What is ADAS? Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

In recent years, automotive technology has greatly advanced, changing the way we drive. A major development in automotive technology is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). But what exactly is ADAS, and how does it impact our driving? Here’s everything you need to know about ADAS, its common features, and the process of windshield calibration. 

What is ADAS?

Advanced Driver Awareness Systems (ADAS) are tech features that make driving safer and more convenient. ADAS use cameras, sensors, radar, and technology to provide drivers with real-time information, warnings, and assistance. ADAS enhances safety by preventing accidents, improving vehicle control, and providing a more relaxed driving experience.

Common Features of ADAS

ADAS includes many features that improve different aspects of driving. Here are some of the most common ADAS features found in modern vehicles:

Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts your vehicle’s speed based on the distance to the vehicle in front of you. If there’s a slower vehicle in your lane, it slows your vehicle down to maintain a safe following distance. 

Lane Departure Warning: Lane Departure Warning alerts you if your vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without signaling. Cameras mounted on your vehicle track lane markings and provide visual or audible warnings to help you stay in your lane.

Lane Keeping Assist: Lane Keeping Assist not only alerts you if you drift out of your lane but can also steer the vehicle back into the lane. This helps keep you in the center of your lane, especially on long stretches of road and highways.

Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind Spot Monitoring uses sensors to detect cars in your vehicle’s blind spots and alerts you with a warning light in the side mirror. This system can also give additional warnings if you try to change lanes while a car is in your blind spot.

Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatic Emergency Braking helps prevent collisions or reduce their impact. It uses sensors and cameras to detect obstacles or vehicles in your path and automatically applies the brakes to avoid collisions.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Rear Cross Traffic Alert aids the driver when the vehicle is reversing out of parking spaces. It uses sensors to detect cars approaching from the side and warns you with visual or audible alerts to avoid collisions.

Parking Assistance: Parking Assistance systems help the driver park their vehicle by either guiding them or parking the car for them. Features include parking sensors that alert you to obstacles and automated systems that can parallel or perpendicular park the car with minimal input from the driver.

Driver Attention Monitoring: Driver Attention Monitoring tracks the driver’s behavior and alertness, like steering patterns, head position, and eye movement. If it detects drowsiness or inattention, it will provide warnings or suggest taking a break to help you drive safely.

Forward Collision Warning: Forward Collision Warning systems use sensors to detect possible collisions with vehicles or obstacles. If it senses a potential collision, the system provides you with visual, audible, or tactile warnings so you can take action.

What is Windshield Calibration?

Windshield calibration involves aligning and adjusting the sensors and cameras near a vehicle’s windshield to ensure they function properly. Many modern vehicles have safety features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, which rely on cameras and sensors mounted on or near the windshield. Proper recalibration is necessary after a windshield replacement to ensure these safety features are working correctly to keep you safe on the road.

The Process of Windshield Calibration:

1. The vehicle is parked on a flat surface in a controlled area, such as a calibration bay.
2. The sensors and cameras are inspected for any damage or misalignment.
3. Cameras are aligned correctly using calibration tools, such as alignment targets. The vehicle is parked in a set spot, and sensors are calibrated using these targets.
4. Technicians connect to the vehicle's diagnostic system and use special software to start the calibration process.
5. The vehicle is parked in a set spot, and sensors are adjusted according to alignment targets.
6. Technicians conduct tests or drive the vehicle to verify all ADAS features are working correctly.
7. Calibration results and any adjustments are documented to ensure they meet manufacturer standards.

Have More Questions About ADAS & Windshield Calibration?

Appalachian Auto Glass offers certified windshield calibration services in Valle Crucis, Blowing Rock, Zionville, Butler, and surrounding areas of North Carolina. Contact our team today for a free quote or visit our windshield calibration page to learn more about our services!