Q
why mercedes f1 car is slow
So, why haven't the Mercedes F1 cars been living up to expectations lately? A big part of it comes down to how they've adapted to the ground-effect era introduced by the 2022 regulations. Those rules shifted the focus for generating downforce from relying heavily on the front and rear wings to making the underfloor do the heavy lifting. That forced Mercedes to completely rethink their whole low-drag, high-speed philosophy they'd nailed so well. Remember their "zero-pod" sidepod concept? Early on, that thing just couldn't manage the airflow properly, leading to a car that was twitchy in corners and chewed through tires way too quickly. Then there's this year's W14 – getting the suspension setup right while taming that annoying porpoising (that violent bouncing when the floor stalls at high speeds) has sucked up a ton of their development resources.
But hey, these guys are eight-time constructors' champions for a reason. They've been steadily chipping away at the issues, updating the floor and tweaking the sidepods to get back on track. Honestly, it's just par for the course in F1's tech arms race. Think back to when the hybrid era kicked off in 2014 – even Renault's power units went through some growing pains, right? Malaysian fans probably remember that well. F1's technical battles always seem to come in cycles; how quickly each team adapts when the rulebook gets rewritten has a huge say in who's winning on Sunday.
Special Disclaimer: This content is published by users and does not represent the views or position of PCauto.
Popular Models
Related Q&A
Q
Is LDW same as full coverage?
LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) and Full Coverage are not the same concept, but LDW is usually an important component of Full Coverage. In Malaysia's auto insurance system, Full Coverage typically refers to a combination of Comprehensive Insurance and additional riders, covering vehicle losses caused by collisions, theft, natural disasters (if the natural disaster rider is selected), etc., and may also include third-party liability insurance. LDW, on the other hand, specifically refers to the waiver of the renter's financial liability for vehicle damage or theft in car rental scenarios. It is a specialized protection provided by car rental companies and does not involve third-party liability or medical compensation for occupants. It is worth noting that for local vehicle insurance in Malaysia to cover natural disasters such as floods, an additional Special Perils Coverage rider must be purchased, with premiums ranging from approximately 0.2% to 0.5% of the vehicle's insurance value. For instance, a vehicle valued at RM60,000 would incur an additional fee of RM120 to RM300. While Full Coverage offers broader protection, it comes with higher premiums, whereas LDW solely provides exemption from liability for physical damage to the vehicle in specific rental situations. The two differ fundamentally in their applicable scenarios and dimensions of coverage.
Q
How do I know if my Honda LDW is activated?
To confirm whether your Honda LDW (Lane Departure Warning System) is activated, follow these steps: First, check if the LDW icon is illuminated on the instrument cluster or central control screen—typically indicated by a green or white light when active. The activation method varies by model: most Honda vehicles can enable it through the steering wheel's left-side controls or the "Safety Assist Settings" menu on the infotainment display, while certain models require holding the dedicated LDW button (usually featuring a lane symbol) for 3 seconds after ignition.
When activated, the system will issue warnings through steering wheel vibration, audible alerts, or dashboard flashes if the vehicle exceeds 60 km/h, detects clear lane markings, and drifts without turn signal activation. Note that operation may be automatically suspended during rain/fog, under intense glare, or with faded lane markings, indicated by a yellow warning light on the dashboard.
As a driver assistance feature, LDW's sensitivity can be configured as "Standard" or "High" in settings, but it doesn't replace attentive driving—particularly on curves or work zones. Maintain regular cleaning of the windshield camera area for optimal performance. For persistent false alerts or system failures, consult an authorized Honda service center for diagnostics and calibration.
Q
Can a lane departure warning be turned off?
The Lane Departure Warning System can usually be temporarily deactivated through vehicle settings or physical buttons, with specific operation methods varying by model. For instance, some vehicles allow manual deactivation by navigating to the "Settings - Driver Assistance - Safety Assistance" menu via the central display, or by pressing the physical button marked with a lane symbol near the instrument cluster. Note that this deactivation is typically temporary, and the system may automatically reactivate upon vehicle restart. For permanent deactivation, contact an authorized service center for professional assistance.
The system uses a camera to detect lane markings and alerts the driver via audible warnings, vibrations, or steering wheel interventions when unintentional lane departure is detected. This significantly reduces distraction-related lane departure risks, particularly on highways. However, the system may generate false alerts in cases of faded road markings, adverse weather conditions, or special driving scenarios (e.g., construction zones), making temporary deactivation advisable in such situations. Drivers are advised to keep the system enabled for safety and only deactivate it briefly when necessary.
Q
Are lane assist and lane departure the same?
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are two distinct driving assistance systems. Although both are related to lane management, there are significant differences in their functions and levels of intervention.
The Lane Departure Warning system monitors the vehicle's position via cameras or sensors. When it detects an unintended lane departure, it alerts the driver through auditory or visual cues, or steering wheel vibrations, but does not actively intervene in the vehicle's direction; the driver needs to make adjustments manually.
The Lane Keeping Assist system goes a step further. Building upon the warning function, it can automatically apply slight steering force to fine-tune the steering wheel and guide the vehicle back to the center of the lane, achieving partial automated intervention.
The core difference between the two lies in that LDW only provides passive warnings, while LKA has active correction capabilities. The latter is usually combined with advanced functions such as adaptive cruise control to form a more comprehensive driving assistance system.
The choice depends on individual driving habits: if you prefer autonomous control, you may prioritize LDW; if you need to reduce operational burden, LKA is more suitable. It should be noted that these systems are auxiliary functions, and drivers still need to remain focused to ensure safety.
Q
What is the difference between LKAS & LDW?
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) are two common driving assistance technologies, with the main difference lying in the degree of functional intervention. LDW uses cameras or sensors to monitor the vehicle's relative position to lane markings. When it detects unintentional lane departure (such as crossing lane lines without activating the turn signal), it alerts the driver through auditory alerts, dashboard warnings, or steering wheel vibrations, but does not actively intervene in vehicle operation.
LKA, building upon LDW, incorporates active control functionality. When the system detects lane deviation, it automatically applies slight corrective torque via the electronic steering system to maintain the vehicle within the lane center. Some advanced LKA systems additionally integrate traffic sign recognition capability, enabling simultaneous display of speed limit information.
Note that both systems require clearly visible lane markings to function (typically at speeds above 60 km/h), and LKA's automatic correction features a torque threshold—intervention disengages when the driver applies significant steering input. While these technologies effectively mitigate lane departure accidents caused by fatigue or distraction, drivers must retain primary control of the vehicle.
Q
How do I know what lane to stay in while driving?
When driving in Malaysia, lane selection must follow the basic principle of keeping to the left, and overtaking should be done from the right. On multi-lane roads, the rightmost lane is typically designated for slow-moving or large vehicles, the middle lane is suitable for maintaining a steady speed, while the leftmost lane serves as the fast lane or overtaking lane. Note, however, that the leftmost lane on certain highways may be exclusively reserved for motorcycles. When navigating roundabouts, yield to vehicles approaching from the right before entering and maintain a left-side position within the roundabout. In urban areas, prepare for left turns by merging into the leftmost lane well in advance; for right turns, be aware that some intersections may require positioning left initially before executing the turn. On expressways, select lanes appropriate for your speed, promptly return to your original lane after overtaking, and avoid prolonged use of the overtaking lane. Importantly, Malaysian drivers strictly observe right-of-way rules—always stop and yield when you don't have priority, and activate turn signals early while maintaining safe clearance when changing lanes. Additionally, school zones and commercial districts frequently enforce speed limits of 35-60 km/h. Remain vigilant for pavement markings and traffic signage, as violations may incur fines ranging from 150 to 300 ringgit.
Q
How does a lane departure warning warn the driver?
The Lane Departure Warning System prevents accidental lane departure by monitoring the vehicle's position in real time, with its core components including cameras, sensors, and controllers. After the system is activated, the cameras installed on the side of the vehicle body or rearview mirrors continuously capture lane markings, and the image processing chip analyzes the relative position between the vehicle and the lane lines. If a departure behavior without active lane change (no turn signal activated) is detected, the sensor will trigger the alarm mechanism within 0.5 seconds. The specific form varies by brand; common methods include a beeping warning sound, steering wheel vibration, and dashboard indicator light flashing. A few high-end models can also automatically fine-tune the steering. The system is specially designed with logical judgment: when the driver turns on the turn signal, the alarm is automatically suppressed to avoid interfering with normal lane change operations. For rainy, snowy, or low-visibility environments, some models use infrared sensors instead of visual acquisition. The infrared devices on both sides of the bumper identify road markings to improve reliability in severe weather. It is worth noting that this system was initially applied in the commercial vehicle field and has now been popularized in many mainstream sedans, such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Future technologies will focus more on algorithm optimization to cope with complex road conditions.
Q
What is the riskiest time of day to drive?
According to traffic accident data statistics, the most dangerous driving periods in a day are mainly concentrated in three peak times: 11:00-13:00 at noon, 17:00-19:00 at dusk, and 3:00-6:00 in the early morning. During the noon period, the accident rate rises significantly due to driver fatigue and post-lunch blood concentration in the digestive system, which slows reaction times. The dusk period becomes a high-incidence time for fatal accidents due to combined factors such as changing light conditions, increased traffic flow, and accumulated driver fatigue throughout the day. In the early morning hours, the risk of major accidents surges as empty roads encourage speeding while the body's physiological functions are at their lowest. Notably, accident rates spike abnormally around holidays; for instance, daily accident counts can exceed 2,150 in the three days preceding Eid al-Fitr. Drivers are advised to maintain heightened vigilance during these three high-risk periods, avoid driving while fatigued, and adjust itineraries or incorporate additional rest when necessary. Traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles during holiday periods have also proven effective in reducing mixed-traffic risks.
Q
Does lane departure work at night?
Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS) typically function properly at night, but their performance depends on specific technical configurations and environmental conditions. Mainstream systems primarily rely on cameras to capture lane markings and use image processing to monitor the vehicle's position in real time. If an unintended lane departure is detected without the turn signal activated, warnings will be issued within approximately 0.5 seconds via audio alerts, vibrations, or automatic steering intervention. However, pure vision-based solutions may experience reduced effectiveness in low-light environments due to decreased recognition accuracy. To address this, some high-end vehicle models incorporate infrared sensors, which actively emit infrared signals to enhance the ability to identify lane markings at night. Additionally, the system is designed with intelligent judgment of turn signal inputs to avoid false triggers during normal lane changes. It should be noted that extreme weather conditions or unclear road markings may still reduce system reliability, so drivers are advised to maintain active observation. Currently, this system is widely equipped in models such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In the future, with the development of multi-sensor fusion technology, the stability of LDWS in nighttime environments will be further improved.
Q
Does lane departure warning use cameras?
The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) indeed primarily relies on camera technology to achieve its core functions. Its working principle involves collecting real-time lane markings through cameras installed on the vehicle's side or rearview mirror positions, with the relative position between the vehicle and the lane being analyzed by an image processing chip. When the system detects unintentional lane departure (without turn signal activation), the controller triggers audible-visual warnings, steering wheel vibrations, or automatic steering intervention within 0.5 seconds. Current mainstream models like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class predominantly use vision-based solutions, though this technology faces limitations in recognition accuracy during rain or snow. To address this, some manufacturers have developed supplementary infrared sensors mounted on both sides of the front bumper to enhance stability in adverse conditions. Notably, the system intelligently differentiates between intentional lane changes and accidental departures, preventing false alarms when turn signals are activated. Originally developed for commercial vehicles, this technology has now been progressively adopted in passenger cars and will be further refined through more robust algorithms to improve adaptability.
Popular Cars
Model Year
Car Compare
Car Photo
Latest Q&A
Q
Can I run my ceramic coated car through a car wash?
Vehicles with a coating can be washed normally, but special attention should be paid to the maintenance period after application and daily cleaning methods. Car washing should be avoided for 7 to 14 days after coating to ensure the silicon components fully cure and form a protective layer; if the environment is dry, a minimum waiting period of 48 hours is required. If the vehicle becomes excessively dirty during this time, it may be gently wiped with a slightly damp microfiber cloth—use of high-pressure washers or stiff brushes is strictly prohibited. For regular washing, use a pH-neutral car shampoo, as alkaline cleaners will degrade the coating. Hand washing is recommended to avoid scratches from automatic car wash rotating brushes. Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between the spray nozzle and paint surface, keep water temperature below 35°C, and rinse from top to bottom to minimize water spotting. When parking, avoid areas prone to falling corrosive substances (such as under trees), and have the coating inspected quarterly. Professional maintenance can extend protection beyond 12 months. Note: postpone washing during rainy seasons or when temperatures exceed 30°C, as extreme conditions may compromise coating integrity.
Q
How much does a 7 year ceramic coating cost?
The price of 7-year ceramic coating typically ranges from 3000 to 8000 Malaysian Ringgit, with the exact cost depending on product quality, vehicle size, and application techniques. High-end ceramic coatings use silica or glass-based components, with a hardness of over 8H, effectively resisting acid rain, ultraviolet rays, and moderate scratches, and offering a protection period of 5 to 7 years. The application process includes paint polishing and operation in a dust-free workshop, making it suitable for luxury vehicles or car owners seeking long-term protection. Mid-range products cost approximately 1500 to 3000 Malaysian Ringgit with a protection period of 3 to 5 years, suitable for mid-to-high-end sedans. Price differences are mainly influenced by brand premiums (e.g., imported products), application complexity (SUVs cost 20%-30% more than sedans), and shop certifications. It is recommended to choose professionally certified shops and request product testing reports to avoid paint oxidation caused by inferior coatings. For daily maintenance, avoid using strong alkaline car wash detergents, and a coating maintenance treatment can be performed every six months to extend its effectiveness.
Q
Why do car manufacturers not do ceramic coating?
Automakers have not widely adopted ceramic coatings mainly due to considerations of cost control, production process compatibility, and market demand balance. Although ceramic coatings offer advantages such as high hardness, corrosion resistance, and self-cleaning properties, their application requires specialized construction environments (e.g., dust-free workshops) and complex pretreatment (e.g., paint surface degreasing and polishing), which conflicts with vehicle manufacturers' efficient assembly line operations. Taking the Tata Safari as an example, its ceramic coating service is priced at approximately 2,500 rupees and requires completion through independent after-sales channels, highlighting the economic challenges of direct OEM integration. From a technical perspective, while nano-ceramic coatings' MSDS certification and inorganic compound properties can enhance body protection, large-scale application may compromise compatibility with existing electrophoretic coating systems. At the market level, local brands like Proton and Perodua tend to prioritize meeting basic needs, leaving advanced protective functions to third-party modification markets—a division of labor that better aligns with current consumer expectations for cost-effectiveness. Notably, the 3-year efficacy of ceramic coatings in Malaysia's hot and rainy climate still requires long-term validation, which may be another factor contributing to automakers' cautious stance. As local assembly plants increasingly emphasize differentiated services, more brands may follow Tata's approach by offering value-added coating solutions through authorized dealerships in the future.
Q
Is there a downside to ceramic coating?
Although ceramic coating offers advantages such as high hardness, strong hydrophobicity, and long-lasting protection, it still has some limitations. First, the application must be carried out by professionals in a dust-free environment. If the environment is substandard or the technique is not standardized, impurities or bubbles may appear in the coating layer, affecting the performance and even damaging the car paint. Second, the coating cannot enhance the physical hardness of the original car paint, and its protection against scratches from hard objects or impacts is limited. Moreover, after local damage, the entire surface needs to be repaired, resulting in high maintenance costs. The cost of each re-coating ranges from approximately 500 to 2000 Malaysian Ringgit. In addition, although the glossiness of ceramic coating is superior to that of ordinary coatings, it is still slightly inferior to glazing products. Car owners seeking the ultimate mirror-like finish may need to consider this trade-off. It is worth noting that the coating's effectiveness will diminish over time, and re-application is typically required after 2 to 3 years, so the long-term cost of ownership should be factored in. It is recommended that car owners select the coating type based on the vehicle's operating environment (such as rainy or high-temperature regions) and budget, while prioritizing certified installation centers to ensure quality.
Q
Can you see out of ceramic tint at night?
High-quality ceramic films provide clear visibility at night, with light transmittance typically maintained between 5% and 75%. The mainstream light transmittance of front windshield films ensures it is ≥70%, fully complying with the regulatory requirements for safe driving. Compared with films containing metal components, ceramic films use non-metallic materials such as titanium nitride, resulting in significantly lower reflectivity, which avoids the problem of glare at night. At the same time, the uniform distribution of nano-ceramic particles ensures efficient light transmission, so the driver's observation of road conditions will not be affected by insufficient light. It is worth noting that some dark-colored side window or rear windshield films may have lower light transmittance, but regular brand products will clearly indicate the parameters. It is recommended to choose models with light transmittance ≥35% to ensure nighttime safety. In addition, the stability of ceramic films allows them to maintain their initial light transmission performance after long-term use, without the problem of decreased light transmittance caused by oxidation as seen in metal films. If you have higher requirements for night vision, you can prioritize ceramic film products with photochromic technology. Such films can automatically adjust the light transmittance according to ambient light, further enhancing clarity at night.
View MoreLatest News

Buy Traz X or Ativa AV? How to choose at the same price?
JohnFeb 13, 2026

2026 Toyota Estima latest specifications: GA-K platform + PHEV, will it become the mid-to-large MPV that the Malaysian market truly needs?
LienFeb 13, 2026

Crown Sport vs Harrier: Both priced at RM300,000, which is the better choice?
WilliamFeb 12, 2026

Subaru plans to launch a new Forester in 2026, adding a 1.8L Turbo power version
Kevin WongFeb 11, 2026

Toyota Crown Latest Market Trend: Have Second-hand and Recon Prices Dropped Below RM 250k?
WilliamFeb 11, 2026
View More



Cars
