What is ADAS Recalibration?

New cars come with an assortment of handy safety features, but this innovative technology means newer cars are also more complicated – and costly – to fix. Your windshield may look like it’s a just large piece of glass, but it actually includes quite a bit of technology.

What is ADAS?

Most manufacturers now include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features in their windshields. ADAS refer to any type of automated assistance to the driver. This can be anything from electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes to blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, and collision warnings. ADAS is available in varying degrees, depending on your specific make and model; at its most advanced, it’s the driving force behind autonomous vehicles. The ADAS technologies that are commonly mounted in windshields include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-departure warning, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

Why is ADAS Recalibration Important in Windshield Replacement?

ADAS RecalibrationUnsurprisingly, ADAS systems make windshield replacement more difficult. The sensors and the equipment they’re paired with need to be calibrated for them to work properly. Replacing a windshield means that the cameras and sensors within the glass must be replaced, and the equipment they’re attached to must be calibrated to work properly. If a sensor gets moved just a millimeter, it can throw off the accuracy of the ADAS system. Unfortunately, if the system isn’t working correctly, the driver may not be aware until an accident occurs. Most manufacturers require ADAS recalibration for the following circumstances:

  • Windshield replacement
  • Collision repair
  • After airbags deploy
  • Suspension repair
  • Front end realignment
  • Changing the tires or ride height
  • Replacement of a faulty camera or sensor
  • When ADAS lights are on or flashing
  • Replacement of the vehicle’s ECM (Engine Control Module), PCM (Powertrain Control Module), or ECU (Engine Control Unit)

There are two types of ADAS recalibration: static and dynamic. Static calibration involves setting up a vehicle-specific target board at a precise distance from the vehicle and finding the center of the vehicle. The camera is recalibrated using a scan tool that’s connected to the vehicle’s computer, and the target board aligns the vehicle. Dynamic recalibration involves hooking the scan tool to the vehicle and taking it for a road test. The road test aligns the vehicle while the scan tool recalibrates the camera.

Safer Vehicles, More Costly Repairs

ADAS features increase safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but the technology does increase repair costs. A typical windshield replacement on an older vehicle would have been about $300; with ADAS recalibration, it could be as much as $1500, depending on the vehicle’s features. If you have a newer vehicle, it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the type of features it has. This is important not only for cost considerations, but it may also help you determine whether your system is working correctly.

If you don’t already have a newer vehicle, chances are you will in the future. As of 2020, all U.S. manufactured vehicles are mandated to include autonomous emergency braking systems and forward-collision warning systems. So even if your vehicles don’t currently have these systems, U.S. makes that are 2020 and newer will include them.

At Lucky Dog Auto Glass, we care about your safety and the safety of our community. If your vehicle needs a windshield replacement, we have the equipment and expertise to properly calibrate your ADAS system. Not sure if your car is equipped with ADAS technology? We’re happy to let you know and offer a free quote on the cost of your windshield replacement. Give us a call at 253-569-9403 or send us a message through our online form.

Contact us today at 253-569-9403 to schedule your appointment.

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