ADAS — Advanced Driver Assistance

ADAS is the umbrella term for all the electronic systems that help the driver avoid collisions and maintain lane position. These systems use cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and lidar to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and either warn the driver or intervene automatically. Understanding ADAS matters for every technician because these systems require calibration after many common repairs that were previously straightforward.

Mounted behind the windshield, typically near the rearview mirror. Used for lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control on camera-based systems, and traffic sign recognition. Any windshield replacement requires camera recalibration. Any work that changes the camera's mounting angle — even slightly — requires recalibration. An uncalibrated camera can aim the automatic braking system at the wrong target.

Front radar — usually mounted behind the front bumper fascia or in the grille — measures distance and closing speed to vehicles ahead. Used for adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. Rear and side radar — mounted in the rear bumper corners — provide blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Any bumper removal, bumper cover replacement, or front-end collision repair requires radar sensor recalibration. A misaimed radar sensor produces false alerts or fails to detect actual hazards.

Static calibration uses targets placed at precise distances and angles in front of the vehicle in a controlled environment. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at specific speeds on specific road types while the system self-calibrates. Some systems require both. Always check manufacturer service data for the specific calibration procedure required after any repair that could affect sensor aim. The vehicle may drive and feel completely normal with an uncalibrated ADAS sensor — the driver will not know it is wrong until the system fails to function correctly in an emergency.