Advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) are meant to lead drivers and passengers into the future. Devices such as automatic brakes and camera sensors take the burden of responsibility off the driver and help to make snap decisions when the road or rules of perception don’t cut it. We may see a rapid decrease in accidents and crashes.

This all sounds great. Despite this promising news, we have to proceed with caution. All technological advancements have a price.

By that we don’t mean the metaphorical price of letting a computer and sensor assist with the decision; we are literally concerned with the costs of ADAS technological installation and repairs. In addition, we want to talk about what features are available and what calibrations or adjustments they require.

Current ADAS Features

We may see cars that drive themselves, once Google works out the kinks in their self-driving vehicles. For now, however, ADAS features are much smaller in scope but can still increase safety on the road. They account for human error because many crashes occur due to drivers making mistakes.

There are 33 known ADAS features. They include automatic parking, anti-lock braking systems, cruise control, parking and traffic sensors, and turning assistants. Each feature is meant to increase vehicular safety. Rain sensors can close convertible tops and start windshield wipers.

Calibration Requirements

If you have an ADAS system in your car, you will need to check calibration. By this, I mean, checking the sensing levels of each of your features. Since they use a variety of sources, including radar, cameras, and even Wi-Fi in some cases, you want to ensure that they are providing accurate information.

ADAS features require proper alignment with the vehicle so that they know how the road appears and curves. Otherwise, collision braking may act upon incorrect information and at the wrong angle, and then you get a three-car pileup.

Different car models also have varying calibration requirements. We can talk about what specific models require which alignments. The Repairability Technical Support Portal for OEM can help identify particular models and their requirements.

Recalibration and Insurance Payments

It is the law as of 2014 that all new vehicles must have rear-view cameras installed by 2018, so as to prevent hitting pedestrians while reversing and accounting for blind spots. Even so, there are more ADAS items that you can add.

So how much does it cost to recalibrate ADAS into your vehicle? The range at Team ACME is from 150 to 900 dollars. This includes the camera and the sensors, and all parts of the ADAS system needs to be repaired. For car parts that are infused with the technology, repair costs can increase by one hundred percent minimum.

Currently, premiums from insurance are not increasing, but you have to account for that possibility. As car repairs become more expensive, insurance rates may soon follow that trend.

Learn More From Team Acme

At Team Acme, we are interested in helping you adjust to the new world of ADAS. Cars will ideally have fewer accidents, but we want to also prepare vehicle owners for potential future costs.

Come to the shop and talk to us about potential costs, or contact us using our online form. ADAS is an exciting new field, and we are eager to educate you one-on-one. Let’s take advantage of this new technology, and learn how to harness it properly.