What are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems?
We’ve been talking about ADAS, (which stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,) a lot lately here at First Class Auto Glass. And for good reason too. These systems are here to stay and they’re becoming more advanced with each new model release. They utilize radar, lidar, cameras, computer imaging, sensors, networking, and other devices to help create a safer driving experience.ADAS refers to any type of assistance to the driver that it automated. This can be something as simple as auto-on headlights or rain sensing wipers. Moving up the scale, ADAS can also assist drivers by utilizing night vision technology and sensing vehicles in blind spots- something your average human with five senses would have difficulty doing. ADAS at its most advanced state is less of an assistance system, and more into the realm of becoming autonomous. Here at First Class Auto Glass we are committed to a job done right the first time and the safety of each and every one of our customers which is why First Class Auto Glass is proud to announce it’s self to be among the very FEW auto glass shops in the area to fully commit to proper windshield installation and has invested heavily in very expensive ADAS recalibration machines to insure a safe return of possesion of any vehicle with these systems to our customers. If your shop of choice does not offer recalibration services please take your time and reconsider that as your shop of choice as they clearly do not have your best interest in mind!
Windshield Replacement Time
If you don’t already have a vehicle equipped with ADAS features, chances are you will in the future since more and more vehicles have these systems as standard features.
Hear us loud and clear
Despite the latest and greatest technology, things still break- especially windshields, which take the brunt of highway-speed abuse from objects like rocks. When it comes time for windshield replacement there are certain things you’ll want to know– like the fact that the car’s computer system will likely need to be re-calibrated The process for windshield replacement calibration varies from vehicle. It can be as simple as resetting the vehicle’s computer system, to as complicated as setting up lasers, taking measurements, and making manual adjustments. These ADAS calibrations after a windshield replacement require specialized, expensive tools and a lot of training. Additional costs vary by complexity of the recalibration and fees generally range from $350 to 600. Considering what goes into it, these are bargain prices. Especially when a proper windshield replacement calibration could be the difference between saving a family of four or a deadly accident.
Windshield Replacement Calibration
You may be wondering why does my car needs to be re-calibrated at all, why a windshield replacement causes issues. This is due to the fact that car windshields are actually kind of advanced and what you think may be just glass, is not just glass anymore. Even though you can’t always see it, there are built-in sensors, specially positioned areas of tint and no tint, heaters, noise reduction layers– the list goes on. Some of these built-in or attached sensors can be linked to ADAS. And if the sensors change position by just a millimeter or degree, it may throw the entire system off. This one reason why re-calibration is essential after a windshield replacement.
The more advanced systems that use cameras for lane departure warning systems and the like usually have special areas of the windshield that the lens “sees” through. It is a very precise area, so great care must be taken during an install to ensure everything is lined up. Much like other sensors, the cameras are very sensitive to change and will likely need to be re-calibrated after a new install as well.
Talking Shop with your Local Windshield Repair Tech
Provide as many details about the windshield as you possibly can when booking through First Class Auto Glass. We offer a section to list the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a section for adding notes. When the glass shop reaches out to you to confirm the appointment let them know if you even think your vehicle might be equipped with ADAS features. The glass shop should be able to order the correct windshield based off of this information. However, keep in mind a single year, make and model of a vehicle may have over 20 possible windshields! For certain vehicles, the shop may require an in-person inspection before they order the replacement glass.