Calibration of assistance systems: So that the lane departure warning system doesn't go haywire

Bang - and there goes the windshield: there is no better example of why the item «Calibration» increasingly appears on the invoice after certain work in the garage. If a stone chip can no longer be repaired inexpensively by the garage, a new windshield is due for the MFK inspection at the latest. And if the car has a camera behind the windshield, it has to be calibrated afterwards. But why?

The reason is simply safety. Modern driver assistance systems (known as ADAS in technical jargon) such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane departure warning systems, emergency brake assist or adaptive light («matrix light») are increasingly in demand and more and more frequently required by law, which means that they are becoming widespread even in inexpensive small cars. No wonder: the increase in safety and comfort is enormous. However, these highly sensitive systems can only work flawlessly if their sensors are calibrated precisely.

Small deviation, big mistake
Calibration is therefore a must, for example after a collision with a replacement of the radiator grille for a radar sensor behind it or after a windshield replacement for the camera: both car manufacturers and insurance companies paying for the repair require this. To stay with the windshield: A new windshield is never completely identical to the old one. Glass wears out, materials vary. The eye cannot see this, but the camera can. And an angular error in the camera mount of just one degree is not visible to the eye, but leads to a deviation of 1.70 meters at a distance of 100 meters. A lane departure warning system or an adaptive light are then off by almost a car's width.

Garages guarantee safety
Calibration is a costly process for garage owners. They need their own calibration station, trained employees and high-tech equipment costing a five-figure sum. Depending on the car, it may need to be calibrated while stationary (static) or in motion (dynamic) - or both. In the case of independent multi-brand garages, it is networks such as carXpert that guarantee access to calibration data from the car brands. And maximum precision is required. Calibration is not checked at the MFK: The garage is responsible for this, must keep test reports and would be liable in the event of a crash due to incorrect calibration. However, the professionals in the carXpert garages, for example, place the highest value on precise work at all times - for the road safety of us all.

The carXpert network
The name says it all: Behind the name carXpert is a Switzerland-wide network of over 280 independent quality garages and over 40 independent body stores - all experts for your car. In these multi-brand garages, every car feels at home with the qualified specialists because it is serviced and repaired according to the manufacturer's instructions with original equipment parts - guaranteed to keep the warranty! The premium network offers the highest level of expertise and service quality as well as, for example, assistance and used car warranties. The carXpert partners are also ideal contacts for topics such as vacation checks and starter batteries! Many offer a vacation check at reasonable fixed prices. This usually involves checking the starter battery. If a replacement is required carXpert partner a wide range from economy to high-tech premium batteries. carxpert.ch

*The content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.