What Are ADAS Systems, and What Do They Mean for the Window Film Industry?
Advanced driver assistance systems (also known as ADAS systems) take automotive technology to a whole new level, allowing vehicles to help drivers stay within their lane, warn them when they need to brake, and even self-park.
ADAS systems are powered by a multi-function camera that is centrally mounted behind the top of the windshield. So, what happens if an ADAS-equipped windshield needs to be replaced? (Hint: It’s going to cost a lot of money.)
Keep reading to learn what ADAS systems are, what kind of sensors ADAS systems use, why these windshield repairs are more expensive, and how Madico’s ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film can save the day.
What Are ADAS Systems?
Advanced driver assistance systems, which use data from various cameras and sensors to “see” the world outside the vehicle, are rapidly becoming the standard on new models. ADAS systems are designed to alert drivers of potential obstacles in the vehicle’s path and avoid collisions.
Features of ADAS systems include:
- Emergency braking – Detects slow or stopped traffic ahead and applies the vehicle’s brakes
- Lane departure warning – Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane
- Adaptive cruise control – Automatically maintains speed and distance relative to other vehicles on the road
- Blind spot detection – Detects if there’s another vehicle in the driver’s side or rear blind spots
- Rear cross traffic alert – Detects if a vehicle or pedestrian enters the backing path while reversing
- Parking assist – Alerts the driver to the position of objects around the vehicle while parking
All these features are proving to be highly effective. The National Safety Council reports that ADAS technology has the potential to prevent nearly 21,000 deaths each year, or about 62% of total traffic deaths. Lane departure warnings account for over 70% of this savings.
What Kind of Sensors Do ADAS Systems Use?
ADAS systems rely on multiple sensors to replace or enhance the senses of a human driver. These sensors are constantly working while the vehicle is in motion, generating an average of 4,000 GB of data per day – every day.
ADAS systems use several types of sensors, including:
- Video cameras
- SONAR
- RADAR
- LiDAR
- GPS/GNSS satellite interface
A critical component of most ADAS systems is the multi-function camera mounted behind the top of the vehicle’s windshield – meaning that a simple windshield replacement may no longer be so simple.
Windshield Replacement with ADAS Systems
Replacing a windshield without a multi-function camera is a relatively easy process, giving you the option to use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket glass. However, it’s a different story when ADAS components are mounted behind the windshield.
After replacing the glass, technicians must now ensure that the windshield camera is re-calibrated correctly with a precise view of the road ahead. Without proper calibration, the vehicle’s ADAS system can fail, possibly causing a preventable collision.
Windshield replacement used to be free through most auto insurance policies, but now it’s a lot more expensive. A 2018 report from AAA found that the average cost for replacing the windshield on a vehicle equipped with a windshield-dependent ADAS system ranged from $1,300-$1,650. With the rising cost of materials and labor, that cost has likely increased even more.
As ADAS technology continues to improve (self-driving cars, anyone?), it’s vital to have a trusted expert handle any and all windshield repairs.
Protect Your Windshield With ClearPlex by Madico Windshield Protection Film
For vehicles with ADAS systems, cracks and chips in the windshield have never been more costly – but Madico offers an excellent cost-saving alternative. Your customers can help prevent expensive repairs and lost time by protecting their windshield with ClearPlex, the world’s first and best-performing windshield protection film.
Whatever the road dishes out, ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film is designed to take it at speeds up to 120 mph. With the industry’s only patented high-performance, scratch-resistant hard coat (which has qualities similar to glass), ClearPlex provides superior protection against windshield damage. It also costs significantly less than replacing a windshield with ADAS technology.
Other benefits of ClearPlex window film by Madico include:
- The first optically clear protection film on the market designed specifically for automotive windshield protection
- Seamlessly integrates with your windshield, providing better visibility
- Faster run-off of rain and snow
- Absorbs impact of standard road hazards
- Reduces rock chips, pitting, stars, and bullseyes
- Ideal for luxury & exotic cars, ADAS equipped cars, and fleet vehicles
- Protects against 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays
- Keeps the windshield intact during an accident
- Helps prevent the vehicle’s roof from collapsing in a rollover
Learn more about ClearPlex here.
Become a Madico Dealer Today
Madico produces high-quality window and specialty film products used in the automotive, architectural, healthcare, aerospace, and transportation industries. We partner with consumers, manufacturers, and small business owners like you to sell our wide range of exceptional film products, including ClearPlex and many more.
To learn more about Madico, visit us today at www.madicostg.wpengine.com.
