The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovations in safety and technology. A significant aspect of this evolution is the rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems are not just futuristic concepts; they are increasingly becoming standard features in modern vehicles. For automotive professionals and car owners alike, understanding ADAS, particularly in models like 2018 Cars With Driving Assistance Program, is crucial. This article delves into the world of ADAS, exploring its benefits, the regulatory push behind it, and what it means for vehicle repair and maintenance.
The Growing Importance of ADAS in Modern Vehicles
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems represent a paradigm shift in vehicle safety. Historically, car safety focused on mitigating damage during a collision. ADAS, however, aims to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This proactive approach utilizes a suite of technologies, including sensors, cameras, and software, to assist drivers and enhance overall vehicle safety.
These systems range from simple warnings to active interventions, designed to address various driving scenarios. Examples of common ADAS features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects imminent collisions and automatically applies brakes.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist: Alerts drivers when they drift out of their lane and can even gently steer the vehicle back.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.
- Rearview Cameras: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle when reversing, mandated in the US for all vehicles sold after May 1, 2018.
Regulatory Landscape and Industry Commitment to ADAS
Governmental bodies and safety organizations worldwide are recognizing the life-saving potential of ADAS and are actively promoting their adoption. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a leading role in evaluating and encouraging the implementation of these technologies.
NHTSA’s mandate for rearview cameras in all new vehicles after May 1, 2018, is a clear example of regulatory action driving ADAS adoption. Furthermore, the voluntary commitment from 20 major automakers to make automatic emergency braking standard on virtually all new cars by September 2022, in collaboration with NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), underscores the industry’s dedication to enhancing vehicle safety through ADAS.
NHTSA’s publication, “Automated Driving Systems 2.0: A Vision for Safety,” further emphasizes the agency’s commitment to the safe introduction of automated vehicle technologies. This document and other initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to integrate ADAS and pave the way for future autonomous driving systems.
Understanding the Levels of Automated Driving Systems
To better understand the progression towards fully autonomous vehicles, it’s helpful to consider the levels of automation defined for driving systems. These levels, ranging from 0 to 5, illustrate the increasing autonomy of vehicles and the corresponding shift in driver responsibility.
Levels to Automated Driving Systems
| Level | Autonomy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No vehicle autonomy Full driver responsibility | The driver is entirely responsible for all aspects of driving. |
| Level 1 | Vehicle provides driver info/warnings Driver has informed control | The vehicle offers assistance with specific tasks, like lane keeping or cruise control. |
| Level 2 | Vehicle integrates detection/response Driver ready to take control | The vehicle can handle steering and acceleration/deceleration in certain situations, but the driver must be ready to intervene. |
| Level 3 | Vehicle fully autonomous Driver takes control in emergency | The vehicle can perform all driving tasks in specific environments, but the driver must be available to take over if needed. |
| Level 4 | Vehicle fully autonomous Occupants do not need ability to drive | The vehicle can handle all driving tasks in most environments. Human intervention is not expected. |
| Level 5 | Vehicle fully autonomous in all roadway and environmental conditions Full vehicle responsibility | The vehicle is capable of driving itself in all conditions a human driver could handle. |
Implications for Automotive Repair Professionals
The increasing prevalence of ADAS has significant implications for automotive repair professionals. As Jason Bartanen, Director of Industry Technical Relations at I-CAR, notes, servicing ADAS-equipped vehicles requires new skills, tools, and training.
Repairing and maintaining these systems often involves more than just mechanical work. Calibration, aiming, initiation, and programming processes are frequently necessary after repairs, especially when dealing with cameras and sensors that are integral to ADAS functionality. The voluntary agreement to standardize automatic emergency braking by 2022 further emphasizes the urgency for automotive professionals to prepare for the influx of ADAS-equipped vehicles in their repair facilities. Investing in the right tooling, staffing, and training is no longer optional but a necessity to ensure proper and safe repairs.
ADAS Variability and the Importance of OEM Specifications
It’s crucial to recognize that ADAS configurations and functionalities vary significantly across vehicle makes, models, and years, including 2018 cars with driving assistance program. ADAS features may be standard on some vehicles or part of optional packages on others. Furthermore, recalibration and repair procedures are manufacturer-specific.
Therefore, adhering to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service specifications and recognized trade standards is paramount. Some ADAS require specialized equipment, tools, and training to reset systems correctly. This variability and complexity highlight the importance of staying informed and following manufacturer guidelines for every ADAS-related service.
Automotive Repair Dealers (ARDs) must ensure they comply with regulations, such as those outlined in the California Code of Regulations section 3365(a), which mandates that repair procedures, including sectioning component parts, must be performed according to OEM service specifications or nationally recognized and updated service specifications.
Conclusion: Embracing the ADAS Future
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are revolutionizing the automotive industry, making driving safer and paving the way for autonomous vehicles. For owners of 2018 cars with driving assistance program and newer models, understanding and maintaining these systems is increasingly important. For automotive repair professionals, adapting to the ADAS era by investing in training, tools, and knowledge of OEM procedures is essential for providing quality service and ensuring vehicle safety in this evolving technological landscape. Staying informed and prepared is key to navigating the future of automotive repair in the age of ADAS.
