Why is Windshield Calibration Necessary for Vehicles Equipped with ADAS Technology?

More and more modern vehicles are coming equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems are installed to enhance safety and improve the overall driving experience by providing features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and much more. 

To ensure these sophisticated technologies operate correctly and keep you safe as they intend, regular calibration is essential. In this blog, we will explore the importance of calibration for vehicles equipped with ADAS technology and how it affects vehicle safety and performance. 

Understanding the ADAS Technology in Your Vehicle

ADAS is a term that encompasses a slew of safety features that drivers like you rely on every day. They use sensors, cameras, and radars to function properly. All of these components work together to interpret your vehicle’s surroundings and make real-time adjustments to help prevent accidents. 

While these systems greatly enhance our safety, they are only effective if they are properly calibrated. Calibration includes aligning and adjusting the sensors and cameras so they can accurately detect and respond to the environment around your vehicle. You put yourself and your passengers at risk when you don’t calibrate your ADAS system. 

How is ADAS Calibration Important?

ADAS calibration is extremely important. Here are the reasons why. 

1. Safety

Most of the ADAS features that come with today’s vehicles were put there to keep you and your passengers safe. An improperly calibrated system can misinterpret data or fail to detect obstacles, potentially leading to an accident. Safety is the most important reason why ADAS calibration is necessary. 

2. Function Properly

When you have your ADAS systems calibrated it ensures that all the components are functioning as intended. Every sensor and camera plays a specific role in delivering data to the vehicle’s computer systems. If these components fall out of alignment, they may not work at optimal functionality. This will lead to an inconsistency in performance. 

3. Following Repair and Maintenance

If you have repair or maintenance to your vehicle, then calibration is crucial, especially if you have your windshield repaired or replaced. Many components of those ADAS systems are embedded in or near the windshield, so they need calibration after repairs and replacements. 

4. Technological Updates

Just like phones and tablets, vehicle manufacturers release software updates and improvements to ADAS technology. In this case, ADAS calibration may be required so the features function properly. Staying current with updates helps maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your safety systems. 

5. Legal and Compliant

As vehicles with ADAS technology become more common, lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of proper calibration. Compliance with safety regulations may require ADAS calibration to be performed to specific standards. Failing to calibrate according to regulations could lead to liability issues. 

What is the ADAS Calibration Process?

ADAS calibration usually involves using specialized equipment to ensure your sensors and camera are aligned correctly. Depending on the make, model, and specific ADAS features included, the process can vary. Reliable techs rely on manufacturer guidelines to conduct a proper calibration. 

• Static Calibration: This type of calibration adjusts sensors while the vehicle is stationary. The toolkit for this job includes targets and laser beams to align the components precisely. 

• Dynamic Calibration: This type of calibration requires the vehicle to be driven through certain environments and at set speeds for the systems to calibrate in real-world conditions. 

Do You Need an ADAS Calibration in Mokena, IL?

If you live in or near the areas of Dyer, St. John, Schererville, Indiana, or Mokena, Illinois, contact us at Nacco Glass. We’ve been providing ADAS calibration to the entire Chicago, Mokena, and surrounding areas for years. Our state-of-the-art equipment will have your ADAS components working correctly.