Why Does My New Windshield Need ADAS Calibration?

When you mention your cracked windshield to people you know, someone may have brought up ADAS calibration, which is required after you replace your windshield. Now you’re wondering what that means and want someone who knows what they’re talking about to explain it. 

That’s why this blog entry is here. To help you understand why ADAS calibration is necessary in the windshield replacement process. Let’s start at the beginning. 

What is ADAS?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and it’s a general term for the technology that keeps you safe on the road. ADAS systems were invented in an attempt to take human error out of the equation. Ninety-five percent of road collisions result from human error, so ADAS systems save us from ourselves. 

How Do I Know My Car Has ADAS?

If your car has a backup camera, it has ADAS. There are more than 60 million vehicles on the road in the United States that have ADAS systems, so the odds are your vehicle does too. Below is a list of ADAS systems that are in the vehicles today. 

Passive ADAS Systems

The following ADAS systems fall under the title of Passive because they require action from the driver to activate. 

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)

ABS helps your car to avoid skidding when the emergency brake is activated. 

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps the driver avoid over or understeering in unexpected conditions. 

Traction Control System (TCS)

TCS uses ABS and ESC to help keep the appropriate traction when curving or making difficult turns. 

Back-Up Camera

Back-up cameras allow the driver to see what’s behind them when reversing 

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

FCW alerts the driver to anything in front of them to help avoid collision. 

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

LDW alerts the driver when they’re swerving out of their lane. 

Parking Assistance

This system alerts the driver if there is something close to the front or rear bumper when moving at low parking speed.

Blind Spot Detection 

Blind Spot Detection does exactly what it says, it alerts the driver when there is something in their blind spot. 

Active ADAS Systems

Active systems are technological advances that kick in when the driver can’t react. 

Lane Keeping Assist and Lane-Centering

This system keeps the vehicle in the lane when the driver can’t. 

Emergency Steering

This system will steer to avoid when the driver doesn’t take action. 

Adaptive Cruise Control

This system keeps your vehicle moving with the flow of traffic when the cruise control is on. 

Automatic Emergency Braking

This system stops the car before a collision when the driver doesn’t react right away. 

Self Parking

This system parks the car and can maneuver those tough parallel spots. 

Traffic Jam Assist

Using Lane Keeping Assist and cruise control, this system helps the driver avoid fatigue in stop-and-go traffic by taking over. 

ADAS in the Windshield

The systems we went over utilize things like cameras and sensors to make them work. A big portion of that technology is embedded into the windshield. This is why, when you have a windshield replaced, it’s essential to have the ADAS calibration after installation, otherwise, those systems will not work correctly. 

Do You Need a New Windshield?

If you live in Fairfax, Springfield, Annadale, or Falls Church, Virginia areas and need a new windshield, give us a call at Yellowstone Auto Glass. We have more than fifteen years of experience and work with all types of commercial and personal vehicles. Click here for a free quote today!