When behind the wheel of a vehicle like Cadillac SRX, safety should be the driver's first concern, especially when it comes to piloting through storms like Hurricane Irene, which struck the East Coast of North America recently.

So when Gurley Leep GM found out SRX will receive upgrades to their weather driving warning system, they couldn't be more pleased. 2012's SRX starts at $36,060, and is fitted with a 308-horsepower 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine with ECO Mode for better fuel economy. It now also comes with a Rain Brake Assist System.

The vehicle brakes work with the 'SRX RainSense automatic windshield wiper system,' and come on when the SRX travels 20 mph continuously for more than four miles in wet weather. The Auto Dry Brakes, also part of this package, occasionally apply themselves gently in order to keep pads dry.

"With drier rotors, when the driver does apply the brakes, the brake system operates more effectively, giving a more-assured stopping feel and better brake effectiveness in wet conditions," GM explains. "The important thing is to assure the brakes are as dry as possible before the driver applies the brake pedal," said Randy Leek, a General Motors brake development engineer. "We designed this feature to ensure that the brakes provide optimal braking performance while driving in inclement weather."¹

Since the US Department of Transportation says 1 in 10 of the 620,000 car crashes every year happen during rain, this may help calm some commuters' nerves.

Source:

¹http://www.speedlux.com/2012-cadillac-srx-gets-rain-brake-assist-and-some-new-updates/