The Future is Now in the Windshield Industry
The technology that is emerging with auto glass windshields seems straight out of a Tom Cruise movie. Already many vehicles have heads-up displays that project auto speed, directional information, and temperature. Innovators are promising that within two years, advertising will pop up on your windshield for restaurants when it’s mealtime, or gas stations when your vehicle is running low. Developers are even working on technology that will sense the angle of the sun coming through the windshield and project a dark spot to block the glare. As cars roll off the assembly line with these new technologies and after-market companies continue to give consumers these options, auto glass windshields have become even more integral to driver safety.
Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
You may never have heard of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), but it’s very possible your car is already outfitted with one or more. A few examples of ADAS are:
- Adaptive head lights or light control
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warnings
- Blind spot monitors
- Proximity monitors
- Pedestrian monitors
- Automatic braking
- Automatic parking
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Collision avoidance
These systems are designed to keep you safer, and experts estimate that the use of these technologies may save over 10,000 people from fatal car accidents every year. The safety features provided in these auto glass windshields may soon be a mandated in all automobiles, much like airbags were just a short time ago. Many of these systems depend on cameras or sensors placed directly behind or around the windshield. The calibration of these sensors is critical to their correct functioning. If a sensor is off by even one degree, the resulting misinformation or lack of warning could be devastating.
Know the Technology in Your Car
It’s imperative to know the existing technologies in your vehicle in case your windshield is damaged and needs replacing. Before deciding on who will perform the repair or replacement, be sure their technicians have experience with this integrated technology. Because of the sensitivity of the sensors and cameras, it might be beneficial to attempt to repair a windshield rather than replace it, as it may be less disruptive.
Advanced Windshield Technology is a Clear Improvement
Sometimes the speed of progress can seem scary, but the advancements in the technology of auto glass windshields which provide increased safety to both driver and passenger are only beneficial. As the auto, after-market and windshield industry all work to stay abreast of the latest technology, it’s also important for consumers to stay up to date on these changes in order to keep their vehicle maintained for its optimal performance.