Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced technologies that make driving safer and more convenient. One of the most important innovations is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. These systems rely heavily on sensors and cameras that are often mounted on or near the windshield. So, when the windshield gets damaged, it can significantly affect how well these systems perform.
At Auto Glass Ottawa, we understand the importance of maintaining both the integrity of your windshield and the functionality of your vehicle’s ADAS features. If your windshield has been damaged, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure your ADAS systems continue to operate as intended.
The connection between windshields and ADAS
ADAS technologies use a combination of cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist with driving tasks. Many of these sensors are mounted near the windshield—sometimes directly on the glass itself. Windshield damage, such as cracks or chips, can disrupt the line of sight for these sensors, leading to poor system performance or complete failure.
For example, a windshield crack can obstruct the camera’s ability to read lane markings, which is essential for lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warnings. Similarly, if the windshield is cracked near the sensor area for adaptive cruise control, the system may struggle to gauge the distance between your car and others on the road, potentially causing malfunction.
What happens when ADAS systems malfunction?
When a windshield is damaged, it doesn’t just compromise the view of the road. It can cause major issues with your vehicle’s ADAS functions, such as:
- Lane-keeping assist failure: This system uses cameras to detect lane markings. A crack or chip in the windshield may block the camera, preventing it from properly reading the lanes, which could lead to your car drifting out of its lane without warning.
- Forward collision warning issues: ADAS uses sensors on or near the windshield to monitor the distance between your vehicle and others. Damage to the windshield can obstruct these sensors, causing them to misinterpret distances, potentially resulting in late or missed warnings.
- Automatic emergency braking problems: This system can be directly impacted by a damaged windshield, as it relies on accurate sensor data. If the sensors cannot properly detect obstacles due to cracks or chips in the glass, the emergency braking system might not activate when necessary.
- Blind spot monitoring failure: If the cameras used for blind spot detection are blocked, you might not receive alerts when another vehicle enters your blind spot, which could lead to dangerous driving situations.
When these systems fail, they can compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road. That’s why windshield replacement in Ottawa is so important if your windshield has sustained damage that could affect ADAS functionality.
The role of calibration after windshield damage
Another crucial factor to consider when your windshield is damaged is the need for proper sensor recalibration after a windshield replacement or repair. ADAS systems rely on precise calibration to work correctly, and even a small adjustment to the windshield can throw off the sensors’ alignment.
After a windshield replacement, we recommend scheduling a calibration to ensure the sensors are properly aligned and functioning as they should. At Auto Glass Ottawa, we provide expert calibration services to restore your ADAS systems to their optimal performance level.
Why is it important to address windshield damage immediately?
If your windshield is cracked or chipped and you have ADAS features, delaying repairs or replacements can lead to more significant issues down the line. A small crack can grow over time, eventually causing the system to fail completely. Additionally, driving with a compromised windshield may lead to an inaccurate reading of your surroundings, which could put you at risk for an accident.
Furthermore, driving with a damaged windshield can also invalidate warranties or insurance coverage for ADAS-related issues, especially if it’s determined that the damage was caused by something that could have been avoided.
When to contact us for windshield repairs or replacements?
When you bring your vehicle to us for windshield replacement, we don’t just replace the glass. We also assess the state of your ADAS systems and ensure that the sensors are recalibrated correctly. Our team is equipped with the latest tools and expertise to perform both windshield replacement and sensor calibration efficiently.
If your windshield has been damaged and you have ADAS features, it’s important to seek professional help to get everything back in working order. Reach out to us at 613-234-9111 for expert windshield replacement in Ottawa.