Summary of Key Findings
In the midst of a severe rainstorm in Shenzhen, with no navigation available, a user tested Tesla's FSD (Full Self-Driving) system. The system frequently “stopped working” due to the harsh conditions, requiring manual intervention to keep the vehicle moving by pressing the accelerator. However, the system’s ability to detect obstacles remained impressive—it was able to accurately identify even partially obscured vehicles.
Detailed Analysis
1. Why does FSD stop working in heavy rain without navigation?
FSD functions like a driver who relies on “eyes” (sensors such as cameras and radar) and a “compass” (navigation and positioning systems). During a rainstorm, water covers the cameras, making it difficult for the system to see road markings, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Without navigation, the system loses awareness of its location and direction. In such situations, its safety mechanisms activate, preventing automatic driving due to the perceived danger, which is a precaution to avoid accidents.
2. Manual intervention is still necessary: Autonomous driving isn’t completely independent
The user's description of “relying solely on pressing the accelerator” indicates that the system cannot automatically control the speed and direction; human intervention is required to adjust these parameters. This highlights that even advanced systems like FSD are not fully autonomous and require human oversight in extreme circumstances, similar to guiding a novice driver on complex roads.
3. Uninterrupted obstacle detection: Core capabilities prove their reliability
Despite the system’s overall failure, its ability to identify partially obscured vehicles was still accurate. This is because obstacle recognition is a fundamental aspect of autonomous driving. The system uses image recognition technology to detect vehicle outlines and shapes, even when partially hidden. These algorithms are well-developed, helping to prevent collisions in poor visibility conditions—like eyes that can still recognize the presence of a car despite blurred vision.
4. Extreme scenarios reveal limitations
This test highlights the limitations of autonomous driving: It may perform well under ideal conditions (clear weather, navigation, and visible road markings), but it struggles in extreme situations (rainstorm, no navigation, complex roads). Automakers need to conduct more testing in such environments to improve the system’s resilience (e.g., by enhancing sensor performance in wet conditions and improving positioning accuracy without navigation).
5. Practical advice for consumers
If you own a vehicle with autonomous driving capabilities:
- In bad weather (rainstorms, fog) or complex road conditions (mountain roads, unpaved roads), don’t rely solely on the system; drive carefully.
- The system is a supplement, not a replacement for human control; always be prepared to take over the steering wheel.
- When choosing a car, don’t be misled by claims of “full automation”; understand the system’s limitations and applicable scenarios (e.g., whether it can function without navigation or in extreme weather).
In summary, this test showcases both the advancements in autonomous driving (such as obstacle recognition) and its shortcomings (especially in extreme environments). For consumers, it’s crucial to recognize the capabilities and limitations of autonomous technology to make informed decisions for safer driving.