Everything You Need to Know About ADAS

Do you understand your car’s ADAS? According to recent research from DG Cities, 40% of drivers admit they don’t really know what ADAS, is or how to use it effectively. That’s a huge knowledge gap considering how widely these systems are now built into modern vehicles. 

ADAS is an essential component of modern vehicles, improving road safety, reducing collisions, and supporting smarter driving decisions. But without knowing how to use ADAS properly, many motorists miss out on its full benefits - and may even put themselves at risk.

Read on to find out more about what ADAS is and why it’s useful.

What does ADAS stand for?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These systems are intelligent, automated features that enhance driver safety and comfort.

What is ADAS?

ADAS is a collection of electronic technologies that assist drivers with core driving and parking functions. These technologies use sensors to process information in order to detect potential hazards, provide alerts to drivers, or even take corrective action while a car is moving. 

Think of ADAS like an extra pair of eyes on the road, or another pair of hands on the steering wheel, helping you to catch and respond to anything that might come your way while driving. 

Here’s a simplified outline of how ADAS works:

1. Sensors monitor the road. ADAS systems contain a collection of cameras, sensors, and radars to build up an accurate picture of the immediate environment surrounding a car.
2. Software processes intel. Any information gleaned by the sensors is processed by specialised software and artificial intelligence quickly to identify any potential anomalies or hazards.
3. Action is taken. If a hazard is detected, ADAS can either alert the driver or take corrective action to avoid a collision or accident.

The exact action is determined by the level of ADAS, from 0 to 5. 

What are some examples of ADAS?

Advanced Driver Assist Systems come in many forms, from systems that apply brakes if they sense a crash, to adaptive cruise control and autonomous parking. These systems are usually found in high-end, modern vehicles. Some more examples of ADAS include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) - Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) senses an imminent collision and activates your car's brakes, so you don’t have to. If you fail to respond for whatever reason, this feature could save your life.
• Adaptive Light Control (ALC) - Adaptive light control (ALC) aims to improve the safety of night driving. Adaptive headlights will automatically change their brightness to suit the surrounding environment or current driving situation.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - Sometimes called ‘lane assist’, LDW will continuously assess your car's position on the road. If you unintentionally leave your lane, your car will react by offering a vibration, warning light, or audible warning. Active lane assist will take control of your steering wheel or use the brakes to get your car back in the lane.
• Parking Assist - Automatic parking is as simple as it sounds - these systems can help you park with greater precision by using technology such as sensors, radars, and cameras to shift you into position
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Drowsiness Recognition
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).

The five levels of ADAS (automated driving)

Like other forms of automation, there are distinct levels of ADAS, from 0 (meaning no automation) to 5 (full driving automation). In regular cars, ADAS often doesn’t exceed Level 2.

Level 0 - No automation

Drivers are in total control of all parts of the vehicle. The car may give warnings or have manual functions like cruise control, but no speed or steering is controlled via automation.

Level 1 - Driver assistance

One of the most common forms of driving automation right now. The car can assist with straightforward functions such as steering or speed control (usually in the form of lane assist or adaptive cruise control). Though, drivers must still be ready to regain control at any time and be aware of their surroundings. 

Level 2 - Partial driving automation

The car is able to control the speed and the steering at once in some circumstances; however, the driver must still take full responsibility for monitoring the driving environment and should keep their hands on the wheel. Beyond this point, automation really accelerates.

Level 3 - Conditional driving automation

The car is capable of monitoring the driving environment in certain conditions and can automate most driving tasks. However, although the driver doesn’t need to monitor the environment and can temporarily take their eyes off the road, they should be ready to take control when the system says so. 

Level 4 - High driving automation

The car can perform all driving tasks while monitoring the driving environment within what’s known as "operational design domains" (or “ODDs”), where humans are not required. In these cars, humans can completely switch off their attention, using their phones, watching films, or even sleeping.

Level 5 - Full driving automation

The vehicle is completely autonomous and does not require a human being or, in some cases, even a steering wheel. In these cars, human beings are just passengers. Read more in our Full Guide to Self-Driving Cars.

Does every car have ADAS?

No, not every car has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) since some vehicles were made before the technology began to roll out, and some base models lack these sophisticated features.

However, ADAS features are becoming standard in new vehicles, especially in Europe (since the European Commission made certain ADAS features compulsory for new cars in phases, starting from July 2022). 

Do manual cars have ADAS systems?

Modern manual cars do have ADAS systems installed, but some features like Adaptive Cruise Control are less common or require more driver involvement compared to an automatic. Think anti-lock braking or traction control - these are common ADAS features found in manual cars.

Does my car have ADAS?

If you’re unsure whether your car has ADAS systems installed, you should check:

• The owner’s manual for a definitive answer.
• The bodywork and bumpers for any visible sensors or cameras (especially the rear windscreen and wing mirrors).
• The dashboard and infotainment system for any ADAS controls, like lane assist or ACC.

Can I install ADAS in my car?

It is possible to install aftermarket ADAS in your car; usually, this takes the form of forward-facing cameras or DVRs (digital video recorders) to provide features like lane departure warnings. However, integrated factory ADAS features are preferable since these have been tested, approved, and installed by experts during the manufacture of a vehicle, and are therefore safer.

Are people switching off ADAS features?

Did you know that 46% of drivers have turned off speed limit alerts, and 42% have disabled lane keep assist? As well as this, 34% have disabled Automatic Emergency Braking, 32% drowsiness monitoring, and 30% blind spot monitoring.

However, these in-car safety systems can be really helpful, with the potential to reduce avoidable accidents by a significant amount.

How ADAS can help drivers

ADAS aims to reduce the number of car accidents and the injuries and fatalities that occur as a result. Collision technologies strive to alert drivers to potential hazards and take control of the vehicle to avoid a threat to life. All in all, this improves a driver's ability to react to threats on the road - and keeps the population safe.

Although safety is the biggest selling point of ADAS, there are also some practical advantages. Automatic parking, for example, makes it easier to squeeze into tight spaces and takes the stress out of parallel parking. Adaptive light control features save you from messing around with your headlights while you’re driving and do all the work for you. 

Some say ADAS features make driving safer; others say it makes the practice ‘mindless’, and that a reliance on technology could lead to more accidents in the future.

What are the pros and cons of ADAS?

ADAS Pros

• Increased safety: Statistics have found that vehicles fitted with ADAS systems are involved in 27% less bodily injury claims and 19% fewer property damage claims. Driver alertness is also improved by the system's ability to highlight potential hazards to drivers.
• Practicality: Features such as automatic parking save time and make practical sense for many drivers.

ADAS Cons

• Cost: ADAS systems are expensive. Not only are they a pricey initial investment, but repairs on a car with ADAS can be costly.
• Not always accurate: Features may not work correctly all of the time. Sometimes, brakes can be applied incorrectly, and sensors can be faulty.
• Challenges for insurers: Insurers may be hesitant to trust customers to identify which features have been installed, creating issues in underwriting and pricing coverage.

Does my car need ADAS calibration?

Your car may require ADAS calibration if:

• Your ADAS dashboard warning light is on
• You’ve had an accident
• You’ve had your windshield replaced
• You’ve had a suspension or wheel alignment problem or procedure.

Why regular ADAS calibration matters

Can ADAS cause MOT failure?

Faulty or uncalibrated ADAS can result in an MOT failure in the UK if it causes a dashboard warning light to come on, or significantly impacts certain safety features like braking or steering. 

However, at the time of writing, there are no separate ADAS checks in an MOT. This may soon be changing, as the Department for Transport looks into the necessity of ADAS being assessed regularly on account of its growing presence as a safety feature in modern vehicles.

Diagnose your ADAS problems

ADAS at Kwik Fit

ADAS is a valuable technology. While it’s not immune from faults or criticism, it’s already proved itself by offering drivers an unparalleled level of safety. As demand for ADAS increases, automated systems may soon take the wheel of our driving experiences.

Get your ADAS calibrated at your nearest Kwik Fit today. And, in the meantime, contact us with any questions you may have,