicles that are stationary relative to the Malibu as well as cars or trucks that move into the blind spot from in front of the car.
Cross-Traffic Alert System
The BSM200 automatically switches from blind spot monitoring mode to a cross-traffic alert system when the vehicle is backing up. The system monitors an area in a 98-foot radius behind the vehicle for oncoming cars or pedestrians. The BSM200 ignores stationary objects like walls, parked cars and fences to prevent false alarms.
Chevy Malibu Driving Safety Systems Upgrade
With the equipment installed and calibrated, we took the Malibu on a short test drive to ensure everything was functioning flawlessly before we did the final reassembly on the vehicle. When the owner returned to pick up the car, we gave him a detailed explanation of how the driving safety upgrades worked with his Malibu. If you are interested in upgrading the safety technology on your car, truck or SUV, drop by Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville or Midlothian and speak with one of our product specialists. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact form.
Leave a Reply