Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS)
Most modern cars are equipped with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). These high-tech safety systems, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), are designed to save lives by alerting the driver to a hazard or by automatically taking the necessary action to prevent a collision.
Many different Advanced Driver Assist Systems are now commonly in use by the major vehicle manufacturers and if your car is less than 5 years old, it’s likely to be equipped with one or more of these safety features. By 2022, up to 11 Advanced Driver Assist Systems will be mandatory on all new cars.
HOW THEY WORK
Most Advanced Driver Assist Systems use either a camera mounted behind the windscreen and/or radar sensors located in the grille or bumper, which can detect road markings and speed limit signs, other road users and pedestrians, depending on the vehicle’s safety features.
Some vehicles are equipped with a rear camera to make reversing easier. Many high-end models even have multiple cameras and sensors that give the driver a full 360° view, and can detect objects at the sides and at the rear of the vehicle.
In the case of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Autonomous Cruise Control (ACC), when the camera or radar sensor detects a slower or stationary
object ahead, unless the driver takes appropriate action to slow or stop the vehicle, the system will provide a visible or audible warning before, if necessary, automatically applying the vehicle’s brakes to avoid a collision.
CAMERA & RADAR CALIBRATION
The vehicle’s safety systems respond to data provided by the cameras and sensors, so correct operation depends on the accuracy of this data.
Even a slight misalignment of a camera or radar sensor could mean the difference between avoiding an accident or not.
The vehicle’s camera(s) and radar sensor(s) are calibrated before the vehicle leaves the factory. However, calibration must be carried out again
after many common maintenance procedures and accident repairs, including:
Wheel alignment or axle geometry
Windscreen replacement
Front or rear collision repair
Mechanical repairs to steering, suspension
and even simple bodywork repairs
It’s also advisable to have your car’s camera(s) and/or radar sensor(s) checked if they haven’t been calibrated in the last 3 years. Caressive Autohaus has specialist ADAS calibration equipment from HELLA GUTMANN SOLUTIONS and ADAS-trained technicians.