RCTA meaning
Modern cars are coming out with all sorts of new safety features. There’s adaptive cruise control, backup cameras, forward collision warning, and now: RCTA. But when you put a big acronym on a feature, it’s not always clear what it does or why you might want to use it. We’re here to pull back the curtain on this less-than-clear safety feature and put the control in your hands regarding when to activate it or let it guide you.
RTCA: Rear Cross Traffic Alert
What is RTCA? RTCA on a Toyota stands for Rear Cross Traffic Alert. When you are backing up, it alerts you if someone is about to drive behind your vehicle. It is one of several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to keep you safe under specific conditions.
The Purpose of RCTA
RTCA was designed to help you avoid parking lot collisions. 20% of car accidents happen in parking lots when vehicles are trying to maneuver in tight rows with poor visibility down the parking lanes. One of the biggest risks is that someone will drive behind you while you’re trying to back out of a parking space. Even with a good rearview camera, you can’t always see around the corner.
How RTCA Works
Your RTCA works using radar sensors located on the left and right sides of the rear bumper, giving it a wider range of detection than your rear camera, which gives you a clear view straight back. This is different from parking sensors which detect lines and curbs.
When the RTCA activates, it will beep, display an alert on the center console, and flash an indicator light on the side mirrors any time you are backing up at speeds up to 5 mph and when another vehicle is approaching at speeds between 5 and 18 mph.
When To Use RCTA
RCTA is useful when you are backing up with poor visibility. It was designed to protect you in busy locations such as parking lots or busy residential streets with frequent cross traffic. It can protect you from surprise collisions when you are unable to see if cross traffic might put you at risk while backing up your vehicle.
How To Turn Off and on RCTA
RTCA turns on automatically each time you turn on your vehicle. However, you can turn it off with each trip by changing your display settings. Use the following process to temporarily turn off your RCTA for each trip.
- Locate the arrow buttons on the left side of your steering wheel.
- Press the right and left buttons ( < and > ) at the same time to access the settings.
- Use the up and down buttons ( ^ or v ) to scroll through your options.
- Select RCTA and press the “OK” button
This will turn off RCTA and can also be used to turn it back on. However, it will be reenabled the next time you turn the car on.
Schedule Your Toyota Service
RCTA is one of many new safety features now available in the latest Toyota models. Whether you enjoy the protection provided by Rear Cross Traffic Alerts or you’d rather rely on your rear camera and personal awareness, it’s important to stay safe in parking lots and when backing out of driveways on busy roads.
Visalia Toyota can help you stay safe on the road with routine, preventative, and responsive maintenance services. Whether you are looking to learn more about your Toyota, need to schedule your regular maintenance check-up, or have an issue you are concerned about, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next Toyota service appointment or view our new and used Toyotas here.
FAQ
What is RCTA meaning on a Toyota?
RCTA stands for Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a safety feature that warns you when a vehicle is about to pass behind your car while you’re backing up.
What is the purpose of RCTA?
RCTA helps prevent parking lot collisions by alerting you to cross traffic you can’t see when reversing out of a space.
How does RCTA work?
It uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect approaching vehicles. If a vehicle is coming, the system beeps, displays an alert on the console, and flashes indicator lights on the side mirrors.
When is RCTA most useful?
It’s ideal in parking lots, tight areas, or any situation where visibility is limited while backing up.
Can I turn RCTA off?
Yes. You can temporarily disable it in your vehicle’s settings using the steering-wheel buttons, but it will automatically turn back on the next time you start your Toyota.
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