Ever wonder how your car can park itself, keep you from drifting out of your lane, or even stop you from hitting something? That’s all thanks to ADAS — Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These systems are designed to make driving safer, easier, and less stressful by using sensors, cameras, and radar to help you navigate the roads.
But here’s the thing: calibration is the key to making sure all those high-tech features work correctly.
What is ADAS?
ADAS includes a range of systems that help drivers stay safe on the road. Some of the most common ones are:
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts you if you’re unintentionally drifting out of your lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Helps stop your car if it detects a potential collision.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Warns you if there’s a car in your blind spot.
- Parking Assist: Helps you park by guiding you into spaces and even steering the car for you.
These features rely on sensors like cameras, radar, and LiDAR (a type of laser sensor) that are built into your car.
Why does ADAS need calibration?
ADAS systems depend on precise sensor data to function correctly. If these sensors aren’t properly aligned or calibrated, the systems might not work as they should. This is where calibration comes into play.
Calibration is the process of adjusting the sensors (cameras, radar, etc.) so they are accurately aligned and able to communicate correctly with the vehicle’s computer systems. When your car’s sensors are out of alignment—whether from an accident, a tire change, or simply a bumpy road—the ADAS systems may become unreliable, and the safety features may fail.
When do you need ADAS calibration?
Calibration typically happens after certain events, such as:
- Accidents or collisions: If your vehicle has been in a crash, the sensors might be misaligned or damaged.
- Windshield Replacement: Many ADAS systems use a camera mounted on the windshield. If your windshield is replaced or repaired, the camera may need to be recalibrated.
- Suspension or tire changes: Any changes to your vehicle’s alignment or suspension system could affect the positioning of the sensors.
- Sensor or camera replacement: If any sensor or camera is replaced, it’s essential to calibrate them to the vehicle’s system.
- General maintenance: Sometimes regular service or tire rotations can affect sensor alignment.
Why does ADAS calibration matter for your safety?
If your ADAS sensors aren’t calibrated properly, the systems might not be able to detect potential hazards, which can lead to accidents. For example:
- Blind spot detection: If not calibrated, the system might fail to warn you about a vehicle in your blind spot, leading to a possible collision.
- Automatic emergency braking: Misalignment could cause the system to trigger a false alarm or fail to stop the car when needed.
- Lane keeping assistance: Incorrect calibration could result in the system failing to keep you safely in your lane.
Proper calibration ensures that your safety systems are fully functional and that you can rely on them when needed most.
How can you ensure your ADAS works properly?
It’s essential to stay on top of regular maintenance and repairs for your ADAS system. When you get a windshield replacement in Mississauga, make sure to ask the auto shop about calibrating your system. If you’ve been in an accident or had suspension work done, request an ADAS check to make sure everything is aligned correctly. Keeping your ADAS system properly calibrated will help you stay safe on the road and avoid potential accidents.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle’s ADAS needs calibration or if you’ve recently had work done on your car, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we offer fast same-day windshield replacement and ADAS calibration in Mississauga and surrounding areas, including Brampton, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke, Toronto, and the GTA. With over 20 years of experience and 150+ five-star Google reviews, you can trust us to get your vehicle’s safety systems back in perfect working condition.
Get your ADAS calibration today
We understand that your safety on the road is a top priority, and at Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality service. Whether you need a windshield replacement in Mississauga or an ADAS calibration, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at 416-662-8761 for more information or get a free estimate to ensure your car is ready for the road.
Your safety is our priority!
