Lane keep assist is a feature designed to help you stay centred in your lane by gently steering you back if you drift. It works alongside lane departure warning to improve safety on highways and busy roads.
- Learn how your system works – Lane keep assist uses cameras to detect lane markings. Familiarise yourself with the indicators and alerts on your dashboard.
- Keep lane markings visible – Make sure the road lines are clear; faded or snow-covered lines may reduce accuracy.
- Hold the steering wheel – Lane keep assist provides gentle correction, but you need to keep your hands on the wheel and steer normally.
- Use on appropriate roads – Lane keep assist is most effective on highways and well-marked roads. Avoid using it on dirt roads or in construction zones.
- Pay attention to speed limits – Some systems work only above certain speeds; check your manual for details.
- Do not rely on it in sharp corners – Lane keep assist may not handle tight bends; slow down and steer manually.
- Keep the camera clean – The forward-facing camera near the rear-view mirror needs a clean windscreen to operate properly.
- Update software and calibrations – Have your vehicle serviced as recommended to ensure the sensors and cameras are calibrated.
- Know when to turn it off – In heavy rain, snow or poor visibility, turning off lane keep assist may be safer; always drive according to conditions.
- Practise using it – Try the feature on a quiet road to understand how it feels and responds.
Lane keep assist can reduce fatigue and increase safety when used properly. Remember that it’s a support, not a substitute for attentive driving. For more guides and FAQs, explore the Driver’s Lounge.
Hiran Alwis is an automotive lecturer and ADAS specialist with over 15 years of experience in diagnostics, advanced safety systems, and technical training. He founded ADAS Project to help everyday drivers and workshop technicians understand and safely use advanced driver assistance systems.