GM has just introduced a technology that could completely change the way we drive… and how we take care of the car. Basically, they have developed a system that detects in real time if the road is in bad condition. And it doesn’t just alert you, it also warns the authorities before things get worse.
The goal? That you don’t have to hit that pothole that, if you’re lucky, just spills your coffee… and if you’re not, breaks your suspension.
A system designed for a problem we all suffer
In the United States, many roads are in a sorry state. Cracks, potholes, wavy asphalt… And that, in the long run, turns into bills of hundreds or thousands of dollars per car every year.
Even though the infrastructure plan approved in 2021 promised to improve things, the truth is that millions of drivers are still dealing daily with streets full of invisible traps.
This is where GM wanted to step in with this invention.
And how does it work exactly?
It was registered in 2023 (December) with patent US 2025/0200526 A1. And no, it’s not science fiction. It’s based on sensors placed directly on the vehicles: they detect impacts, vibrations, water buildup, and even pavement deformations!
With that information and GPS help, the car sends the data to GM’s servers, where it’s processed and given a score. If a road gets a bad grade, the system automatically alerts local authorities. And if you’re driving, it also recommends alternative routes to avoid the area, isn’t it incredible?
Fewer scares, fewer breakdowns
One of the strengths of this system is the savings. Because avoiding bad roads isn’t just more comfortable: it also extends the lifespan of the car. Fewer blowouts, fewer trips to the shop for steering or suspension issues.
And on top of that, it can be integrated with the Super Cruise assisted driving system, which already works on more than 750,000 miles in the US and Canada. So we’re not talking about something far off: they could activate it in models already on the road.
Safety before anything happens
But wait, there’s another advantage: this system doesn’t wait for the problem to happen, it anticipates it, more than incredible! It’s a step forward towards a car that not only reacts but gets ahead (or something similar). It’s not just a help for your wallet, it could also make a difference when it comes to safety.
It’s not the only idea they’ve got in the works…
GM has been presenting all sorts of curious patents for a while. One of them detects the emotional state of the occupants to stop you from driving if you’re angry or agitated (forget driving while listening Adele then). Another turns the windshield into an augmented reality screen that adjusts automatically to the headlights of other vehicles so you don’t get dazzled.
Will we see it soon or is it just an idea?
With patents, you know how it is: many stay in the drawer. But in this case, everything points to GM actually wanting to implement it. The technology is there, and it fits perfectly with the future of electric and autonomous cars.
We all win: drivers, because we avoid damage and scares; and authorities, because they can know which roads need attention before someone complains about it on social media.