WHAT IS ADAS (ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS)

Learn More About How Your Windshield Plays an Important Role With ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Technology

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has become increasingly common in modern vehicles and for good reasons. ADAS is technology that includes features such as lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise controls. This technology relies on sensors and cameras that are typically on the vehicle's windshield and when a windshield is not properly calibrated it is dangerous. There are different technologies when it comes to ADAS that serve a different purpose in your vehicle.

At West Coast Auto Glass in Santa Rosa, CA, we specialize in windshield replacement and calibration for all types of vehicles, including those with ADAS technology. In this blog post, we will explain what ADAS is and why it is important to have your windshield calibrated.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a safe following distance by adjusting the vehicle's speed based on traffic conditions.

Forward Collision Warning: Forward Collision Warning alert systems use cameras and radars to detect potential collisions with vehicles or objects in front of your vehicle. 

High Beam Safety System: Automatically switches between high and low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW): LDW notifies the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without using a turn signal.

Blind Spot Detection: Blind Spot Detection systems use radar or cameras to monitor the area around your vehicle that is difficult to see, including your blind spots. 

Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatic Emergency Braking builds on the FCW system by automatically applying the brakes if it detects an imminent collision and the driver fails to take action. 

Parking Assistance: Parking Assistance systems use cameras or sensors to help drivers park their cars more easily and accurately. These systems provide guidance and warnings to help avoid obstacles.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Rear Cross Traffic systems use radar or cameras to detect vehicles or objects approaching from the sides as you are backing up. 

Driver Drowsiness Detection: Driver Drowsiness Detection is an ADAS feature that identifies signs of tiredness and notifies the driver to take a break. This technology works by monitoring the driver’s behavior such as steering and blinking patterns.

Windshield Wipers Sensors: When activated your windshield wipers speed can speed up or slow down depending on speeds you are driving or if rain gets heavier or lightens up.

It is important to know that not all vehicles have these ADAS features and every vehicle is different. However, ADAS features are designed to help drivers avoid accidents and stay safe while on the road by using cameras and sensors to alert you with a visual or audible warning.

Windshield calibration is important because ADAS relies on sensors and cameras that are mounted to your windshield. When your windshield is replaced, it is important to have these sensors and cameras repositioned which can affect the calibrations. If those sensors and cameras are not calibrated correctly it can be dangerous. When filing an insurance claim, your insurance will require windshield calibration to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.

For instance, if the lane departure warning system is calibrated improperly it might fail to notify the driver when the vehicle begins to veer off its lane. A malfunction such as this may lead to an accident, especially if the driver’s attention is not fully on the road.

Likewise, a collision avoidance system that has not been calibrated accurately may overlook an approaching collision and fail to engage the brakes to avert or mitigate the crash’s impact. The oversight could lead to an accident.

West Coast Auto Glass uses cutting-edge technology for precise calibration of ADAS systems following a windshield replacement. Our skilled technicians are experienced in making sure sensors and cameras are calibrated correctly and accurately, guaranteeing the optimal performance of your vehicle’s ADAS features for your safety on the road.

If your vehicle is equipped with ADAS technology and you have had your windshield replaced, recalibrating your ADAS systems is very important. West Coast Auto Glass located in Santa Rosa, CA has experience in both windshield replacement and the precise calibration of ADAS systems for a wide range of vehicles. Our skilled technicians guarantee the best performance of your ADAS functionalities and ensure your safety while driving. We offer our certified windshield recalibration services Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, and anywhere in Sonoma County! Contact us today for all your windshield needs.