What is Enhanced Active Park Assist?

Whether you think parking is easy for you or not, you may not ever have to worry about it again if you get a vehicle with Enhanced Active Park Assist by Ford. This feature is only a few years old but it is something that has been a game changer. Within the system are exterior cameras and ultrasonic sensors to assist with perpendicular parking as well as parallel parking.

How Does it Work?

No matter the parking space, this system can help you fit right in. Through the use of the cameras, it can effectively help you back up into a parking space or even parallel park. While it is not yet fully automatic, it likely will be one day. For now, as the driver you will still need to take some action but the system will help guide you along the way. As soon as the system is engaged and there is a space large enough for the vehicle, it can maneuver the vehicle into the space. The driver still needs to provide braking and some minor shifts. However, with this system, you will never have to worry about hitting a vehicle while parking again. It is also a very accurate system so you do not have to worry about side swipes or even curb rash. The system is designed to park within 5.9 inches from a curb and it does so without damaging the sides of your vehicle.

Using it to Parallel Park

To activate the system, you will need to push a button on the dash. Once you have done thing, you can pull forward slowly until the perfect sized parking spot has been found. The system will notify you when it is time to stop so the system can then take over the guides to get you in the space. Remember, you are still responsible for applying the brakes so how fast or slow you go is up to you.

Using it to Perpendicular Park

Unless you live in the city, you likely will not parallel park very often but you will perpendicular park. This is also the way you will use the system to back into a parking space. To start this, you will need to press the park assist button twice. Then, you will need to slowly drive by the parking spot so the system has the chance to recognize it. At that point, you will stop and follow the prompts that the system provides. Again, you will have to control the speed by using the brake. Once you are in the spot, you can move the gear selector into Park.

It can take some time getting used to a system like this but it will help you park with better accuracy that you would on your own. It is also a safer option for your vehicle. Over time, you will get more and more used to it and will be thankful for how much it allows you to better protect your vehicle.

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Internet Integrations Ford Outfits 2010-2016 Vehicles With WiFi & More

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From phones to tablets to major city maps, a growing number of technologies provide direct access to the Internet. It seems only natural that cars would join the club. Ford had already planned to include WiFi in several of its 2018 vehicles, but recently announced that drivers of older models can integrate the Internet into those cars as well. This integration, which applies to most of the company’s cars and trucks made between 2010 and 2016, will allow drivers and passengers to use multiple devices on the road.

SmartLink Savvy

Ford’s new system, called SmartLink, will provide the vehicle with access to a 4G LTE network from Verizon. This connection will be able to support up to eight devices at a time, allowing the driver and passengers to stay fully plugged in during most outings. In addition to the Internet, SmartLink offers a number of other connections to improve the health and convenience of the vehicle. Drivers can use it to locate their Fords in parking lots, access comprehensive reports on the vehicle’s mechanical needs, and schedule maintenance and upgrade services. They will also be able to lock, unlock, and start their integrated vehicles remotely, as well as set boundaries and speed limits if someone else is driving. Drivers can access these services from their smartphones or through an online portal.

Installing the SmartLink system involves plugging it in to the Ford’s OBD II port. Drivers can have this done at their local Ford or Lincoln dealership. The technology will become available this summer; specific dates and price points have not yet been announced.

Setting Up For Sync 3

The development of SmartLink is occurring in tandem with Sync 3, a similar network that will be available on select 2018 Fords. SmartLink will accommodate Ford users who are not willing to wait that long, or who do not want to trade in their current vehicles just to have WiFi access. There will, however, be some advantages for drivers who wait for Sync 3, notably that the network will be able to support 10 devices instead of just 8. Sync 3 will also use a 4G LTE network from AT&T rather than Verizon.

LTE Limitations

Although the SmartLink connection will be available on most Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks made from 2010 to 2016, there are certain exceptions. The new technology will not work with vehicles that already have modems, which include:

• Ford Focus Electric vehicles made between 2012 and 2016
• Ford C-Max Energi vehicles made from 2013 to 2016
• Ford Fusion Energi vehicles released from 2013 to 2016
• 2015 and 2016 versions of the Lincoln MKC that have the Black Label or Reverse packages
• Lincoln MKX vehicles that have the Black Label or Reverse packages and were released in 2016

If your vehicle is eligible for SmartLink, Lance Cunningham Ford will be happy to install it. For more information on getting this and other new developments, contact us today!

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