Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) work well to help save lives and prevent injuries. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,166 people were killed in the United States in 2017 in distraction-related vehicle crashes. So expect to see more of these systems installed in vehicles each year.
But as accurate and sensitive as these systems are, today’s sophisticated vehicles require additional repair considerations compared to those from just a few years ago. Even simple bumps and bruises, or replacing a cracked windshield, require more care for today’s repairs. It’s why you should select a collision repair shop, such as Peninsula Auto Body, that will ensure your vehicle’s system works as designed to keep you and your family safe. Here are a few of the most common sensors found, and a primer of how they work:
Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor (SAS), located within the steering column, determines where the driver wants to steer, matching the steering wheel with the vehicle’s wheels. Your vehicle uses this input to detect when your vehicle is entering a skid. A high rate of steering, and a high steering angle, such as when you’re parallel parking at low speeds, is normal. But those same actions at high road speeds are interpreted by your vehicle’s computer as your vehicle being in a skid, and it will take measures, such as reducing power or applying individual brakes, to keep your vehicle under control.
The pros at Peninsula Auto Body will recalibrate the SAS, as needed, such as when a wheel alignment is performed.
Forward-Looking Camera
You might know that modern windshields, which are bonded with urethane to the windshield frame, are an integral part of the vehicle’s rollover strength. But did you know that if you have a forward-looking camera, any windshield replacement requires recalibrating the camera?
If so equipped, your vehicle uses a forward-looking camera to look far down the road for such features as lane-keeping systems. Depending on your vehicle’s system, this lane-keeping system may provide audible or haptic (such as a vibrating steering wheel) warnings, or it may even lighten your driving workload by gently steering the wheel to keep your vehicle between the lines.
But this camera attaches to the windshield bracket. If you’ve ever aimed a camera on a tripod, sighted in a rifle, or thrown a baseball long-distance, you might better visualize how just a tiny variation in the angle of that bracket will require the system to be recalibrated to compensate for minute differences.
Blind Spot Warning Sensors
Typically, this technology uses a radar to “see” vehicles that you may miss using mirrors alone and will help you avoid those close-call collisions when changing lanes. These may be attached to the outside mirrors, or they may be hidden from view behind the rear bumper. Just as in the example of the forward-looking camera example above, if the area where the blind spot monitor bracket attaches is damaged, it must be recalibrated.
If the mirror is replaced, it must be recalibrated. And because the blind spot monitor behind the bumper needs to be able to “see” through it, the OEM may set limits on how the bumper can be repaired. Gouges and scuffs that, just a few years ago, could be repaired economically and at a high quality may now mean the bumper must be replaced if the damage is near the sensor. Even the thickness of paint in the area of the sensor may be a consideration, so paint cannot be blended in that area, and the OEM will usually limit the number of refinishes that can be applied in that area. Radar sensors are also commonly used for forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.
Look for these features and more to be included on your next vehicle. Whatever you drive, count on the professionals at Peninsula Auto Body to keep it operating as the manufacturer designed.
Peninsula Auto Body is dedicated to you and focuses on providing the best customer service regarding your auto body needs during what can be a stressful time. Our team strives to make your visit as seamless and hassle-free as possible. For more information about our services in the South San Francisco area, stop by 1430 San Mateo Ave., S. San Francisco, CA or call us at 650.588.0999 Monday through Friday
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