This is especially the case when it comes to your windscreen, as your windscreen is like the eyes of your car.

Between the day-to-day hustle and bustle of work, school and everyday life, our vehicles can often take a backseat to your task list, until you know there’s a trip coming up.

So, it’s timely to check your windscreen so you can act on any repairs and maintenance needed, to avoid inconvenience of emergency repairs when you least expect it…

In this guide, we’ll give you a few quick tips for your vehicle glass that you need to focus on as part of your pre-holiday car check-up to keep you confidently cruising on the roads. So, buckle up as we guide you toward ensuring your road ahead to the holiday drive is clear, comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

1. Windscreen Wipers
2. Windscreen Chips
3. Cabin Filter
4. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Windscreen Wipers

Worn-out or otherwise damaged windscreen wipers can potentially hinder visibility, leading to compromised driving conditions when it’s raining.

This is especially the case across many parts of our country, where one day might be beautiful and shining but the next brings significant amounts of rainfall, catching you off guard. With varied and unpredictable weather, it’s important to regularly inspect and replace worn wiper blades to ensure they can effectively clear rain or debris from the windscreen.

With the right quality wipers, like those from Bosch, you can take an important step toward improving your driving visibility and keeping your windscreen clean and streak-free. In fact, when purchased through O’Brien®, we’ll fit them for you for free.

Windscreen Chips

The busy start to the year involves loads of driving on our busy and often bumpy roads. If you’ve had a small rock flick up from the road, and caused a chip, you may have that on your to-do list to get repaired,

Whether it’s a small chip or tiny crack in your vehicle windscreen, it’s time to act before you take off on a road trip, as any damage on your windscreen means it’s weak and the damage can spread. From a chip to a crack or a small crack to a bigger one, it’s best to get all windscreen damage looked at as soon as it appears. Fortunately, in most cases, a windscreen chip can be repaired.

At O’Brien®, our expert technicians will first assess the chip damage to see if it can be repaired by us, then use our Advanced Repair Technology (ART) kit and process to deliver a lasting repair where your chip was. The finish will be smooth and not impede the driver’s vision.

Cabin Filter

Out of sight, out of mind. Many car owners never think to consider the air quality inside their vehicles. Yet, air quality is one of the most important factors when it comes to the cleanliness and comfort of your car and the well-being of your passengers.

Over time, cabin filters become clogged with dust, pollen, pollutants, and other harmful microorganisms so when neglected, they can compromise the air quality inside your vehicle, leading to issues like:

• Allergic reactions
• Drowsiness and headaches
• Foul smells
• Greasy film on windows
• Restricted air-conditioning
• Poor vision

O’Brien has partnered with Bosch, a world leader in cabin filters, so we have been trained in cabin filter maintenance. Our experienced O’Brien® technicians recommend that you replace your Cabin Filter annually, or at least after every 10,000 kilometres of driving to ensure optimal and ongoing performance. Our team provide a complimentary inspection for every customer to check their cabin filters, so we’ll let you know if your filter needs replacing (or if it’s still doing what it should do).

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Today, most new vehicles on our roads use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This camera technology looks through your windscreen and provides driver support features like lane detection and automatic braking.

However, it’s important to ensure that it is properly calibrated after a windscreen replacement or other major event, like an accident, wheel alignment. To check what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends checking your ADAS, refer to your vehicle manual.

At O’Brien®, our state-of-the-art Cal-Tech® Recalibration service uses the latest technology, underpinned by quality technical training programmes, and can be completed at the same time as your windscreen replacement.

We also provide a certificate for your peace of mind, so you can continue to trust your car’s safety features for your upcoming road trip, and beyond.

Ask an O’Brien® technician for a pre-holiday vehicle glass check-up.

Don’t wait – call O’Brien® today.

You can significantly enhance your overall driving experience by ensuring you have all of the little things in order before you set off on your Easter trip. From that little chip to windscreen wipers and cabin filters, don’t delay these crucial checks any longer.

Our expert O’Brien® technicians will inspect your vehicle glass and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip, however near or far it may be. Call 1800 059 829 today or click here to find an O’Brien® AutoGlass branch near you.

The post Pre-Holiday Vehicle Glass Check-up: The O’Brien® Quick Check for Peace of Mind for the upcoming holiday appeared first on O'Brien.

Unfortunately, however, most of the accidents we see on our roads nowadays are due to human factors often referred to as “human errors”.

The automotive industry is working tirelessly to build innovative new technology that integrates several safety-enhanced features into new cars, known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

ADAS technology works by alerting the driver to potential hazards on the road, and in some cases, it can even take control of the vehicle if necessary. Through a complex system of cameras, sensors, radars and onboard computers, these systems are designed to supplement driver capabilities or correct driver error and help to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities on our roads.

In a previous article, we discussed the importance of ADAS, as well as some of the more common safety features found in these systems.

Now, we’ll outline why the recalibration of your car’s ADAS cameras is important to help maintain high levels of safety and performance.

What is ADAS recalibration?

Many car safety systems rely on properly calibrated cameras. ADAS recalibration is the process of checking the alignment of these cameras so these safety features can be trusted and relied upon.

At O'Brien^®, we believe the safest option is to recalibrate the forward-facing camera(s) if the manufacturer requires at the same time your windscreen is replaced.

A camera recalibration process requires specialised tools and equipment and should be carried out by trained technicians with the necessary skills to use this equipment.

The diagram below shows just some of the key features of ADAS technology, highlighting the need to ensure that each feature is working as the manufacturer intended.

When is ADAS recalibration necessary?

While it’s safe to suggest that most vehicle repairs after an accident would require the cameras and sensors to be recalibrated, there are also several other instances where recalibration is necessary that most vehicle owners overlook.

As an example, according to many manufacturer guidelines, any of the following events can potentially misalign a vehicles’ ADAS and require recalibration of the camera:

windscreen replacements

tyre changes or wheel alignments

disconnection or partial removal of cameras from their mounting

some technical repairs

Failure to recalibrate a vehicle’s camera means that the ADAS safety features may not be able to be relied upon. You could experience false warnings and alerts, distances could be misjudged and steering pull to name a few.

As you can see, it’s extremely important to ensure that you don’t overlook the recalibration process in these instances where recommended by the manufacturer for your vehicle.

O'Brien Cal-Tech^® Recalibration solution

Unique to O'Brien^®, our Cal-Tech^® ADAS Recalibration service is state-of-the-art. We recalibrate your vehicle’s forward-facing camera systems, so you can continue to rely on safety features such as auto-braking and lane detection.

The O'Brien^® Cal-Tech^® solution is supported by Bosch, updated frequently and performed by our in-house technicians who have undertaken quality technical training programmes.

On completion of the recalibration, you will receive a Cal-Tech^® Recalibration certificate so you can drive away with confidence.

See our video explainer on what to expect if your car requires an ADAS recalibration at O'Brien^®.

Making it easy at O'Brien^® AutoGlass

If your vehicle has a cracked windscreen and is fitted with ADAS technology, then O'Brien^® can perform both the windscreen replacement and the Cal-Tech^® recalibration at the same time.

So when you next need your windscreen replaced, think of O'Brien^® Cal-Tech^® and our team of expert technicians.

To speak to one of our friendly team to learn more about our ADAS service, call 1800 059 829 or click here to book online and one of our friendly experts be back in touch with you soon.

The post Enhancing Safety With O’Brien Cal-Tech® ADAS Recalibration appeared first on O'Brien.

Vehicle accidents sadly do happen on Australian roads. While it’s hard to put a number on the number of accidents that take place each year, we do know that in the 12 months to February 2022, there were 1137 fatalities due to road accidents – an increase of 2.3% from the previous 12 months.

However, as new cars are released each year, more and more are being fitted with in-built safety features. Known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), this technology works to automate and support the driver experience and aid in a safer journey.

In this article, we will outline exactly what ADAS is, as well as the features that aim to provide you with a safer experience while out on the road.

What is ADAS?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) consist of many crucial road safety features designed to assist and protect the driver by mitigating, or alerting them to, potential hazards on the roads. This gives the driver more time to react and makes for safer driving decisions.

These days, most modern vehicles come with several standard pre-installed safety features as part of ADAS technology. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, then tests this technology in simulated road accident situations.

Upon review, they award an ANCAP Safety Rating to each vehicle to indicate its ability to protect those in and around the car in the event of an accident, based on its safety features – with 5 stars being the maximum rating given.

Why is ADAS important to drivers and vehicle occupants?

Unfortunately, the majority of accidents on Australian roads are caused by human error.

This can be due to distractions on the road or inside the vehicle, lapses in concentration, fatigue, or even a simple lack of experience driving on busy roads.

ADAS vehicle technology works to warn the driver in case any hazards are on the road, or while manoeuvring, allowing time for the driver to take control and correct their vehicle. In some vehicle models, ADAS technology can even take action on behalf of the driver to avoid these hazards such as auto braking or lane assist. If this technology can see things before you do, and those things that you don’t, then it can help to predict and reduce the likelihood of an accident.

Not only does this help protect the driver and the occupants of the vehicle, but also any other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians on the road as well.

ADAS technology is designed to help save lives on our roads by aiming to reduce driver error and helping them navigate and react to a potential hazard.

The key features of ADAS technology

There are more than 200 vehicle models with an ANCAP safety rating in Australia. Here, we list some of the ADAS features that help to increase a vehicle’s safety rating and improve driver performance. As every vehicle is different, we recommend you check with your manufacturer or refer to your vehicle manual to identify what safety features your car has.

1. Reversing Camera

In vehicles with a reversing camera, the camera automatically activates when the car is put into reverse, providing the driver with a clear view of what’s behind them. Newer model reversing cameras now also provide guidelines that indicate where the vehicle will end up at its current angle, and proximity alerts will sound as the vehicle gets closer to an object behind it, and some can even alert you to approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

2. Collision Avoidance

Collision avoidance sensors operate while the car is moving in either a forward or reverse direction, depending on the vehicle. When an object is detected in front of the vehicle, the sensors work to apply the brakes accordingly. If the object is simply another vehicle moving in the same direction, the system works to maintain a safe driving distance behind it, regulating to the same speed as the vehicle. However, if the object ahead is stationary, the system will pull the car up as quickly and safely as possible to avoid a collision.

3. Lane Departure Warning System

This safety feature uses forward-facing cameras to monitor lane markings around your vehicle and alert the driver when the vehicle unintentionally approaches or crosses these markings. Some Lane Departure Systems even take over control to move the vehicle safely back into the lane.

4. Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot detection systems use sensors to provide drivers with an indication of whether there are other vehicles sitting in their blind spot. The system will then sound an alarm or light up to warn the driver not to move into the lane at that point in time.

Of course, whilst these safety features are important, it’s still everyone’s responsibility to look before manuovering, to drive safely and responsibly, and to always follow the road rules.

Why recalibrate your vehicle’s ADAS system

Did you know that if the camera is a few millimetres out, it may not function as the manufacturer intended, which could increase the risk of collision? So, it’s important to always ensure that your vehicle’s ADAS system is working correctly.

The moments when you need to recalibrate your ADAS cameras or radar sensors are usually when your car is involved in an accident, or you when you have to replace your cracked windscreen.

Simply ask your smash repairer, insurance company or a vehicle glass provider who is authorised to perform and ADAS recalibration.

Your vehicle’s ADAS must be maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance as the original manufacturer intended.

ADAS Cal-Tech® recalibration with O'Brien® AutoGlass

At O'Brien AutoGlass, we understand the importance of safety for everyone on our roads. That’s why, when we replace your cracked windscreen, we also offer ADAS recalibration services at the same time. Not only does this save you time but it also means you can drive away with confidence, knowing you can still trust those safety features such as auto braking and lane detection.

Our highly trained O'Brien technicians use state-of-the-art technology to perform the recalibration. Upon completion they will also provide you with a recalibration certificate for your peace of mind.

Check out our quick video explainer on what ADAS is & how it works

For more information, call us on 1800 059 829 or send us a message to speak with our friendly experts.

The post How ADAS Technology Works To Keep You Safe While Driving appeared first on O'Brien.

So, what better way to challenge our technicians than to put them to the ultimate test? To become the Best of Australia, with a chance to compete internationally with the best in their field!

And now finally, after two long years of waiting, the Best of Australia competition is back in 2022!

What is the Best of Australia competition?

This competition gives six expert O'Brien^® automotive technicians from around the country the opportunity to claim the title of Best in Australia and go on to represent their country at the Best of Belron event in Barcelona, Spain at the end of June.

About the Best of Belron

The Best of Belron is a bi-annual event held across the Belron Group to find the best technician worldwide that specialises in using Belron’s repair and replacement processes, known as the “Belron Way of Fitting”. The finalist for each country is decided through a national competition held by each member of the Belron Group, with the winners going on to compete in the international round against 30 other nations.

Unfortunately, the arrival of COVID-19 saw the Best of Belron 2020 event put on hold, meaning the six O'Brien^® Best of Australia finalists were unable to compete at the time to determine who among them would take out the top spot and represent Australia overseas.

However, with a few tweaks and changes, the competition is back again this year, with various COVID-safe measures in place and a panel of on-site and remote judges to help us deliver an event that everyone can enjoy, and ultimately, crown the O'Brien^® Best of Australia winner for 2020.

The regional finalists

The Best of Australia competition will take place over two days, from the 15th-16th Feb, with the winner to be announced on the 17th Feb.

We’re pleased to re-introduce our regional finalists:

Jake Kulikovskis (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Moorebank, NSW)

Brett Black (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Braeside, VIC)

Brenden Grech (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Smeaton Grange, NSW)

Phil Cole (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Osborne Park, WA)

Bengt Stayte (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Townsville, QLD)

Luke Passfield (O'Brien^® AutoGlass Rutherford, NSW)

With the help of some pretty cool hi-tech equipment and comprehensive planning, the competition will be held remotely this year for the first time. Multi-site judging across each region will be made possible through the wearing of RealWear Headsets by on-site judges, with each having the ability to communicate with a second, central judge in a remote location to ensure continuity across the board. O'Brien staff across the country can also watch on and cheer the finalists via a live zoom link as well.

Each finalist will compete in their home region, having already won their respective regional events back in 2020. They must successfully complete three challenges around windscreen repair, side window replacement and windscreen replacement. Each of these challenges enables the finalists to showcase their extensive technical knowledge and their outstanding customer service skills along the way.

This event is made possible due to Belron’s 42-step process for Windscreen Replacement, as well as their trademarked tools such as the ART Chip tool and the 1-Tek tool, that O'Brien^® and Belron technicians across the world use every day. In fact, the competition is a highly competitive and respected challenge amongst technicians, giving them the chance to demonstrate their skills and commitment to world-class service.

The O'Brien^® Best of Australia event also highlights our strong commitment to ongoing training and expertise throughout our organisation. We understand that our success is only due to the success and dedication of our expert technicians and staff, and this ongoing commitment is a testament to the quality of service that O'Brien^® provides to its customers across Australia.

We wish all our finalists the very best of luck for this weeks competition, and we look forward to announcing you to the winner Best of Australia competition in a few days’ time.

Want to join the fun and be part of one of Australia’s most iconic companies? O'Brien^® is always on the hunt for talented people who are looking to start a cracking career with us. To kick-start your next career, visit obriencareers.com.au

The post Return Of The O’Brien Best Of Australia Competition appeared first on O'Brien.

Still not convinced? Here are the three most important reasons you should consider getting that chip fixed as soon as it happens.

It’s Faster

Save yourself time. Yes! Your average windscreen chip repair takes just 30 mins. In some cases, you won’t even need to bring the car in as an O'Brien^® mobile technician can come to you and fix the windscreen chip at your home or at work.

If it cracks and you need to replace your windscreen, you’re looking at about 90mins for our technicians to complete this service. And, if the car’s camera has to be recalibrated it will take even longer, for example, if your car is fitted with Automatic Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane-detection or automated braking, additional time is required for these systems to be recalibrated.

However, if you do need a windscreen replacement, we offer a state of the art ADAS recalibration service at all O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches. Our partnership with BOSCH has allowed us to develop an innovative recalibration solution for the majority of vehicle types, called Cal-Tech^® Recalibration. We perform both the windscreen replacement and the Cal-Tech^® Recalibration at the same time. Click here to learn more about ADAS recalibration

It’s Cheaper

Save yourself some money and book in for a chip repair as soon as it happens. If the chip cracks you could be up for the cost of a new windscreen.

When you book a windscreen repair, our technician will repair the chip using our special resin and get you back on the road fast! The resin is injected into the chipped area and then dried under UV light. Designed specifically for windscreen repairs, it’s our best ever resin! At O'Brien^® we offer a workmanship guarantee for the lifetime of the vehicle, so if your chip fails, we will credit the costs of the chip repair towards a new windscreen from O'Brien^®.

A lot of major insurers (and the smaller ones too) cover chip repairs in their policies – so it’s worth checking with your insurer as you may find your chip repair is free.

Click here to learn more about the process of chip repairs and our workmanship guarantee.

It’s Greener

And last but certainly not least, the well-being of the planet is a big reason to consider getting that chip repaired sooner rather than later.

A chip repair is greener than a full replacement because it does not require a full piece of glass. A tiny vial of our special resin is used for a chip repair (together with our portable equipment) so the waste is minimal, fitting into the palm of your hand and weighing only a few grams.

A windscreen weighs approximately 16.5kg and once removed from your vehicle it then needs to be disposed of properly and is recycled where possible.

The manufacturing of glass in general requires a huge amount of energy to melt the sand. Add to that the transportation from overseas and within Australia, your new windscreen can add to those CO2 emissions.

O'Brien^® has a repair first policy meaning that we always prefer to repair a windscreen rather than replace it.

O'Brien^® is part of the Belron global group of companies and we take sustainability seriously. Collectively we estimated, in 2017, we saved over 130,000 tonnes of CO2 as a result of our repair first strategy.

Getting that chip fixed before your windscreen cracks is faster, cheaper and greener.
So, don’t wait. Call us on 1800 059 829 to book your chip repair today to get that windscreen chip repaired quickly.

The post The 3 Most Important Reasons To Get That Chip Fixed Before It Cracks appeared first on O'Brien.

Proving what a quick learner he is, just this month he had a crash course in show biz and is the new face in the latest O'Brien^® TV ad about windscreen cracks and our Cal-Tech^® ADAS Recalibration service.

Ed decided to put himself out of his comfort zone and volunteer to be part of the ads when the marketing team put a call out looking for technicians to be part of the campaign.

“I decided I would send a quick audition video to the marketing team as a bit of a laugh. I wasn’t expecting to hear back but clearly, my hidden talent shone through.”

Ed who describes himself as quite reserved said the experience in front of the camera was a change from his day to day job as a technician. He expressed that he was certainly out of his comfort zone being in front of the camera but that was also the major reason he decided to go for it.

Ed enjoyed his day on set and was incredibly humbled by the experience commenting that he hadn’t given professional actors enough credit in the past as it was a long and tough day.

The marketing team was happy with his genuine, laid back professionalism. “We love casting real technicians in our advertising,” said Vivian Oppl, group marketing head, O'Brien^®. “They lend a certain credibility, authenticity and professionalism to what we are trying to convey to our customers about the friendly and expert service they can expect when they bring their car to O'Brien^®.”

The new O'Brien^® ad is all about educating car owners that when a windscreen cracks in a vehicle that has ADAS technology, like auto-braking and lane detection, they will need to have their front-facing camera recalibrated as well. The O'Brien^® Cal-Tech service is state of the art and is performed just after the windscreen replacement so customers can drive away with confidence knowing they can still trust those safety features.

While Ed enjoyed his time on set, he was equally happy to go back to his day job.

“The thing I love most about working for O'Brien^® is the independence that being a mobile technician brings and knowing that I’m providing a unique essential service. I enjoy meeting lots of different and interesting characters and seeing their happy expression after a successful windscreen replacement or repair.”

Outside of TV shoots and work, you’ll find Ed enjoying the outdoors.

“When I’m not at work I’m usually on the south coast bushwalking, swimming and eating good pub food, working out or tinkering with my cars.”

If you have a windscreen that needs repairing or replacing, make sure you’re in touch with O'Brien^® and it may be Ed (or any one of our famous auto technicians) that responds to the call.

Click below to view our latest Ad featuring Ed!

The post Meet Ed Finlay – The Star Of Our Latest TV Ads! appeared first on O'Brien.

Jake has worked for 12 years with O'Brien®. While he’s normally well at home on the tools repairing or replacing windscreens out of our new O'Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank branch, this month he was put slightly outside of his comfort zone, starring in a series of new service related videos.  

The videos, which cover topics such as windscreen chip repair and explaining ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) see Jake star as an O'Brien® AutoGlass expert. He helps explain and demonstrate the processes of a windscreen chip repair, windscreen replacement and the O'Brien® Cal-Tech ADAS Recalibration. 

Jake was picked to feature in the videos for his experience and passion for his job but here we learn a bit more about him outside of the bright lights and cameras. 

What was your first job with O'Brien® and what other jobs have you had in your time here? 

I started working with O'Brien® 12 years ago in the Bus and Truck division and then later moved on to be a trainee doing windscreen repair and replacements on cars. From there I worked my way up to become a Level 4 Tech (the most experienced automotive technician level at O'Brien®) and most recently I have been working as a leading hand (senior technician managing and overseeing other technicians) at our O’Brien® AutoGlass Moorebank branch. 

What do you like most about working for O'Brien®? 

I like working with the great bunch of people I have around me. We all help each other and have a laugh while we work. 

What is your career highlight so far? 

I replaced a windscreen of a car that was on set for the movie Hacksaw Ridge (the World War II movie released in 2016, starring Sam Worthington and directed by Mel Gibson). Once I had finished the job, I was shown around the movie set. It wasn’t your average day in the office that’s for sure and one that sticks out for that reason. 

When you’re not at work, how do you spend your time and what do you enjoy doing? 

I have two little kids who keep me pretty busy but outside of that I also own a project car. I love working on it and even take it racing. It’s a 2003 Subaru WRX that has been built to be a street and track car. I have raced it at the drag strip, at roll racing as well as various racetracks including Eastern Creek Circuit, Wakefield Park Raceway and Pheasant Wood Circuit. I have even raced it on the skid pan against NSW Highway patrol. 

If you’d like to see Jake in action replacing windscreens, repairing chips and performing an O'Brien® Cal-Tech ADAS Recalibration then cehck out these videos:

• Windscreen chip repair 1
• Windscreen chip repair 2
• Windscreen recalibration 1
• Windscreen recalibration 2 

Our O'Brien® technicians are experts in this field, so if you need your windscreen repaired, and Jake is not around to help you can rest assured that you’re in good hands with any of our experts. Just call 1800 059 829 or go on online today to book in your car.

The post Meet Jake – Our Senior Auto Technician and YouTube Star! appeared first on O'Brien.

More and more technology is being built into windscreens and as things like heads up display (more on that later) become common practice, O'Brien^® stays close to the changing technology and adapts accordingly.

Already in operation in Australia is Cal-Tech^®, an innovative recalibration solution for various types of vehicles that O'Brien^® has developed in partnership with BOSCH. Cal-Tech^® is available at all O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches and means the advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) built into a car (parking assist, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detectors are just some examples) are recalibrated at the same time the windscreen is replaced or repaired.

In Australia, the number of vehicles on the road, equipped with driver assistance technology, is estimated to jump from 21% in 2019 to 46% by 2025. O'Brien^® has seen a 175% increase in demand for Cal-Tech^® ADAS Recalibration in the last 12-months and continues to work with leading industry players and research institutions to make sure we’re always at the cutting edge of this developing technology.

Compared to what is in the pipeline for automotive technology, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Dr Chris Davies, Head of Technical Research and Innovation at Belron^® Technical (part of Belron^®, which is the parent company of O'Brien Australia) shared with us some insights on what we can expect into 2021 and beyond.

Spoiler alert – no time travelling hovercrafts on the horizon just yet.

Q: What will be the biggest change to windscreen technology this year? 

A: We don’t expect a radical change in windscreen technology this year, but the steady growth of forward-facing camera fitment will continue.  In Europe, it will be mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to introduce advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into their new models by 2022 and on all models sold by 2024, with a consortium pushing for a similar introduction in the US.  This means that camera fitment is set to grow and we expect that these will be fitted to 100% of new vehicles from 2024 in Europe.  We also anticipate steady growth in heads up display (HUD) technology fitment over time as vehicle manufacturers focus more on safety and ensuring that drivers stay focused on the road ahead.  The new Mercedes S Class has an augmented reality windscreen where not only is vehicle performance information, such as speed and fuel levels, projected on the screen, but also additional driver relevant information such as navigation instructions.  These technologies will not only impact the windscreen complexity and the installation process but could also require additional recalibration steps as the functionality is dependent on the forward-facing camera.

 Q: Could you explain a bit more about augmented technology in windscreens and how this will be used in the future? 

A: Heads up display (HUD) and Augmented Reality (AR) windscreens are intended to keep the driver focused on the road ahead by providing essential information in their line of sight, rather than on another device in the car.  Our glass suppliers consistently inform us that they are working on AR projects with the vehicle manufacturers and that they expect to launch products in the near future.  If the AR system is to overlay road and route relevant information onto the glass then the technology must know what is in front of the vehicle and where the driver is looking.  This means that we expect the ADAS system forward-facing camera to monitor the road ahead and also potentially driver-facing cameras will be required for seamless operation.  The complexity of an AR windscreen will probably impact on the cost of materials and will add to the difficulty of the replacement job in future with recalibration of the camera/s and adjustment of relevant projection optics being needed.

Q: How far away is this technology? 

A: Mercedes is already introducing this technology on their premium level S-Class, but we expect this to filter down to other models over time.  Over the next 2 to 3 years we expect other vehicle manufacturers to introduce this technology.

Q: How will O'Brien^® technology have to adapt to cater to this new technology? What is already in place? 

A: Belron^® Technical will work on identifying the correct processes, skill and technology requirements to replace the glass and recalibrate the vehicle technology to help ensure the safe functioning of all systems.  O'Brien^® will need to ensure that the replacement parts are fit for purpose and that the technicians are supported with the relevant training and availability of tools and recalibration technology.

Click here to find out more about O'Brien^® recalibration services using Cal-Tech^®.

To learn more about Chris, and his global knowledge and expertise on all things related to Automotive Technology and ADAS, you can follow him on LinkedIn

The post Cars and Windscreens Of The Future appeared first on O'Brien.

Many modern vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated driver assistance technology, as safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings become standard. A number of these ADAS features require recalibration after windscreen replacement as a vehicle manufacturer requirement due to the technology being housed in windscreen mounted hardware.

Peter Lumsdaine, CEO and Managing Director, said “This is an exciting moment in the history of O'Brien® AutoGlass. The investment in Cal-Tech® is another reason O'Brien® leads the market as the ‘Experts making it Easy’. Our in-house solution and trained technicians will ensure a great service experience for our customers with vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It also makes it easier for our expert technicians and customer service teams with the streamlining of our internal processes, reducing our reliance on external recalibration with Original Equipment (OE) Dealers.”

For more information, or if you have any questions about our in-house recalibration service for cars with ADAS technology, contact us today!

The post Our new Cal-Tech® ADAS safety system recalibration service appeared first on O'Brien.