Autoglass is trialling a new technical solution that will save drivers time by replacing and recalibrating windscreens equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).Said to be an industry first, the solution will be rolled out nationally following successful trials and means car owners will no longer need to go back to the manufacturer dealership to get ADAS technology recalibrated after they’ve had their windscreen replaced.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) monitor vehicle surroundings, support the driver and improve road safety through multifunction cameras that are mounted on the windscreen and/or other vehicle glass. Following a windscreen replacement, some vehicle manufacturers state that the cameras need to be recalibrated to function properly but research from Autoglass reveals that two in three car drivers (67%) admitted they didn’t realise that the cameras which control these important safety features are installed on or near the windscreen.

Currently, 1% of all windscreen replacements completed by Autoglass require calibration – a number that is forecasted to double year on year.

Dr Chris Davis, head of technical superiority at Autoglass, said: “At Autoglass we have a dedicated team and invest over £2m annually on research and development to ensure we’re providing the complete service to our customers and future-proofing our business. ADAS calibration is just one example of return on this continual investment – but it certainly won’t be the last.

“Cars are rapidly becoming increasingly connected and complex and a lot of the new technology we enjoy in our cars such as lane keep assist or automated emergency breaking, is reliant on the windscreen. However, over the next 20 years the windscreen could become a driver’s dashboard with augmented reality GPS and more – the possibilities are endless. As vehicle glass becomes more complex, repair and replacement also becomes more technically challenging and we, as the world’s leading vehicle repair and replacement specialist, must evolve and upskill to drive industry standards and better meet customer needs.”