As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become more common in vehicles worldwide and the safety technology becomes smarter, it is even more important that vehicle owners and repairers understand just how complex these systems are, how they improve road safety and in turn help save lives.
But it doesn’t stop there, it’s also important to know that many of these features must be maintained to keep working effectively. That’s where we come in. When your client comes to us for their windscreen replacement and their vehicle is fitted with ADAS, a recalibration of their forward-facing windscreen camera is often needed.
So, what exactly is ADAS?
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are a range of technological features designed to increase the safety of vehicles and road users. Through electronics such as cameras and sensors, the driver is alerted to obstacles and hazards so they can react accordingly. Where the driver doesn’t react in time, some features can also take control of the vehicle to avoid an incident.
What are some common ADAS features?
If you’ve driven a modern vehicle, you will likely be familiar with these.
• Adaptive cruise control. This works above a certain speed to automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It will maintain the vehicle’s cruising speed (determined by the driver), adjusting it according to what’s happening ahead.
• Lane keeping assist, also known as lane departure warning. This warns the driver when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without use of the indicator.
• Autonomous emergency braking. Occurs as required to avoid a collision with something in a vehicle’s path. It will alert the driver to brake, before automatically applying the brakes if the driver has not responded in time.
• Park assist. Using a range of sensors, park assist informs the driver whether a space is suitable to park in. Alerts indicate the proximity of other vehicles, walls, or hazards. Park assist can often control the vehicle’s steering wheel, and some systems can control the accelerator and brakes to park the vehicle for the driver.
What is a windscreen recalibration and how will my client know if they need one?
A windscreen recalibration is a technical process that checks the alignment of the forward-facing camera of a car, which is often located behind the windscreen, so that its ADAS can work with the camera as the manufacturer intended. Even a small deviation can negatively influence the potentially life-saving features. It’s a bit like having out of focus contact lenses while driving.
When your client books with us, we will ask them a few questions to help identify whether a recalibration is needed. Our highly trained technicians will also be able to answer any questions on the day of their appointment.
So why choose Smith&Smith® to look after your clients?
The safety of your client and their vehicle is at the forefront of what we do. We have a dedicated research team at Belron International who keep up to date with the latest vehicle manufacturer developments in vehicle glass and windscreens. They invest over €2m a year, which goes into continuously improving our knowledge and developing world class tools and processes.
We have over 60 corporate and Authorised Dealer locations, with most being able to offer windscreen recalibration services. And we are looking to expand this even more in 2022.
We’re also committed to sharing our findings and knowledge with our partners and customers industry wide. We’re also sharing our findings with AGSA NZ (Auto Glass Safety Association NZ) and are encouraging our competitors to adopt the same safety standard.
Recalibration requires specialist tools and training so it’s important that you only trust an expert. Partner with us today and let’s help keep your clients safe on our roads.
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Alternatively, please contact:
Doug Waters
Business Development Manager
commercial.team@smithandsmith.co.nz
