Cutting-edge technology in car windshields is enhancing driver safety. But using a trained and accredited installer is key.
When vehicles are involved in accidents or have auto glass damage, a range of issues need to be addressed. Often the windscreen or back window needs to be repaired or even refitted, which is where auto glass expertise comes in.
Recent advances in technology mean that this process is now quite complex, especially when it comes to the windscreen of the vehicle. Repairing or refitting a new windscreen requires skilled, experienced, and constantly trained technicians to ensure the windscreen is fitted correctly and safely and that the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are restored to the manufacturer specifications after the fitting or repair.
Feedback system
ADAS, which gathers safety information from around the vehicle to provide the driver with information and, when necessary, warnings, are now fitted as standard on more and more vehicles.
The systems are mostly mounted on the windscreen in the form of camera sensors that detect cars, pedestrians or other obstructions that may be in the car’s way. The front-facing camera sensors include:
- Rain sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
- Lane keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Forward-collision warning
In case of repair or fitment of a new windscreen, all these sensors need to be calibrated correctly by a skilled and accredited ADAS technician to ensure they continue to keep the driver, their passengers and the vehicle itself safe.
When replacing a windscreen, it is crucial that the ADAS is carefully and perfectly recalibrated according to the specifications of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), so the system functions as intended. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle’s windscreen is repaired at a reputable windscreen repair fitment centre and that the technician working on the vehicle is accredited.
Latest developments
As usual, PG Glass is at the forefront of the evolving auto glass trends and ensuring seamless integration of ADAS recalibration technologies in its operations as part of its commitment to excellence and safety in the auto glass industry.
PG Glass’ franchise agreement with Belron, based in Europe, means our fitment centres are ahead of the game as we learn about new global developments as soon as they are launched. Recently, the company circulated its latest Auto Research report to its franchise partners, including PG Glass. This comprehensive report offers a detailed overview of driver monitoring systems in passenger cars, encompassing industry drivers, trends, opportunities, challenges, and future developments of the technology.
Some of the highlights are listed below:
- Driver monitoring systems (DMS): DMS technology enhances road safety by monitoring the driver’s alertness using cameras and other sensors. The technology assesses the driver’s state of attentiveness, fatigue or distraction and can trigger safety measures when needed.
- Technological components: DMS typically uses cameras, eye-tracking, facial recognition, behaviour analysis and various actuation techniques such as haptic feedback, air conditioning adjustments, lighting and sound to monitor and respond to the driver’s state.
- Market trends and legislation: The adoption of DMS has been driven by regulatory requirements – for instance, the European Union mandates DMS in all new vehicle models from 2026 onwards, and similar regulations are emerging in other regions.
- OEM implementations: Various automakers, including Ford, Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Volvo, have integrated DMS into their vehicles, with each employing unique features and technologies.
- Future developments: Predictions on further advancements in DMS, including integration with wearables, improved sensing capabilities and more sophisticated response strategies.
- Market forecasts: Detailed market forecasts for DMS adoption in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, highlighting significant growth in the coming decade.
- Privacy concerns: With advancements in facial recognition, the report acknowledges potential privacy concerns and the need to address them.
- DMS calibration requirements: The report notes the current lack of recalibration requirements for DMS/occupant monitoring system (OMS), based on vehicle manufacturer repair manual research and discussions with Tier 1 suppliers.
Belron continues to monitor this evolving technology, its impact on Franchise Partners globally, including PG Glass, and how this will affect our recalibration requirements over time. Here in South Africa, PG Glass has been rolling out Specialised Fitment Centres and upskilling the PG Glass Technical Team with the latest requirements for ADAS recalibration in line with Belron International and global standards. Our Specialised Fitment Centres are equipped with latest in ADAS Recalibration technology from global Tier-1 suppliers.
More vehicles equipped with ADAS and impeccably fitted auto glass translates into fewer accidents and therefore fewer replacements — a win-win situation for insurers and their clients alike. The synergy between advanced technologies such as ADAS and the expertise of companies like PG Glass increases road safety.
