Night driving can be stressful—visibility plummets, glare from oncoming headlights can be blinding, and spotting pedestrians or wildlife becomes a real challenge. That’s where night vision technology steps in, revolutionizing how we navigate after dark. Once a futuristic feature limited to high-end luxury cars, night vision systems are popping up in more vehicles—from early adopters like Audi (since 2010) to Jeep’s available night vision package. And as technology evolves, we can anticipate this feature making its way into a broader range of consumer cars.
However, one element that’s frequently overlooked is ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration—the process of fine-tuning the sensors and cameras to ensure all systems work correctly and safely. Let’s dive into what makes night vision so cool, why calibrations matter (hint: safety!), and how manufacturers like GM and VAG (Volkswagen-Audi Group) share some calibration targets.
A Brief Overview: Night Vision Technology in Vehicles
Night vision systems use infrared or thermal imaging to detect objects, animals, and people that are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye in the dark. The detected image is displayed on an infotainment screen, within the instrument cluster, or even through a heads-up display.
From Luxury to Mainstream
Audi has been offering night vision in certain models since around 2010, showcasing how premium automakers often pioneer cutting-edge tech. Jeep also offers night vision - adventure-focused brands see value in thermal imaging for spotting obstacles and wildlife in less-developed areas.
GM & VAG Common Target: General Motors (GM) and Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG) use a common calibration target for their ADAS systems.
As more brands adopt these systems, the technology will become more affordable, giving the average consumer the safety benefits that once only came with top-tier trims.
Why Night Vision is So Helpful (and Just Plain Cool)
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Enhanced Safety: Being able to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or animals in the dark can be a literal lifesaver. The thermal contrast offered by these systems gives you a clearer picture than headlights alone.
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Audible alerts: Certain night vision systems will beep or provide other alerts to help you avoid a crash.
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Improved Reaction Time: By detecting potential hazards earlier, drivers have more time to brake or steer away, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
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Confidence Booster: Whether you’re navigating poorly lit rural roads or dark suburban streets, night vision helps drivers feel more in control.
How to Price Night Vision Calibrations
When it comes to pricing these specialized night vision calibrations, it’s important to note that they generally cost more than standard ADAS recalibrations. Because night vision systems are primarily found in luxury models or higher-end vehicles, the volume of calibrations performed is comparatively lower—meaning the cost of that equipment isn’t offset as quickly through frequent use. As a result, shops can charge more to cover the upfront investment and the time and expertise required to master these less common calibrations. However, this may change in the future if car makers are able to include night vision in regular cars. We suggest pricing at 20-30% premium compared to a more common calibration.
Check out our collection of night vision ADAS products here.
Final Thoughts
Night vision technology is one of the coolest innovations in modern vehicles, giving drivers a unique superpower to see what’s hiding in the dark. Beyond the “wow” factor, it plays a significant role in enhancing safety, especially when integrated with other ADAS features like collision alerts. But remember: none of this tech works as intended if the sensors aren’t aligned properly.
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