What Impact is ADAS Having on the Autoglass Industry?
It is forecasted that the number of replacements with windshield-mounted sensors will increase to 3,000,000+ by 2020.
As of September 2015, 10 auto manufacturers committed to making Automatic Emergency Breaking a standard feature on all cars. These manufacturers accounted for ~57% of US auto sales in 2014.
As of December 2015, NHTSA is adding ADAS to their New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Rating) & vehicles must have ADAS to receive a 5-Star rating.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of returning a vehicle’s ADAS to OEM specifications
Calibration is necessary after a new glass installation, particularly a windshield with a camera mounted to it, to ensure that the ADAS features continue to function properly despite having been moved during installation
Why do we need to be able to perform calibration?
A vehicle’s computer relies on the cameras/radars/lasers used by the ADAS being in the correct alignment to function properly, but does not automatically adjust them itself
Calibration guides the vehicle’s computer & ensures these systems are working properly
When a windshield is replaced, the camera should be removed from the bracket & unplugged from the car. After the replacement is completed, the camera needs to be reattached & recalibrated. If this is not performed by the installer, consumers will have to go to the dealer to have the vehicle calibrated*
*Even a camera that has not been unplugged from the car needs to be recalibrated to ensure proper functionality of the ADAS features & minimize the potential liability of the installer
It is important to consider the impact that not offering calibration could potentially have on your business