The windshield plays a huge role in the ADAS systems of the vehicles you’ll service. Here is how ADAS front windshield cameras interact with most windshields and the basics to know for calibrating them after any type of autoglass work.
How Does the Windshield Camera Work with ADAS?
Several functions in the vehicle’s ADAS rely on windshield-mounted sensors and cameras, typically located next to or near the rearview mirror. These sensors constantly scan the road in front of the vehicle and give data about lane lines, lane positioning, and potential obstacles to its onboard processor.
Some of the features within ADAS that rely on windshield sensors include:
- Lane departure warnings (LDW)
- Lane keep assist (LKA)
- Forward collision warnings (FCW)
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Why Do Windshield Sensors Need ADAS Calibrations?
Cars often need ADAS calibrations after a windshield replacement of any kind. Whether it’s to repair a rock chip or a front-end collision, the sensors and front camera on ADAS-equipped windshields must be recalibrated after repairs.
Protects Critical Functions
Aside from keeping the people in a repaired vehicle safe after it leaves the shop, performing ADAS calibrations on the front camera protects your shop from liability.
For example, if an accident occurs and the ADAS features are found to have been compromised, your shop may be liable for legal and financial damages. Following the proper procedure for diagnosing and calibrating the windshield sensors and front character helps you avoid this potential legal nightmare.
Maintains Warning Accuracy
Every inch—and every second—counts when drivers are on the road. Incorrectly calibrated windshield cameras can make avoidable accidents more likely.
Proper calibrations increase the accuracy of the warnings these systems send to the driver through alarms, flashing lights, and even vibrating steering wheels or seats. This is essential for helping customers maintain their insurance coverage and making sure you get paid for the work your windshield repair service does.
Keeps Drivers and Passengers Safe
In addition to the systems that send warnings to the driver, life-saving programs like the AEB system in newer cars can keep them and their passengers safe. Your calibrations can prevent future accidents, so it’s essential to complete them exactly in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How ADAS Windshield Sensor Calibrations Work
Like other types of ADAS work, windshield camera calibrations typically fall into two categories, regardless of whether you’re repairing or replacing the glass altogether.
Static ADAS Calibration
Static calibrations are performed in a controlled environment, like your repair center. It uses specialized calibration targets for each OEM to reset and adjust the vehicle’s ADAS sensors for pinpoint precision.
For accuracy, static ADAS calibrations should:
- Be completed indoors on level ground, in a properly lit area
- Use exact measurements for target placement
- Be done on vehicles that do not self-calibrate through driving
Including as much information as possible about the static calibrations the vehicle needs is also essential for negotiating payments and coverage with insurance providers.
Dynamic ADAS Calibration
Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle under specific conditions to allow the ADAS camera to recalibrate itself. This method relies on real-time driving scenarios for the system to adjust and understand parameters while it is in use.
Dynamic calibrations require:
- An open road with clear lane markings and minimal traffic
- Clear weather and daytime lighting conditions
- A technician who can monitor the process and comply with OEM guidelines
While many calibration tools can handle both static and dynamic calibrations, not all are interchangeable. Be sure to check whether your specific scanning tool can conduct the type of calibration you need.
What Your Shop Needs for Windshield-Based Calibrations
Calibration Targets
Every OEM has its own style of calibration targets. Therefore, you’ll need different sets of targets for every vehicle make you service.
Windshield camera calibration targets are typically rigid boards with unique patterns printed on them
Tip: Always follow OEM specifications to the letter when setting up calibration targets and only use manufacturer-approved targets to calibrate a vehicle.
Calibration Frames
These specialized frames hold the calibration targets and plates to the appropriate height and orientation for the vehicle’s sensors to accurately calibrate themselves.
Scanning Tools
These handheld tablets communicate with the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs) to identify trouble codes, correct them, and trigger calibrations with little more than a few clicks.
Get the Calibration Tools You Need
Get everything you need to calibrate the sensors in your customers’ windshields from the experts. ADAS Depot provides some of the most trusted OEM-approved calibration equipment on the market, all with expert support to get you started.
