In this video, we cover the importance of alignment angles to ADAS. Even if an ADAS car can steer and brake for pedestrians, it will still hit potholes and other imperfections in the road. If a suspension component is replaced and it changes the toe, camber or caster, the vehicle will need to have an alignment. For ADAS vehicles, the steering angle must be reset after the repair.
If the radar’s beam or camera’s field of view is altered by either a change in the sensor’s mounting points or the thrust angle, you could get false activation or deactivation of the ADAS system. For example, if the camera or radar sensor is pointed upward, the system might not correct the vehicle’s speed until it detects the top of the vehicle and not the bumper. This type of immediate correction can cause a driver to panic if they are using automatic cruise control. If the beam or camera is aimed a few degrees to the side, it might pick up parked cars and road signs and needlessly activate.
Awareness is half the battle with ADAS. Knowing that there is a camera behind the windshield or a radar unit behind the grille can help you make the correct choices before, during and after an alignment or repair.
This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
