Is ADAS the way forward?

fastfit — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:14:16 +0000

What is ADAS Windscreen Calibration?

ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is a collective term for the various technological enhancements present in many modern vehicles. These technologies aim to enhance and improve both driver and vehicle safety. Often Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can be found as part of modern windscreens. Because of these developments, special procedures must be followed when you are getting a new windscreen installed on many modern vehicles.

Features of ADAS Windscreens:

Automobiles are constantly evolving. As a result, more and more frequently advanced driver safety features are being integrated into the windscreens. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are relevant to vehicle glass repair and replacement because of the cameras and sensors that can be present on the windscreen itself.

When an ADAS integrated windscreen is replaced, there is a danger of misalignment due to their sensitivity. This can have a significant effect on how well the system works. The technician fitting your windscreen must ensure correct calibration is carried out so that the camera has precisely the right view of the road ahead. As ADAS technology continues to improve and get more complex – it therefore becomes vital that you have a trusted expert handle any and all windscreen repairs.

Why is Windscreen Camera Calibration necessary?

ADAS windscreens typically function through a combination of sensors and cameras.

Vehicle manufacturers recommend that, following a windscreen replacement, the system is calibrated to ensure that all safety features are working. If your windscreen is incorrectly fitted, even by as little as a few millimetres, these technologies might be compromised! Each car is different, so manufacturers also stipulate unique calibration settings for their Driver Assistance Systems.

Calibrating your windscreen should not be limited to immediately after a complete replacement. It is recommended that you get your Driver Assistance Systems checked if:

Your ADAS camera is disconnected.
Your camera is partially removed or develops a fault.
You have recently had a wheel alignment or change of suspension because this can affect your ADAS service.

The infographic below highlights the importance of correct Advanced Driver Assistance System calibration.

Does my car need ADAS windscreen Calibration?

Many modern vehicles boast complex technologies as part of their windscreen. Work your way through this handy checklist. If you’re vehicle has any of these features, then you should consult a trusted ADAS windscreen professional to confirm if a calibration is necessary.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Adaptive high beamGlare-free high beam
Adaptive light control: swivelling curve lights
Automatic parking
Automotive navigation system providing up-to-date traffic information.
Automotive night vision
Blind spot monitor
Collision avoidance system
Crosswind stabilization
Driver drowsiness detection
Driver Monitoring System
Electric vehicle warning sounds used in hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles
Emergency driver assistant
Forward Collision WarningIntersection assistant
Hill descent controlIntelligent speed adaptation or intelligent speed advice (ISA)
Lane departure warning systemLane change assistance
Pedestrian protection systemTraffic sign recognitionTurning assistant
Vehicular communication systemsWrong-way driving warning

The post Is ADAS the way forward? appeared first on Fastfit Windscreens.

Five easy tips to keep frost off your windscreen this winter

fastfit — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:59:52 +0000

Defeat Frost this winter…

Not the start to the day you need – you run out of the house in the usual rush only to discover your windscreen is all fogged up. If you’re lucky enough to have a heated windscreen you’re in business, if not, you’ve a bit of a chore in store.

Scour the internet and you’ll find lots of sometimes wacky solutions to this age-old problem. But what works best?

A simple piece of advice from the off is to make sure your windows are clean inside and out. Moisture tends to cling to particles of dirt, so a grubby window is a haven for condensation.

Damp and wet items inside the car don’t help. A wet towel or a soggy umbrella creates moisture in the air as it dries out, giving you more mist. A blocked pollen filter, which cleans air entering the car, can also cause condensation, as can rubber seals around your doors if they are full of gunge.

The RAC (https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/how-to-demist-your-windscreen-in-double-quick-time/) has a novel tip which ice hockey players use to stop their face masks steaming up. Clean your windscreen regularly with shaving foam to stop it misting up: wipe the windscreen with a towel, spreading the shaving foam over the entire surface and then wiping it off with another towel.

Another trick to stop the car getting humid in the first place is to buy a small dehumidifier box which can absorb the moisture before it hits the windscreen. Or try filling up an old sock with absorbent cat litter and tying off the end – sounds weird, but this is quite a popular suggestion.

– Gerry FastFit

The post Five easy tips to keep frost off your windscreen this winter appeared first on Fastfit Windscreens.