As automobiles become more technologically advanced and complicated, so does the process of getting certain repairs like a windshield replacement made.
Today’s vehicles, complete with their automation and safety features, must undergo ADAS recalibration whenever a windshield is replaced or some other repair that affects the functionality of these important sensors is made.
Whether dealing with a cracked auto windshield or some other type of front-end vehicle damage, car owners must ensure that their auto glass or body shop is equipped to do this essential recalibration to keep safety features working correctly.
What Features Are Controlled by ADAS Systems?
There are many features controlled by the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS on today’s vehicles, from basic models all the way to luxury cars.
The list includes a variety of safety and convenience features, all of which are controlled by delicate sensors that must be recalibrated whenever windshield replacement is done or if other parts of the system are repaired.
ADAS vehicle safety features controlled by the cameras and smart sensors on the windshield include:
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure and lane keep warnings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic braking system
- Traffic sign and pedestrian recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Shade band control
- Head-up displays
Why Do Vehicles Require ADAS Recalibration?
ADAS recalibration is necessary for any vehicle that has any of these automated features onboard as their accuracy depends on that calibration.
Though the sensors and cameras are included with replacement windshields, those sensors must be calibrated with the vehicle’s onboard computers for them to function correctly and safely.
What Happens When ADAS Recalibration Is Not Performed?
Failure to recalibrate a vehicle with ADAS features can be extremely dangerous, as the safety features may not activate correctly or at all.
Those accustomed to these features could end up in a dangerous situation if they warn at the wrong time or no warning is given at all if windshield wipers fail to activate or even when set for auto-activation fail to turn on.
This is also an important factor when arranging repairs like cracked auto windshield replacement, as there is no guarantee that a lower-quality or aftermarket windshield will have the required sensors or caliber of sensors necessary to properly calibrate and run the vehicle's ADAS safety features.
Qualified Auto Glass Shops Can Handle Windshield Replacement
Whether doing a windshield replacement on a luxury vehicle or an economy daily driver, car owners should inquire about ADAS and how it affects their vehicle repairs before taking their car home.
A cracked auto windshield can become a serious problem if a replacement is not performed by a knowledgeable glass technician experienced with ADAS safety features and how they work.
ADAS recalibration is required for any vehicle boasting any of the above-listed safety features to ensure the sensors and cameras can view and alert accurately and hopefully prevent an accident in the future.