There was a time when windshield replacement was a case of simply removing the old glass and replacing it with a new one. It was a straight-up procedure with little to no complications.
That simpler time has long gone with the advent of the ADAS.
ADAS is an acronym for advanced driver assistance system, an amazing feature found in most recent car models.
Regardless of the manufacturer, cars that come with an ADAS have a reputation for providing car owners everywhere with added safety and convenience while on the road.
A car’s ADAS, for example, can automatically activate the brakes to avoid a collision. It can also alert drivers to other vehicles that are too close and notifies them if they’re drifting from their lane.
The thing with ADAS is that it relies on cameras and laser sensors that pass through the windshield. That’s why an ADAS window recalibration is a much more complex task than your usual windshield replacement.
The importance of precise calibration
Technicians cannot afford to make a mistake when replacing the windshield of an ADAS-equipped car, as it could compromise the system’s ability to give drivers a more convenient and much safer driving experience.
As mentioned above, a vehicle with ADAS has cameras and laser sensors mounted on the inside of the windshield. These cameras and sensors are typically responsible for ADAS features such as:
● Lane keeping assist
● Automatic emergency braking
● Automatic headlight high-beam activation/dimming
● Adaptive cruise control
● Lane departure warning
As part of the windshield replacement process, technicians will need to remove, then reattach, the cameras and sensors.
Technicians must make sure that all the ADAS equipment are calibrated accurately. The camera angle, for example, cannot be off by even one degree because it will impact the camera’s viewing angle significantly. The laser sensors must also be perfectly aligned so they can “see” the road and nearby obstructions as accurately as possible.
When the windshield calibration is less than precise, the ADAS features of a car may not function properly, and that could lead to a road mishap.While removing the cameras and sensors sounds easy enough, putting them back together can prove to be tricky.
Preparing the vehicle for calibration
For technicians, making sure that a car is prepared for an ADAS sensor calibration in keeping with its manufacturer's specifications is a crucial part of the process.
While those specifications may differ from one automaker to the next, some have common preparation requirements, which may include:
● A full tank to account for a car’s accurate height
● Ensuring that the front and rear vehicle ride height are within specifications
● Removal of heavy items from the car
● Tires inflated to pressures recommended by the manufacturer
● Performance of four-wheel alignment
● Clean windshield in front of camera/sensor
● Removal of protective cover from radar sensor
Signs a vehicle needs recalibration
Many new vehicles are fitted with the ADAS system, and many drivers are already familiar with how they work.
However, it’s entirely possible for car owners to fail to recognize the signs that their ADAS system needs a recalibration, something that must be done from time to time.
As already discussed above, a windshield replacement for an ADAS-equipped car will require calibration. So will the following situations:
● A fault code appears on the dashboard
● After minor vehicle collisions
● The camera is disconnected or disturbed
● The car’s suspension has changed
● After wheel realignment
For technicians providing service to customers with ADAS-equipped cars, it would be great if they could ask them if they have experienced or performed any of the above.
Making these situations part of a checklist is a good idea, so that when customers bring their vehicles in for a checkup, technicians can get the necessary information to determine if they are due for a recalibration and help keep them safe in the process.
Given the complexity of performing calibrations, the technicians who do them will need to be extensively trained in the process, meticulous about the details, and have the right tools and equipment. A partnership with a mobile auto glass company may also be necessary, especially when a vehicle owner cannot get the car to the shop for whatever reason.
