Understanding ADAS in modern vehicles

Modern vehicles are far more advanced than they were even a few years ago, and ADAS is a big part of that progress. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include features such as lane departure warnings, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. These systems are designed to support the driver, reduce fatigue and help prevent accidents before they happen.

Most drivers don’t actively think about ADAS while driving, it simply works in the background. What many people don’t realise is that these systems rely heavily on forward-facing cameras and sensors, with the main camera often mounted directly to the windscreen. That means the windscreen itself plays a key role in how accurately the system performs.

Because these cameras are positioned so precisely, even a very small change can make a difference. When a windscreen is replaced, the camera is removed and refitted, and it only takes a slight variation in angle to affect how the system interprets the road ahead. To the naked eye everything may look fine, but the system’s reference points can be off.

Why calibration shouldn’t be overlooked

This is where ADAS calibration becomes essential. After a windscreen replacement, calibration ensures the camera and sensors are correctly aligned and working to the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s not just a recommended step, it’s a critical part of restoring your vehicle’s safety systems properly.

Without calibration, ADAS features may not respond as they should. A system could react too late to a hazard, misread lane markings or fail to detect vehicles correctly. In some cases, the driver may not notice any obvious warning signs at all, which is why calibration is often overlooked when it really shouldn’t be.

From a safety point of view, skipping ADAS calibration is a risk. These systems are designed to assist you in moments where reaction time matters most, and accuracy is everything. Making sure calibration is carried out after a windscreen replacement helps ensure your vehicle is returned to you in a genuinely safe condition.

How professional ADAS calibration works

ADAS calibration involves specialist diagnostic equipment that communicates directly with the vehicle’s onboard computer systems. This equipment allows technicians to reset the camera’s position and confirm it’s reading distances, angles and road features correctly. It’s a precise process that goes well beyond simply refitting the glass.

The exact calibration process varies depending on the vehicle make, model and the type of ADAS fitted. Some systems are more complex than others, which is why experience and proper training are so important. Calibration needs to be done carefully and methodically, following manufacturer guidelines rather than taking shortcuts.

Choosing a windscreen replacement service that understands ADAS and has the right equipment in place gives added peace of mind. It shows that the focus isn’t just on replacing the glass, but on making sure the whole vehicle is functioning as it should before it goes back on the road.

Static and dynamic calibration explained

There are two main types of ADAS calibration: static and dynamic. Static calibration is carried out in a controlled environment, usually indoors. The vehicle is positioned on level ground and calibrated targets are placed at specific distances in front of it. These targets allow the camera to reset its reference points with a high level of accuracy.

Dynamic calibration is completed on the road. The vehicle is driven for a set time and speed, allowing the system to recalibrate using real-world conditions such as lane markings, road signs and surrounding traffic. Weather conditions, road quality and driving speed all play a part in how this process is carried out.

Some vehicles require only one type of calibration, while others need a combination of both static and dynamic methods. This depends entirely on the manufacturer’s requirements. What matters most is that the correct calibration is carried out for your specific vehicle.

When it comes to windscreen replacement on ADAS-equipped vehicles, calibration isn’t an optional extra, it’s a vital step. Making sure it’s done properly helps protect you, your passengers and everyone else on the road, while ensuring your vehicle’s safety systems continue to perform exactly as they were designed to.