“What is speed sensitive volume?” has bothered many who are not familiar with this new technology and how it works. The first idea that comes to mind when you first hear of the technology is that the volume helps in controlling the speed of the car.
Funny as it sounds, this idea isn’t far-fetched from the original thought behind this innovation. In this blog post, we’ll explain what speed-sensitive volume really is and how it works.
What Is Speed Sensitive Volume on a Car?
Speed-sensitive volume on a car is a feature found in modern cars that adjusts the volume of the car audio depending on the speed of the vehicle. Thus, if the car is moving faster, the volume may go higher to compensate for the other sounds in and around the vehicle.
This is because there may be other sounds, like the wind, engine, and road noises, threatening to drown out the volume of the car audio. However, if the car is moving slowly, the volume reduces because the noise in and around the vehicle is minimal.
This technology was built on the principle that the sound from the car audio becomes barely audible as the vehicle speeds up. The faster the car accelerates, the higher the sound of the wind and engine, which tends to subdue the music the driver may be listening to.
How Does the Speed-Sensitive Volume System Work?
The speed-sensitive volume system works using speed sensors that measure the speed of the vehicle and a microphone that picks up the noise in and around the car. The sensors and the microphone then feed the information to the system, which uses it to control the audio volume.
When the system determines that the audio from the car isn’t audible enough, it automatically raises it via the speed volume booster. As the driver begins to slow down, the sensors would detect the speed, and the microphone will pick up the dwindling noise and relay signals to the system. The system then feeds this info into its algorithm and then adjusts the audio volume. The amazing thing is that all this is done in real-time.
The aim of the technology is to ensure a comfortable audio volume while considering the various noise levels around it. This helps the drivers to maintain their focus on the road rather than trying to adjust the volume controls as they drive. However, for those who find it distracting, you can disable it, depending on the model of your car.
What Are the Benefits of Speed-Sensitive Volume?
The benefits of speed-sensitive volume are that it maintains a consistent listening experience, decreases manual volume adjustments, and helps the driver to concentrate on the road. Other benefits include better road safety, improved comfort, and a reduction in driver fatigue.
Consistent Audio Volume
One benefit of the speed-sensitive volume is that it keeps your car audio at a consistent volume, regardless of the noise coming from the vehicle. You don’t have to strain to hear your favorite music or listen to the news as you drive around.
The system also optimizes the audio quality, giving you a wonderful experience on a long trip. The consistent audio means that the driver doesn’t have to worry about missing any important news item or radio program.
Decrease Manual Volume Adjustments
With the advent of this system, the driver doesn’t have to worry about manually adjusting the volume knobs. Thus, the driver doesn’t have to go through the hassle of reaching for the volume knob whenever the sound is too low or too high. They don’t even have to worry about turning the wrong knob as they reach for the volume with their eyes still on the road. With this system, all the driver has to do is to drive and it’ll take care of the sound volume and quality.
Improves the Driver’s Focus on the Road
The speed-sensitive volume system improves the driver’s concentration on the road as they have activities going on. Before the introduction of the system, drivers had to focus on the road while undertaking several activities, including tuning the volume and adjusting sound quality.
These activities usually distract the drivers, endangering the lives and properties of other pedestrians and road users. Now, the driver has less to do while driving; thus, he can keep his eyes fixed on the road.
Safety on the Road
As the driver keeps his eyes on the road and avoids the distraction of turning the volume knob, he keeps the road safe for himself and other users. One of the major causes of road accidents in the US is driver distraction while driving.
Though tuning the volume of the car audio doesn’t account for as many road accidents as using a phone, it has its negative impacts. This is why modern vehicle companies are gravitating towards hands-free inventions so the driver can keep his hands on the wheel and his eyes on the road.
Reduces Driver Fatigue
The speed-sensitive volume control gives the driver less to do and helps to reduce fatigue, especially on long journeys. Constantly moving and reaching for the volume knob puts a strain on the driver and increases fatigue.
It can also lead to pain in the neck, back and hands as they aren’t in their relaxed positions. These pains can be discomforting.
Improved Comfort
Hands-free inventions in vehicles lead to improved comfort as the driver doesn’t have to go through the hassle of manually adjusting the volume knob. They can relax their hands, backs and necks as they drive around the country. This kind of comfort gets rid of fatigue and associated pains in the neck, back and hands. Thus, the driver relaxes while cruising along the way to their destination.
How To Set the Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
To set the speed-sensitive volume control is relatively easy but depends on the make and model of the particular audio stem you’re using. However, it generally involves turning on your engine, accessing your car audio settings, and navigating to the speed-sensitive volume or any feature related to it.
Navigating the Car Audio Settings
First, turn on the engine and then turn on the car audio before you access the car audio settings. Some car audio systems turn on once the ignition is turned on; thus, you won’t need to turn on the audio system separately.
Some audio systems are operated by touchscreen, buttons or a combination of the two. Ensure you select the car audio settings.
Go to Settings
After selecting the car audio settings, navigate to the settings menu or an equivalent feature. Under this feature, you’ll discover many customizations that you can choose to enhance the quality of sound from the audio system. Look for options that are related to volume or sound and select them. Note that these options will differ from one system to the other.
Navigate the Speed-Sensitive Volume
Once you locate the volume-related option, navigate to the speed-sensitive option, which might be labeled differently depending on the car. Some audio systems label it “Speed-dependent Volume,” while others call it “Automatic Volume Control” or anything close to that.
Now, use the feature to adjust the sensitivity of the volume relative to the speed. Some systems have “High”, “Medium,” or “Low” sensitivity; thus, you can use that to fine-tune how the audio system controls the volume based on the car’s speed.
Test the Speed-sensitive Volume Settings
After you’re done setting up the system, take the car for a test drive to see how it operates under different driving conditions. Now, accelerate for a few minutes to check how the system responds and then decelerate to observe how it adjusts. If the audio was barely audible during the acceleration or the volume was too loud during the deceleration, you need to readjust the settings.
However, you can disable the system altogether if you think it’s more of a nuisance than a way to make your driving experience more comfortable. Remember that these are just general guidelines and each specific system may vary slightly. Therefore, contact the car or system’s manual on how to set up your specific system.
How to Troubleshoot the Speed-Sensitive Volume?
To troubleshoot the speed-sensitive volume depends on the type of system. Thus, check the manual for tips on how to solve “small” technical issues related to the system. You can check the microphone placement, verify that the system has been activated, or check the speed sensors.
Refer to the Manual
Ensure you check the manual first before attempting any troubleshooting tips. The manufacturers may have anticipated several issues; thus, they may provide ways to solve them. Check the section on the speed-sensitive volume feature for ways to adjust the volume, settings, and other tips. If you can’t find the manual, you can try the next steps.
Ensure the Speed-Sensitive Volume System is Activated
It is easy to skip one or two crucial steps during the activation of the system, which would disrupt the smooth function of the system. Thus, go through all the necessary steps, as highlighted in this article or in the car manual, to ensure that the activation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Turn Off Speed-Sensitive Volume Control in a Nissan Sentra?
You turn off the speed sensitive volume control in a Nissan Sentra by pressing and holding the “Menu”. Then navigate to the “Speed-Sensitive Volume Control”. There you can set the volume to “high”, “mid,” or “low”, or you can turn it off completely so you can manually adjust the volume.
Conclusion
This blog post has discussed what is speed sensitive volume Nissan, how to turn it on and its attendant benefits to drivers.
Here is a highlight of the major points discussed in this article:
- The SVC is a system that adjusts the car audio’s volume to maintain a consistent listening experience regardless of the prevailing driving conditions.
- The system works by automatically adjusting the volume knob to match the noise around the environment during driving.
- It involves speed sensors that measure the speed of the car and a microphone that picks up the various sounds in and around the vehicle.
- These components factor their values into the system algorithm, which calculates the right volume and adjusts it accordingly.
- Thus, if the car is driving at a high speed, the volume goes high to match the noise from the wind and engine, and if it moves at a slow speed, the system turns the volume down.
You can set the volume by referring to the car manual because each SVC system differs depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
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