Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become essential in modern vehicles, providing features that enhance safety and convenience. These systems rely on precise calibration to function effectively. If you’ve recently had a windshield replacement or are curious about how ADAS works, this guide will help you understand why proper calibration is crucial.
What Are ADAS Sensors?
ADAS sensors are the building blocks of your vehicle’s safety features.
They include:
Cameras (e.g., forward-facing cameras mounted on the windshield)
Radar Sensors (for adaptive cruise control and collision detection)
LIDAR Sensors (for lane departure and obstacle detection)
Ultrasonic Sensors (for parking assist systems)
These sensors collect real-time data, powering features such as:
Automatic emergency braking
Lane-keeping assistance
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Pedestrian detection
Accurate alignment of these sensors is critical to their effectiveness, and even minor changes to your vehicle can disrupt their calibration.
What Is ADAS Calibration?
ADAS calibration ensures that all sensors and cameras are aligned and functioning as intended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. This process is essential for the safety and reliability of systems designed to prevent accidents and assist drivers.
There are two types of ADAS calibration:
Static Calibration: Performed in a controlled environment using specialized equipment and targets while the car remains stationary.
Dynamic Calibration: Conducted on the road while the vehicle is driven, allowing the system to adjust to real-world conditions.
When Is ADAS Calibration Required?
Car manufacturers mandate ADAS calibration in the following scenarios:
Windshield Replacement: If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera mounted on the windshield, calibration is required after a replacement. This ensures that the camera’s alignment meets factory specifications.
Collision Repairs: Even minor impacts can misalign sensors and cameras, making recalibration necessary.
Suspension or Wheel Alignment Work: Changes to your vehicle's height or alignment can affect sensor performance.
ADAS Warning Light Activation: If your dashboard indicates a system error, calibration may be needed to restore functionality.
Why Is Calibration So Important?
Accurate ADAS calibration is critical for:
System Reliability: Misaligned sensors can result in false warnings or missed alerts.
Driver Safety: Proper calibration ensures features like emergency braking and lane assistance work when you need them most.
Legal and Warranty Compliance: Many manufacturers require calibration after specific repairs to maintain warranty coverage.
Skipping calibration may seem like a shortcut, but it risks compromising your vehicle’s safety features and increasing liability in the event of an accident.
How Is ADAS Calibration Performed?
Professional calibration involves:
Inspection: Technicians examine the vehicle for any damage or factors that could affect calibration.
Setup: Specialized tools and targets are positioned around the car based on the manufacturer’s requirements.
Adjustment: Sensors and cameras are fine-tuned using advanced software to align with factory specifications.
Testing: The system is tested to ensure all features operate correctly.
This process requires expertise, precision, and manufacturer-approved equipment to guarantee the system's accuracy.
Choose a Trusted Partner for ADAS Calibration
At SecureAuto Glass and Calibration, we understand the importance of keeping your ADAS sensors in perfect alignment. Our certified technicians use the latest equipment to ensure your vehicle’s safety features work exactly as intended. Understanding the importance of sensor calibration—and ensuring it’s performed when required—can save lives and prevent accidents.
If you’ve recently had a windshield replacement or need ADAS calibration, contact us today. Let us help you drive with confidence!
