Almost any car sold today has some kind of Advanced Driver Assistance System (or ADAS for short).
These systems can be as simple as adaptive cruise control, or as complex as autonomous driving features. But regardless of the level of complexity, ADAS has transformed modern cars from simple machines into networks of highly sophisticated, interconnected computational systems – with tons of new failure points.
And the knock-on effects of one system going down can mean the whole car suffers.
Features like lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and automatic parking aren’t just on luxury cars; they’re now standard in middle of the range models, and a mainstream expectation.
These technologies enhance safety and comfort – but they’re also fundamentally changing what it means to service and maintain the average family car.
Here’s how we see ADAS reshaping the car servicing industry, including the challenges it presents to us in the trade, and what drivers need to know to keep their cars working like they want them to.
HOW ADAS WORKS
ADAS comes in a few flavours. But, all systems rely on an intricate network of cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR (in high-end autonomous models), and computing.
All of these have to be perfectly calibrated and in sync with each other to function properly.
Even minor misalignments or sensor malfunctions can lead to false emergency braking, lane keeping failures, and adaptive cruise control missteps.
The result? A car that’s ironically less safe than one without ADAS!
Okay, so most of these systems are incredibly robust, and we’re not trying to fear-monger – just highlight risks.
The reality is, top automakers and OEM manufacturers are not fans of litigation and legal trouble. Their ADAS systems undergo frankly ridiculous levels of testing, compliance, regulatory process, and oversight.
But if you’ve ever dropped a smartphone, you’ll know how easy it is to break tech – and a computer on wheels, that lives outside and gets hammered down the M3, needs to have the old (digital) nuts and bolts checked once in a while.
Getting your car’s tech sorted when it goes wrong should be near the top of your list at a car service – but some garages aren’t ready for this new tech, even though it’s growing.
GARAGES NEED TO ADAPT – AND SO DO YOU
In the past, a mechanic could replace brake pads, adjust suspension, or swap a windscreen without worrying about recalibrating sensors. Today, almost any repair can potentially disrupt ADAS functionality.
You might have had a similar experience before with a “low tech” car. Ever had your tyres changed, and the pressure sensor goes berserk? All it needs is recalibrating, but the beeping and dash warnings could have fooled you into thinking the car was about to implode!
Now, imagine this across your braking, parking, and driver assistance systems…
For example, after replacing a windscreen, the camera behind it would definitely need to be recalibrated, or lane assist could drift. Naturally, the car would probably warn you – but that’s not a given. A failure is a failure, and can happen with no warning, so checks need to be done.
This can require OEM-specific diagnostic tools, and not all garages have them, so it could lead to more cars being dealer serviceable only. You might find yourself having to spend more, and use dealerships more often…
WHAT DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW
For the average motorist, rising costs are what you’ll notice most. It’s going to become more and more important to factor these new systems into your maintenance budget.
The main thing to know is that today’s cars are fundamentally different machines than those of even just five years ago; after any repair to sensor-loaded surfaces (windscreens, bumpers, even wing mirrors), it’s vitally important to make sure that ADAS recalibration was included.
Warning lights on the dash can provide clues that a system needs attention – but you might not always get the whole story. Some cars now have connected smartphone apps, but not everyone wants or needs that in their life.
The first clue you might get that something’s not right could come at the worst time.
If the lane departure system stops working, or if the automatic emergency braking activates without cause, or if your adaptive cruise control doesn’t maintain the proper safe distance…
It doesn’t bear thinking about!
THE ROAD AHEAD
With the rise of AI and connected cars, the future of driving and car servicing is becoming blurrier by the day. Over-the-air software updates, cybersecurity concerns, and regulatory bodies racing to keep up have left a vacuum of uncertainty.
What’s clear to us is that the relationship between motorists and their garages is changing.
The trust placed in a mechanic now extends into electronics expertise and software.
For us, that means adapting and growing with new technologies – and for you, it means understanding your vehicle’s capabilities and needs; because in the era of ADAS, proper maintenance isn’t just about reliability, it’s about safety.
Where do you stand on this – are cars becoming too reliant on technology? Do you like having driver assistance tech behind the wheel? Do you yearn for simpler, more mechanical times – or are these creature comforts and safety features what you look for in a car nowadays?
We’d love to know. Let’s chat about it when you book your next car service with us!
BOOK A CAR SERVICE WITH MASTER TECH AUTOS
We’ll help get your motor running. Call 023 8061 1161 or contact us to book your car service.