When you have a major crack or chips in your windshield, and you need to have the windshield replaced, you may be surprised to find you also need an ADAS calibration. Most people never heard of an ADAS calibration nor does it make sense that you need one to get your windshield replaced. For those with newer vehicle’s that have an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) you will need to have this system calibrated when replacing a windshield and a few other situations. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics will cover what ADAS is and why or when these systems require calibration.
How Does Advanced Driver Assistance System Work?
Advanced Driver Assistance System or simply put the ADAS, is a computerized driving assistance system that is found in many modern cars. The basic concept of an ADAS has been around for years and starts as automatic headlights and wipers. However, as technology advances, modern vehicles have a more complex driving assistance or guidance system. The average ADAS includes:
• Lane Departure Warning System – This feature has a warning sound if a car moves into a new lane without signaling. The lane departure warning system or also known as Lane Keep Assist also helps you stay in your lane and will recenter the vehicle in the lane if you begin to drift.
• Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB) – Another feature of the ADAS is the AEB which is an emergency braking system. When activated, the AEB will stop the vehicle before you collide with another vehicle or objects. Additionally, the AEB will sound off a warning when there is a potential impact detected.
• Adaptive Cruise Control – Cruise control has been around for a very long time now. Cruise control will maintain the current speed until you brake or turn it off. The newer adaptive cruise control systems will adjust depending on the traffic around you. If you approach a vehicle going slower than you, the vehicle will slow down to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking System (PAEB) – The PAEB is just like the AEB but this system is designed to identify pedestrians.
Do I Need to Recalibrate My ADAS if I Replace My Windshield?
So what does replacing a windshield have to do with the ADAS? The ADAS is a combination of cameras, radar, sensors and computer imaging software, that is either mounted behind or directly to the windshield. When replacing a windshield it interferes with the ADAS which is why the ADAS will need to be recalibrated or the ADAS may be off and cause problems that the ADAS was designed to prevent.
What Happens During a ADAS Calibration?
An ADAS calibration involves aligning all of the sensing devices so they operate properly. There are two types of calibration process. There is a dynamic calibration and a static calibration. A dynamic calibration takes the vehicle out on to the road and drives the vehicle to make the needed adjustments. A static calibration is done while the vehicle is stationary and uses a computer to make the needed adjustments. ADAS recalibrations are often needed if the vehicle had its windshield replaced, during a collision, the ADAS light is flashing, and when you change out the size of your tires.
Vehicle Calibration & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
Hopefully you better understand why ADAS calibrations are required and are designed to ensure your safety. For ADAS calibration and more, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics today.