Pete Marsden, Managing Director, of National Windscreens, talks about the hot topic of calibration and the difference it means for everyone working in the auto glazing industry:
“I am often asked what is the biggest change facing the industry and, for me, there is only one answer: ADAS and the growing need for calibration.
“More and more vehicle manufacturers are using Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Changes were made to ENCAP safety ratings earlier this year meaning any new vehicle wanting to be granted the prestigious 5 star rating has to include two separate ADAS technologies with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) being compulsory.
“This is causing a welcome increase in the use of ADAS which makes our roads safer for all.
“Most of the ADAS systems that are becoming increasingly popular use forward-facing cameras found on or around the vehicle’s front windscreen. This camera collects the required data to ensure the ADAS systems work but if for any reason the camera becomes misaligned then the data being collected will produce an incorrect action.
“The issue of ADAS camera calibration is here and now with 10% of vehicles already fitted with ADAS systems. National Windscreens has already undertaken more than 1,000 calibrations and it is predicted that over 40% of vehicles on UK roads will have ADAS fitted by 2020.
“There is however, significant concern at the lack of consideration manufacturers have given to the maintenance of these systems, even in their own dealer networks, and there are many questions that now need answering.”
• Are motorists aware of their vehicle having ADAS?
• Will mandatory calibration be required and with what frequency?
• Who will meet the cost of calibration?
• Are motorists aware the camera needs calibrating after replacing the windscreen?
• Will it be necessary to introduce approved calibration providers?