What You Need to Know About Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

If someone were to compare the automotive glass industry 50 years ago to what it is today, an apt phrase would be, “You’ve Come A Long Way Baby.” The slogan was coined in the late 1960’s and it has been used through the years for different product lines and social movements.

Back then, vehicles offered limited options when it came to windshields. See the following w/s offering for the 1968 Chevrolet Malibu:

The windshields of today certainly have come a long way. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is a rapidly growing new technology that helps the driver in the driving process. ADAS cameras control blind spot monitors, collision avoidance systems, driver drowsiness detection, lane departure systems, rain /light and lane keep assist. All these functions increase occupant safety, which in turn increases road safety for everyone.

This new technology creates more responsibilities for the installers of today. It’s no longer “slap” the windshield in and on to the next job.

How these systems work and how often they need to be recalibrated are at the top of the list of questions that installers need to ask themselves when doing a job. People buying new vehicles today may be unaware their vehicle is equipped with ADAS, so we cannot expect them to understand the necessary maintenance of these systems. That is now incumbent on the installer to do the job correctly and adhere to all the manufacturers’ recommendations. If the manufacture requires recalibration, it is the duty of the installer to inform the customer of that fact, whether the installer does it themselves or they have a third party do it, they still must inform the customer.

Like any other aspect of car ownership, there are conditions / situations that require the ADAS to be recalibrated. In the event of an accident, even a minor fender bender, where the aiming of the camera/sensor is disturbed, recalibration would be required. This could also happen as a byproduct of service work such as a windshield replacement, suspension repairs, or even a wheel alignment.

Calibration is also required if there is a change in tire size, a front airbag deflects off the windshield, or repairs are made to the roof where the sensor is mounted. Additionally, recalibration is necessary when there is a related Diagnostic Trouble Code or when the automaker releases a technical service bulletin with instructions that calibration be done as part of another repair.

There are two manners in which to calibrate. “Dynamic Calibration” requires the vehicle be driven at a set speed on a well-marked road, while “Static Calibration” is done in a shop environment and requires a specific target image mounted in front of the vehicle.

ADAS sensor calibration/recalibration is required whenever a sensor/camera’s aiming is disturbed in any way. This can occur in a collision, even a minor fender bender, or it can be a byproduct of common service work such as windshield replacement, suspension repairs or even wheel alignment.

Calibration is also required whenever a sensor/camera or its mounting bracket is removed and replaced, if there is a change in tire size, a front airbag deploys and deflects off the windshield, or repairs are made to a car roof that has a sensor bracket mounted to it.

So, it’s no longer just put the glass in and go. Now, you must inform and educate your customers of what they need to do. It is the installer’s job and responsibility and requirement that they do this.

Written by: Mark Hurst - Manager, Supply Chain ARG – MAY 6, 2020