The automotive industry has developed over the years with the intention of improving road safety. Safety systems have become increasingly effective, such as ADAS system.
This system has generated some doubts among drivers, who wonder what it is and how it works.
In this article, find out what this system is.
What Does ADAS System Stand For?
ADAS means Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems and is an advanced safety system that contains a set of functions designed to increase road safety, reduce accidents and make driving more comfortable and efficient.
What Is The Function Of ADAS In A Car?
The Advanced Driver-Assistance System works through automatic technology with the presence of sensors, cameras and radars, capable of detecting obstacles and risks of collision with other vehicles.
These devices constantly monitor the environment around the vehicle and process this information in real time, providing the driver with warnings or even intervening in critical situations to avoid accidents.
What Are ADAS Features?
The ADAS system has several features that make driving safer and more convenient. Among the main ones are:
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Can detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and gently corrects the steering wheel to keep the car on track.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): When the vehicle detects an unexpected obstacle, the system can brake automatically to avoid a collision.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): This system only produces an alert on the screen, meaning that, unlike the previous system, it does not brake automatically.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Visual or audible alerts are transmitted to warn the driver when there are vehicles or obstacles in the blind spot, which prevents dangerous lane changes.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting speed, braking and accelerating whenever necessary.
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): This system reads traffic signs, such as speed limits or construction zones, and informs the driver clearly and precisely.
- Wrong-way Detection and Warning: Detects if there is a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. In most cases, it works using information collected by the GPS.
What Are The Benefits Of ADAS?
ADAS has numerous benefits for drivers that go beyond safety.
Find out what they are below.
1. Reducing Accidents
Vehicles equipped with the ADAS system are less likely to be involved in serious accidents, as the system acts as an “assistant” to the driver, correcting errors and taking preventative measures.
2. Reduced Driver Fatigue
Functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist allow the driver to relax more, especially on long journeys.
3. More Comfort And Peace Of Mind Behind The Wheel
With the help of ADAS systems, drivers face less stress in heavy traffic situations or during parking maneuvers.
4. Promotes Responsible Driving
This car safety system encourages drivers to adopt defensive and more conscious driving on the road.
5. Lower Costs
By reducing the number of accidents, you also reduce the cost of auto insurance and compensation.
Do I Need To Calibrate The ADAS System?
The Advanced Driver Assistance System needs to be calibrated to make sure it is working properly.
Proper calibration is essential for the sensors, cameras and radars to function correctly and provide accurate information to the driver, to ensure safety on the roads.
Failure to calibrate can compromise the vehicle’s ability to avoid collisions or provide accurate warnings, leading to consequences that can be serious, such as accidents and safety feature failures.
When Does The ADAS System Need Calibration?
There are several situations in which it is necessary to calibrate ADAS:
- Replacing The Windshield: Many ADAS systems use cameras in the windshield. If this is replaced, the camera needs to be recalibrated;
- Sensor Repairs Or Replacement: If any sensor, camera or radar is replaced or adjusted, the calibration is necessary to ensure its accuracy;
- Changes To The Vehicle’s Suspension Or Geometry: Modifications to the vehicle’s height or suspension can affect the accuracy of the sensors;
- After An Accident: Even small impacts can dislodge or disalign the sensors, making the calibration indispensable to ensure that the ADAS system works correctly;
- Wheel Alignment Or Tire Change: Significant changes in wheel angles can affect the ADAS sensor reading.
How Much Does ADAS Calibration Cost?
The cost of calibrating the ADAS system can change depending on many factors, such as the type of vehicle, the number of sensors or cameras that need to be calibrated and the calibration method (static or dynamic).
Do All New Cars Have ADAS?
Not all new cars come equipped with ADAS, although this technology is becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles.
The adoption of ADAS depends on factors such as the country, brand, vehicle model and local regulations.
Can I Install ADAS In My Car?
It is possible to install the ADAS system in cars that do not come equipped with this technology from the factory. However, the installation of the system may have some limitations.
Installing ADAS in a vehicle that doesn’t have them involves attaching sensors, cameras, radars, and integrating these components into the car’s electronic system, which can differ in terms of complexity, compatibility and cost.
As such, it may not be possible to fit the complete system in some vehicles and, in some cases, inferior performance may be shown due to a lack of compatibility with the vehicle.
What’s The Difference Between ADAS And RDS?
The difference between ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and RDS (Reversing Detection System) is in the purpose and scope of each system, although both are driver assistance systems.
ADAS is a comprehensive system involving a set of advanced technologies that help the driver in various driving situations, including active safety (accident prevention) and comfort (helps reduce driver strain on long journeys).
RDS, on the other hand, is a much more specific and limited system, designed exclusively to help the driver maneuver the vehicle in reverse. It uses back-up cameras and ultrasonic sensors located in the bumper to detect obstacles when reversing.
