If you’re reading over your auto body repair estimate, you might be wondering what ADAS calibration is and whether it’s necessary for Santa Rosa CA drivers. You’re not alone! Here’s everything you need to know, including what it means and why it’s necessary.
What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which refers to any type of automated driver assistance. Although forms of ADAS features have been used in vehicles for a long time (some as far back as the 1940s), today’s ADAS features are far more technologically advanced and have become standard in most vehicles manufactured over the past decade. Some common ADAS features you might be familiar with include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, 360 sensor systems, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot warning.
Collisions are often the result of human error; ADAS is intended to help improve driving ability and awareness, as well as reduce accidents and injuries. Most ADAS features are controlled by a variety of sensors and cameras located throughout your vehicle; if you get into an accident, this can damage them and cause some of the ADAS safety features to malfunction or stop working entirely.
What’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Calibration?
If a sensor or camber gets jolted and moves slightly, the entire system will be thrown off. Some vehicles have corrective systems that will automate the car’s response to hazards or road conditions; if one of the sensors is off by only a millimeter, it could translate to feet on the road. Failing to calibrate your system can cause a number of issues that could jeopardize your safety and the safety of other drivers, including:
- Steering wheel vibration
- Difficulty steering
- Steering wheel pulling
- Diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system’s computer
The only way to get everything functioning as it should is to calibrate the system. ADAS calibration is required any time a Santa Rosa CA driver gets into an accident that disrupts a sensor or camera or causes a change in the centerline. This includes things like fender benders, collisions, bumper replacement, airbag deployment, wheel alignment, suspension repairs, roof repair, and windshield replacement. Calibration is also needed if a sensor or the mounting bracket is repaired. The calibration process can be complicated, and depending on the type of vehicle you own, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Improved Safety, Higher Repair Costs
Although ADAS means safer vehicles, it also increases the cost of repairs. A windshield replacement, for example, would normally cost about $300. With a vehicle that’s equipped with ADAS, it could cost as much as $1500, depending on how many sensors are in the windshield and need to be calibrated. Unsurprisingly, this can come as a bit of a shock when you bring your car in for collision repair, especially if you didn’t know your car is equipped with ADAS.
If you have a newer vehicle, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with its ADAS features; you may also want to review your insurance policy to make sure it fits your needs. We know no one wants to hear they have to spend more money on repairs–but it’s well worth having all your safety features fully restored.
At Cline Collision Center, your safety is our top priority. If your car, truck, or SUV is equipped with ADAS, we’ll take every step to ensure the system is calibrated properly. We’re also happy to let you know whether your vehicle is equipped with ADAS ahead of time and provide a free estimate. If you have questions about advanced driver assistance systems calibration or would like to schedule an estimate appointment, give us a call at (707) 591-9909!
