Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become integral to vehicle safety, offering more streamlined driving experiences and reducing accidents – some even believe they could save millions of lives within the near future. However, any alteration or repair to your car’s structure, including something as simple as a windshield replacement, can necessitate the recalibration of these systems to guarantee they function correctly.
This blog will delve into the importance of vehicle calibration, what it involves, and why the process is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s safety features.
What is ADAS Calibration?
ADAS Recalibration involves resetting and aligning the sensors, cameras, and other components of your car’s ADAS so it inputs and outputs information accurately. These systems include driving tools like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and more. Vehicle calibration means that all these features provide correct readings and responses to real-world driving conditions, helping to prevent irresponsible driving or serious accidents.
Importance of ADAS Calibration
ADAS calibration is vital because even a slight misalignment in the system can result in inaccurate data, leading to potentially fatal safety risks. For instance, if a windshield camera is mis calibrated it can misjudge distances, causing the collision avoidance system to malfunction which ultimately results in crashes. With this in mind, recalibration is essential after any major repairs or replacements, particularly those involving the windshield.
So when is it time to calibrate camera settings, sensors, and other parts of your ADAS system? Always recalibrate after windshield replacements. A windshield recalibration is vital as windshields often house cameras and sensors essential for ADAS function. Proper windshield calibration guarantees that these components are aligned for accuracy, meaning the safety system won’t fail you at a crucial time.
When to Recalibrate Your Vehicle
Other situations that call for a recalibration can include:
● Collision Repairs: Any major repair that impacts the car’s frame or alignment will call for the ADAS to be recalibrated.
● Suspension Changes: Modifications or repairs to the vehicle’s suspension system, generally called for around every 50,000-100,000 miles covered.
● Tire Changes: Significant changes in tire size or pressure can throw sensors out of alignment.
As a rule, any time a sensor of any kind, or a car element is attached to is removed, replaced, or repaired, calibration could be off and it needs to be restored. It’s important not to skip recalibration when repairs are made, as neglecting the process can result in systems like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control malfunctioning.
Legal and Insurance Implications
Driving with faulty ADAS can have legal repercussions in various parts of the country, and many insurance companies may also require proof of recalibration after repairs to continue coverage. Regularly checking that your vehicle calibration meets the manufacturer’s standards is an effective way to avoid legal and insurance issues.
The Recalibration Process
The recalibration process can take two forms, depending on the facilities and tools at the disposal of the team completing the job.
Static Recalibration: The process is performed in a controlled environment – typically a service center – involving specialized equipment like corner reflectors, alignment racks, and diagnostic scanners to calibrate sensors and cameras without the vehicle moving.
Dynamic Recalibration: This process requires driving the vehicle around to recalibrate the ADAS, checking for any errors or shortcomings along the way. This process uses real-world conditions to ensure accurate readings and adjustments.
Steps to Calibrate Camera and Sensors
While this can vary from car to car, based on manufacturing features, the steps to calibration or recalibration generally include:
- Preparation: Making sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, gathering all the necessary tools, and checking that the car’s electrical system is stable.
- Sensor and Camera Identification: Locating and identifying every camera or sensor, along with verifying their orientations.
- Diagnostic System Access: Connecting the diagnostic scan tool to the car’s computer, allowing access to the calibration menu.
- Intrinsic Calibration: Calibrating each individual sensor or camera to check for distortions. This can be done by capturing images and processing them through software.
- Extrinsic Calibration: Determining the relative positions of multiple sensors, generally following specific targets.
- Verification: After the general process is complete, it’s vital to verify the accuracy of the calibration, whether through obstacle detection, lanekeeping, or other functions.
Knowing how to calibrate a windshield or wider ADAS system can also involve sensor fusion and other steps, but these 6 processes will be applied across the board.
Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your Recalibration
Photo by Nicolai Berntsen from Unsplash
When selecting a service provider for ADAS calibration, first confirm that they are certified and experienced in vehicle calibration, with an awareness of your vehicle’s specific requirements. The right service provider will also have the latest calibration equipment and technology, so they can handle both static and dynamic recalibration processes accurately.
For peace of mind, it’s always wise to choose providers with positive customer reviews and a good reputation for reliability and quality service.
Factors Influencing Cost of Recalibration
Here are some key factors to remember when budgeting for your calibration:
● Type of Calibration: Static calibration tends to cost more than dynamic calibration due to the specialized equipment and time required.
● Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury cars and newer models with advanced ADAS features generally have higher recalibration costs.
● Insurance Coverage: Many insurance policies cover the cost of recalibration after repairs, especially if it’s necessary due to an insured event like an accident.
Never Disregard Recalibration
Recalibration is a crucial step in maintaining the safety and functionality of your vehicle’s ADAS. Whether it’s after a windshield replacement or other repairs, confirming that your vehicle calibration is accurate can prevent potential safety hazards and keep your ADAS features working correctly. If looking for a reliable recalibration service from certified, experienced technicians, look no further than Save On Auto Glass. We’ll get your car back to running safely in no time and for a fair pric
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