Collision Repair and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - What You Need to Know

If you’re in an auto accident, you’re likely to need collision repair services to get your car back on the road and make sure it’s operating safely. These services are more complicated than they used to be, simply because today’s vehicles are much more advanced than in the past.

Here’s what you need to know about collision repair and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

The advanced technology of modern cars

Modern cars are essentially rolling computers that contain very advanced and sensitive components. They contain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technological features that increase safety. Some improve a driver’s ability to react accurately and quickly to what’s happening on the road, and others automate driving to increase safety. Some of these features are standard equipment in certain models of vehicles, while others are added if the car buyer prefers having them.

The technology behind ADAS is quite advanced. For example, some use sensors that exceed the abilities of the human eye to provide 360-degree coverage and improve visibility in difficult weather. Others use cameras and sensors to detect the difference between stationary and moving objects.

Popular Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include the following:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance
• Blind spot warning
• Forward collision warning
• Night vision
• Pedestrian detection
• Parking assistance
• Surround view cameras

Repairing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

After your vehicle is in a collision, your body shop needs to conduct scans to ensure that these systems are continuing to work properly. They can be damaged in an accident and at the very least may need to be re-aligned and re-calibrated.

Detecting and executing these repairs isn’t a job for a backyard mechanic or a collision repair shop without the proper advanced equipment and highly trained technicians. The tools necessary to diagnose problems are expensive and require expertise to use. Technicians need ongoing training in order to be informed about new technologies and how to make sure they’re in safe working order.

Improving the repair process

Newell’s Auto Body has partnered with SmartExpress, a company that allows us to not only ensure accurate repairs on advanced driver assistance systems, but to also speed up the entire process. We've secured this partnership in order to make sure that after your collision repair, your vehicle's vital safety features are working as they were originally designed to keep you and your passengers safe. SmartExpress, which provides digital automotive services, has a deep history in the auto and technology fields. Its staff is highly trained and skilled in detecting and fixing problems with ADAS.

SmartExpress has a technician at Newell’s Auto Body daily to perform ADAS diagnostic scans before and after we repair a vehicle. They use the auto manufacturers software to detect any issues and are also able to complete any calibrations required due to vehicle damage.

This benefits our customers in a variety of ways:

• Any problems with ADAS will be detected by the advanced equipment and a visual inspection by the qualified technician.
• Only OE – original equipment – tools are used. This means they perform at the same level of analysis, diagnosis, and repair as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealer, or they are the exact same tools the OEM dealer uses.
• OE safety and certification requirements are followed with software, procedures, and other elements of the scans and repair.
• The systems are accurately repaired by the experienced and trained technician and are reset according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Repairs are handled more quickly since your vehicle stays at Newell’s Auto Body throughout the process instead of being sent off site for repair.
• You’ll face fewer surprises, since a blueprint of the work required is created.
• Safety is increased since driver assistance systems are restored to their proper working order using the proper tools, procedures, and specifications.

If you’ve been in an accident and your vehicle needs repairs, contact Newell’s Auto Body today. We’ve been providing award-winning auto body repair services in Central Illinois since 1958. Our shop is one of the only I-Car Gold Class facilities in the area, and our partnership with SmartExpress reflects our commitment to providing the highest quality repairs for the safety of you and your family.