What Is ADAS and the Importance of Windshield Recalibration

What Is ADAS? 

ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, is a system of technological equipment that houses many safety features in modern-day vehicles. These safety features may include lane assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and much more. The equipment usually consists of cameras and sensors attached to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield. It is important that these systems are aligned properly in place to ensure the safety features are accurate. 

Safety Features Controlled by ADAS 

• Adaptive cruise control: Adaptive cruise control monitors the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, adjusting your cruise control speed accordingly. If there is a slower vehicle in front of you, adaptive cruise control will automatically slow your vehicle down to maintain a safe following distance. 

• Lane departure warnings: Lane departure warnings alert you if you have crossed lane markings on the road without signaling. Cameras mounted on your vehicle sense the road markings and provide you with a warning if you drift outside of them. 

• Lane keeping assist: Lane keeping assist alerts you when you have gone outside of your lane, but it can also steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. Lane keeping assist helps you stay in the center of your lane, avoiding side swipes. 

• Blind spot monitoring: Blind spot monitoring senses vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you with a warning light, usually on the side mirror. Blind spot monitoring sensors may also warn you additionally if you try to change lanes while there is someone in your blind spot. 

• Automatic emergency braking: Automatic emergency braking uses sensors and cameras to detect anything obscuring your driving path and automatically applies the brakes if you get too close to an object or vehicle. This helps prevent collisions. 

• Rear cross traffic alert: Rear cross traffic alert assists you in reversing your vehicle by alerting you when the system senses a car or person coming from the side behind you. This helps avoid reverse collisions. 

• Parking assist: Parking assistance systems aid you in parking your vehicle by guiding you or parking the car for you. These systems may include parking sensors that alert you of obstacles and automated systems that use these sensors to park the vehicle for you with little to no input from the driver. 

• Driver attention monitoring: Driver attention monitoring systems detect the driver’s behavior and alertness such as steering patterns, head position, and eye movement. This system will alert you if it detects drowsiness or inattention and will suggest taking a break to help you maintain safety while driving. This is especially helpful when driving at night or for long distances. 

• Forward collision warning: Forward collision warning systems detect possible collisions using sensors. If this system senses a possible collision, it will provide warnings to help you avoid the collision. 

What is ADAS Calibration? 

When your windshield is replaced, or if you notice your ADAS safety features are inaccurate, you may need to have the equipment recalibrated. Many modern vehicles are equipped with ADAS technology, and these systems are usually mounted to the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. It is important that your ADAS equipment be recalibrated after a windshield replacement in order to maintain the accuracy of the technology and keep you safe on the road. 

During ADAS calibration, a professional auto glass technician will often park your vehicle in a controlled area with a flat surface. This area is sometimes referred to as a calibration bay. Then, they will check the sensors and cameras for any damage or misalignment. If cameras seem to be misaligned, an experienced auto glass technician will align them correctly using calibration tools like alignment targets. They will then connect your vehicle’s diagnostic system and use a special software to begin the calibration process. Sensors are adjusted according to the alignment targets using this software. Lastly, a certified windshield calibration technician will conduct tests or a test drive on the vehicle to determine if the ADAS systems are accurate. All calibration results and adjustments will be recorded to ensure they meet manufacturer standards. 

Do You Need ADAS Calibration in Aurora, CO?

If you need a windshield replacement for your ADAS equipped vehicle, you will also need ADAS calibration services. Chip Pros’ certified auto glass technicians provide quick and accurate ADAS calibration. We proudly offer auto glass services across four states including Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho! If you are in need of ADAS calibration services in the Aurora, Boulder, or Thornton, CO areas, contact us today!