Collision repair as a process has been evolving rapidly over the past decade, largely thanks to advancements in the technology being packed into every new vehicle. The Advanced Driver Assist Systems in particular can be daunting to troubleshoot or ensure precise functionality after physical repairs are complete. We ensure that these systems are operating optimally on every vehicle you service, using procedures and software directly from the manufacturer. Our ASE certified technicians are always expanding their knowledge base, as the evolving nature of this industry demands.
Manufacturers often name their ADAS systems differently from one another, and there is often some variance in how they function. We program, adjust, calibrate, and aim all types of cameras, radars, sonars, and control modules. It is crucial to understand the nuances of how and when these systems operate, in order to repair and verify functionality accurately. The following are categories of the most common ADAS systems and their functions.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Camera determines if vehicle is straying from the lane, and provides feedback. visual warning indicators, sounds, and haptic response (shaking the steering wheel or seat) are common types of feedback. These systems collect real-time data using one or more windshield-mounted cameras.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA,LKS, LKAS, ELK): These systems are the next step up from lane departure warning. These systems actively steer the vehicle in order to remain or return to the lane, without input from the driver. (note: the driver can easily overcome the force of this automatic steering input if desired)
Lane Centering Assist (LCA): This is another tier of the Lane assist systems, where the vehicle will actively provide steering input in order to remain centered in the lane, rather than allow it the driver to drift towards the lines. On roads where the lines are faded, obscured, or missing; the vehicle will warn the driver to take full control of the steering until it has sufficient data to assist again.
Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS): These systems are designed to follow the lane markings with no human input.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): This is the first stage in frontal safety assistance. An audible warning, and sometimes haptic feedback response is provided to the driver when the vehicle detects the possibility of a frontal collision. These systems use either a radar module, windshield mounted camera, or both in order to collect real-time environmental data.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This is the second stage of frontal safety assistance in where the vehicle not only warns the driver of a possible collision, but can also apply the brakes without driver input.
Automatic Cruise Control (ACC): The driver chooses a maximum cruise speed, and follow distance. The vehicle will automatically adjust the speed according to environmental conditions forward of the vehicle.