Automobile technology is advancing at a breakneck pace. Today’s modern vehicles can come equipped with many different advanced safety features built right into the windshield or other areas of their car which is wonderful…until you have a problem with your windshield. If your windshield breaks or needs repair, you may need to recalibrate your car’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

Why is it important to keep your ADAS system properly calibrated when your windshield is damaged? Because safety has greatly improved, and crashes have been significantly decreased thanks to this important safety feature. But, it does increase the cost of windshield repair and replacement because certain safety features must be recalibrated by an experienced and knowledgeable repair service to ensure those safety features work correctly, as Consumer Reports describes, “The sensors integral to ADAS usually live in peripheral, easy-to-damage areas—inside bumpers and windshields, and inside mirrors. So a minor collision or a cracked windshield can become a major expense…CR and other car experts stress that ADAS features must be repaired correctly or safety systems can become disabled or function improperly and cause dangerous errors…Not all collision repair shops are qualified to fix ADAS-equipped vehicles.”

If your car’s windshield or other auto glass is damaged at all in a collision or gets hit by debris that damages it, it is important to seek out a reliable and knowledgeable repair company to complete your necessary ADAS recalibration. Not all companies provide this service and many do not have the information or training to complete it correctly so do your research and choose a reliable expert for your ADAS calibration service needs.

How to do ADAS calibration?

The Advanced Driver Assistance System of a car rely on variety of sensors to know what is happening around the vehicle. Most commonly, it utilizes cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and steering sensors to determine the direction and location of the automobile. The combination of information varies from one system to another. It is a process called sensor fusion to get more accurate view around the car. In some cases, ADAS sensors calibration if their alignments are disturbed. Misaimed sensors bring drastic changes in the area of viewpoint and often result in collisions. Even small mistakes can affect the position these sensors and cause them to move out of alignment. Fortunately, ADAS calibration is offered as a service by many automobile window replacement companies.

Car owners can note faulty ADAS sensors by a warning light or message on the panel, a diagnostic trouble code in the computer memory of a car, vehicle steering vibration, increased effort for steering, and steering pull. Such problems often lead to safety hazards by affecting protection during transportation.

Camera sensors

Most modern cars are equipped with front-facing cameras to avoid collision. These are commonly utilized for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic headlight dimming, and emergency braking. These sensors are found inside the assembly integration, as a part of some housing of the roof. In some models, automakers use two cameras as a part of a connected system for enhanced depth perception.

Radar sensors

Front-facing radar sensors are responsible for adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. It transmits a high frequency wave that would reflect off surfaces and return signals. The time period of this signal transfer helps to measure the location of objects. Moreover, radio waves pass through plastic bumpers and metal coverings. However, it requires protection from natural elements and road debris. In some cases, loose casings will affect the calibration of these sensors.

Ultrasonic devices

These sensors are primarily used for parking. Ultrasonic sensors are found in front or rear bumpers. They transmit high frequency sounds waves for detection. It can detect cars, people, and other solid objects within close proximity to the vehicle. These ultrasonic sensors require regular calibration to transmit precise positions. For this reasons, car owners are advised to calibrate them regularly to avoid any risks of accidents. Some car brands do not approve aftermarket calibration tools. They also prohibit the use of recycled parts to calibrate sensors. Hence, it is best to hire professional services with authorized tools. They work properly within the specified orientation.

Steering sensors

These sensors are responsible for lane departure warning. They also control electronic stability and adaptive suspensions. ADAS calibration is required for steering sensors as well if they are disturbed in any way. Moreover, they are a part of complete diagnostic checks performed on every vehicle.