Automobile technology is advancing at a breakneck pace. Today’s modern vehicles can come equipped with many different advanced safety features built right into the windshield or other areas of their car which is wonderful…until you have a problem with your windshield. If your windshield breaks or needs repair, you may need to recalibrate your car’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

Why is it important to keep your ADAS system properly calibrated when your windshield is damaged? Because safety has greatly improved, and crashes have been significantly decreased thanks to this important safety feature. But, it does increase the cost of windshield repair and replacement because certain safety features must be recalibrated by an experienced and knowledgeable repair service to ensure those safety features work correctly, as Consumer Reports describes, “The sensors integral to ADAS usually live in peripheral, easy-to-damage areas—inside bumpers and windshields, and inside mirrors. So a minor collision or a cracked windshield can become a major expense…CR and other car experts stress that ADAS features must be repaired correctly or safety systems can become disabled or function improperly and cause dangerous errors…Not all collision repair shops are qualified to fix ADAS-equipped vehicles.”

If your car’s windshield or other auto glass is damaged at all in a collision or gets hit by debris that damages it, it is important to seek out a reliable and knowledgeable repair company to complete your necessary ADAS recalibration. Not all companies provide this service and many do not have the information or training to complete it correctly so do your research and choose a reliable expert for your ADAS calibration service needs.

How to do ADAS calibration?

The Advanced Driver Assistance System of a car rely on variety of sensors to know what is happening around the vehicle. Most commonly, it utilizes cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and steering sensors to determine the direction and location of the automobile. The combination of information varies from one system to another. It is a process called sensor fusion to get more accurate view around the car. In some cases, ADAS sensors calibration if their alignments are disturbed. Misaimed sensors bring drastic changes in the area of viewpoint and often result in collisions. Even small mistakes can affect the position these sensors and cause them to move out of alignment. Fortunately, ADAS calibration is offered as a service by many automobile window replacement companies.

Car owners can note faulty ADAS sensors by a warning light or message on the panel, a diagnostic trouble code in the computer memory of a car, vehicle steering vibration, increased effort for steering, and steering pull. Such problems often lead to safety hazards by affecting protection during transportation.

Camera sensors

Most modern cars are equipped with front-facing cameras to avoid collision. These are commonly utilized for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic headlight dimming, and emergency braking. These sensors are found inside the assembly integration, as a part of some housing of the roof. In some models, automakers use two cameras as a part of a connected system for enhanced depth perception.

Radar sensors

Front-facing radar sensors are responsible for adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. It transmits a high frequency wave that would reflect off surfaces and return signals. The time period of this signal transfer helps to measure the location of objects. Moreover, radio waves pass through plastic bumpers and metal coverings. However, it requires protection from natural elements and road debris. In some cases, loose casings will affect the calibration of these sensors.

Ultrasonic devices

These sensors are primarily used for parking. Ultrasonic sensors are found in front or rear bumpers. They transmit high frequency sounds waves for detection. It can detect cars, people, and other solid objects within close proximity to the vehicle. These ultrasonic sensors require regular calibration to transmit precise positions. For this reasons, car owners are advised to calibrate them regularly to avoid any risks of accidents. Some car brands do not approve aftermarket calibration tools. They also prohibit the use of recycled parts to calibrate sensors. Hence, it is best to hire professional services with authorized tools. They work properly within the specified orientation.

Steering sensors

These sensors are responsible for lane departure warning. They also control electronic stability and adaptive suspensions. ADAS calibration is required for steering sensors as well if they are disturbed in any way. Moreover, they are a part of complete diagnostic checks performed on every vehicle.

Windows are an important architectural feature of any home. Whether your home has 10 small windows or 40 windows or varying size, your windows let in natural light and enhance the beauty of your home. While you want to let in light, the sun’s harmful UV rays can actually cause damage to your home and furnishings. And though you would probably love to leave your window curtains or shades open all day to let in light, you probably do not want to give everyone a front row seat into your home. Residential window tint is the optimal solution to all your window shade, privacy, and aesthetic appeal needs.

Residential window tint, also known as architectural window film, is an excellent way to enhance the exterior appeal of your home while simultaneously protecting your home’s interior and furnishings effectively. And, depending on the type of window film you choose and the opacity, you can achieve varying levels of privacy depending on your preferences.

Homeowners need not worry their view will be diminished once architectural window film is applied. The film is specifically designed to maximize the quality of the view from your windows while dramatically improving your home’s energy efficiency. When professionally installed, residential window film enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal, improves energy efficiency, protects your home’s interior, and adds value to your home!

What do know before tinting home windows?

One of the efficient and economical way to boost the energy efficiency of the home is hinting the windows. This process involves using self-adhesive polyester coverings to cover the glass panels. It improves security, lowers energy bills, and improves aesthetics as well. However, homeowners should keep certain things in mind when they are looking to tint their windows. It will ensure the best results for them.

Different types

One can find three main types of tint films on the market. Each of them serves different function and provide different benefits. The first option recommend for most homes is a solar film. It improves the energy efficiency of the home by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. This helps to regulate the indoor temperature and keeps the room cool even in harsh climates. The increased comfort provides better energy savings as well. This film is available in neutral colors such as silver and copper. Security films is the thickest of all. It doesn’t absorb or reflect heat. But, it can deter intruders in the event of a storm. The thick layer prevents window glass from shattering into pieces. This restricts damage that could put the residents at risk. The last type is decorative tint films that improve privacy and aesthetics of a room. The bold colored film is also available with etched patterns like stripes.

Compatible

As discussed above, each window film provides different benefits. However, they are not compatible with every window type. Some are mostly used for security and decorative purposes, while other uses are focused on blocking UV radiation. These variations are common to all three different types of window glass films. People should check manufacturer’s recommendation or refer their literature when choosing a film for their house. It is essential to identify the compatible film to avoid any headaches in the near future.

Warranty

Typically, applying window film could invalidate the window warranty provided by manufacturers. Many companies do not cover defects caused by aftermarket films because of their policy. But the risk is worth taking considering the fact that tinted windows offer better protection for a house, along with some other benefits. Therefore, check whether the manufacturer support the application of window film before tinting windows.

Cost

Most tint films are cost-effective. People can find films priced between $2 to $4 per square foot on the market. They should visit any nearby home improvement store and find reasonably priced products. There are some online shops accessible for this purchase. In general, window films are a lot cheaper than other kinds of window treatments. It can block UV radiation better than solar screens. Moreover, people can easily install them in DIY processes. This cuts down the cost necessary for hiring a dedicated team to do the installation.

DIY

As cited earlier, window films are easy to install. It is a task that any homeowner can do without any help. However, they should follow the manufacturer recommended steps to ensure proper installation. Make sure to get all necessary tools before applying the film on windows.

A Revolution of Time

Taking the act of driving out of the equation means one of two things for the average passenger: either more downtime or more productive time. Whether you are the type of person to catch a nap in a built-in lounge chair, watch a movie on a big screen, read an e-book on your personal device, or bang out a few e-mails during this newly acquired time spent not driving, your environment would have to match your chosen activity. This is where smart windows come in: intuitive technology combined with glass that allows you to tailor your riding experience.

Smart Glass and Your Experience

A nanotechnology company called Research Frontier has already begun production of what they call SmartGlass. This high-tech glass is used for car windows and sunroofs and can be adjusted to let in more or less light. SmartGlass is coated in a film that can change its tint at the turn of a dial. With this technology, you can instantly customize your experience depending on the task at hand.

The Future is Here

The future of transportation is looming on the horizon and with it comes a new level of comfort and ease for those of us that spend a lot of time in motorized vehicles. The decision about what to do with our newly acquired free time rest on no one’s shoulders but our own. Regardless of what we choose we can be assured of being able to create an environment that matches our intent.

The Tariffs Explained in Brief

The tariff battle arose out of disagreements between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the administration of President of the United States Donald Trump. When the two nations were unable to come to an agreement over a trade deal, the Trump administration opted to begin imposing a 10 percent tariff on goods imported to the United States from China in certain industries to pressure China into making a deal. As a response to the tariffs, China levied its own tariffs on American exports to China, opting to place particular focus on the goods coming predominantly from states which voted for the President in the 2016 election. When the latest round of talks failed to reach an amicable conclusion, the United States opted to raise the rate of its tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent.

What It Means for Auto Glass

For industries where tariffs are in effect the end result has been an increase in the cost of business. That means that manufacturers or repair professionals in need of auto glass have seen their costs go up. Accordingly this commonly leads to an increase in the price for consumers of the business as the company must raise their rates in order to still be making a profit on the labor or products they are providing.

What Comes Next

While it is unfortunate that the higher costs are making things harder for those in need of auto glass projects, the good news is that talks are ongoing. In the event that a trade deal is reached and the tariffs are in-turn removed, the lower prices will be felt throughout the entire commerce chain, ultimately meaning better deals for consumers.

Tesla’s new panoramic windshield is, undoubtedly, very expensive to replace.  The panoramic windshield is much larger and has a unique shape so standard windshield glass sizes will not work for replacement.  The Truth About Cars discusses just how costly replacing a Tesla panoramic windshield may be depending on where you live and your insurance coverage, “Not surprisingly, big glass equals a big repair bill when the Model X encounters wayward pebbles. One St. Paul man took to the Tesla Motors online forum after his vehicle suffered a windshield crack during a Grand Canyon road trip with his family.

The replacement cost? Just shy of $2,300, before tax. “Ouch,” was the general response from forum dwellers. Depending on where an owner lives, and what coverage their insurance provider offers, that crack could be a very costly one. Some states require mandatory coverage for windshield damage.”

While the cost of replacing a Tesla panoramic windshield may make you say ‘ouch,’ many Tesla owners simply see it as the price you pay for getting to drive a Tesla.  Because replacing a Tesla panoramic windshield is so expensive, it is very important that you get chips or cracks repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from turning into a larger, and much more costly, problem.

How Does ADAS Benefit Drivers?

All of the features previously mentioned are beneficial to drivers because they improve general road safety, vision, and help prevent or lessen the severity of accidents.  And, while they take some getting used to, these features can benefit any driver with the proper education and practice.  Just like you would not expect a teenager to start driving a car perfectly the first time, cars with ADAS need a little practice before the fullness of their benefits can be realized.  As more and more cars come with ADAS, drivers need to familiarize themselves with the features and enjoy the many safety benefits ADAS has to offer.

Carvana is not new to innovative automobile sales and their new car vending machine just highlights how they are revolutionizing the car-buying industry, as AZCentral explains, “People buying a used car or truck through Carvana can have a vehicle delivered straight to their driveway, but roughly half of buyers choose to go get it themselves. And why not? Self-pickup through Carvana means heading to one of the company’s special “vending machine” parking structures, dropping a commemorative coin into a slot and watching as electric motors whirl, pulleys spin and chains whizz into motion. Coin activation propels a special elevator platform that retrieves the designated vehicle from its slot — possibly eight or nine stories up the structure — then delivers it down into a bay for waiting buyers in a matter of minutes. ‘Whole families come and watch,’ said Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s co-founder and chief brand officer. ‘It’s a unique pickup experience’…Carvana’s first Arizona vending machine, and 12th nationally,opened this week in north Tempe to serve customers in the Phoenix metro area…More than just a gimmick, the unusual nine-story-tall, glass-enclosed parking structure with nine electric motors provides marketing visibility for Carvana to the thousands of drivers who pass each day on Loop 202 at Scottsdale Road. It also provides an efficient way to get autos into the hands of new buyers, Keeton said. The facility, on roughly an acre of land, is highly automated and requires only a few people to operate it, with up to 34 vehicles stacked inside (Chevrolet Tahoe trucks are the largest that will fit). He contrasts that with a typical auto dealership that takes up several acres, displaying hundreds of cars and trucks and staffed with dozens of people.”

Many people dread the traditional car buying experience than at involves going to a dealership, walking around a huge lot looking for a vehicle, negotiating with a salesman, filling out endless paperwork, and generally spending hours upon hours trying to purchase a new vehicle.  Carvana’s new way of selling vehicles online and allowing customers to pick up their vehicle from a vending machine eliminates the traditional hassles and makes the car buying process not only easier but actually fun!

Despite it being illegal in Arizona to drive with a damaged windshield, and the despite the fact that it would expedite the repair process which improves safety and protects individuals from being in violation of the law, the recent Arizona Senate Bill S.B. 1155 Auto Glass Bill did not pass. While the bill had many supporters, it also had many, particularly in the insurance industry, that did not support the bill.  At this time there are no plans to move forward with or reintroduce S.B.1155 in the future.  If you experience a chipped, cracked, or broken windshield, it is important to take your automobile to a qualified, experienced, and trustworthy auto glass repair shop as soon as possible so that you are not in violation of Arizona law and so that you can get back to safely driving your car as soon as possible.

Contents of the Proposed Bill

People interested in reading the bill in full can view it online. Ultimately, the bill allows customers to choose which vendor they would like to get the replacement auto glass. The auto insurance company must pay the vendor a rate that is both reasonable and fair.

Another important provision of the bill is that the auto company must perform a detailed inspection of the broken auto glass within a reasonable amount of time. For the purposes of the bill, the insurance agency has a maximum of 24 hours to inspect the car after the initial claim is filed. Anything after 24 hours will be considered an unreasonable delay.

Auto insurance companies will not be able to engage in any behavior that could affect a driver’s decision as to what auto glass business to go to. This includes intimidation practices, such as threatening to deny coverage. However, it also pertains to incentives, such as offering gift cards exceeding in value of $100 or other rewards for choosing a certain company. This also includes the insurance company stating there will be expedited service for selecting a specific auto glass business.

There are also provisions in the bill related to how auto glass companies need to behave. For instance, the bill states it will be unlawful for an auto glass company to charge the insurance company more than the actual value of the services rendered. The auto glass businesses also cannot falsify the date of service as this can alter the amount of money an insurance company needs to provide.

Bill’s Impact on Arizona Citizens

If passed, the bill would provide Arizona residents with more options with where to get their replacement auto glass from. They will not be forced to go along with whatever their insurance providers recommend. This is not the first bill to go through the Arizona Senate related to the car insurance industry, and it certainly will not be the last.

Safety Features Aren’t Cheap

In the past, cars didn’t have many safety features. Nowadays, vehicles are full of components intended to keep you and your passengers safe during collisions. These components touch virtually every part of your automobile. They also aren’t cheap to manufacturer, service or repair. Meanwhile, if you need to access another system, you often must go around or remove safety features. Doing so, of course, often requires you to pay extra.

Modern Cars Are Complicated

Safety features aren’t the only culprit making repairing modern cars expensive. Virtually all systems in today’s vehicles have electrical components, complex designs and other aspects that make repairs complicated. Highly technical repairs involve many steps and typically take a long time to complete. Further, since many mechanics charge an hourly rate for repairs, long, complicated fixes typically result in an expensive invoice.

Mechanics Require Expertise

Successfully repairing cars requires tapping into considerable knowledge and expertise while using special skills. Generally, the more technology a car has, the better abilities the repair technician must possess. As you may imagine, hiring good mechanics requires paying a fair wage. To make a profit, repair shop managers often must pass higher labor costs through to you.

Materials Are Expensive

Today’s motor vehicles usually aren’t made with vintage materials. Instead, modern automakers often use state of the art components that are expensive to produce. Even though mechanical shops often try to find the lowest prices on repair parts, components are usually more expensive for newer vehicles due to higher production costs.

Calibration Takes Time and Money

Newer cars, trucks and SUVs are sensitive machines. Following a repair, most require alignment, calibration, programming and other modern services. These procedures, though, may not always be cheap but are usually vital to completing the repair. Likewise, calibrating repaired vehicles usually takes time, requiring the car owner to pay higher labor costs for the calibration job.

High-tech vehicles have the modern features that many drivers want. They also can be extremely expensive to repair. Instead of suffering sticker shock, understand why your high-tech car may cost a fortune to repair so that you can budget to keep it in tip-top shape.