In its latest On Target magazine, Ford reminds repairers that only its OEM Carlex replacement glass can provide for “the fit, function, safety, and structural integrity of the repair.”

“…it is designed to fit the vehicle’s specific needs and restore the vehicle to proper operating conditions,” the article states.

Carlex glass ensures visual clarity and a multi-purpose camera bracket, according to Ford.

“The design and materials specified for the camera bracket are developed and tested to validate not only camera function but proper retention of components to the windshield in the event of a crash,” On Target states. “Manufacturers typically own the tooling for the camera bracket and prohibit the sale of brackets to any supplier other than the OE glass supplier. Non-OEM camera brackets may not place the camera in the correct location, or in a secure fashion with the proper alignment, impeding its ability to work effectively with the safety and warning systems.”

In an Aug. 1 Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Quick Tip video, Board Chair Amber Alley and I-CAR ADAS and EV instructor Kurt Fenzel cover some of the complexities of lane keeping assist.

The camera for lane keeping assist on the Ford Mustang is mounted in the top center of the front windshield. The camera looks for the lines on the roads to keep the vehicle centered in the lane.

The Mustang requires a dynamic calibration, meaning it must be driven following repairs to ensure the ADAS is working correctly, and certain conditions or parts can affect the accuracy.

“We need to be using OEM glass,” Fenzel said. “The OEM glass is made for the vehicle. It’s got specific frit around it that is not going to cover the camera and the clarity of it is optimal for that camera to work properly.”

Weather and faded lane lines as well as lines covered in dirt or other materials can cause an inaccurate calibration, he added.

Tips for replacing windshields with ADAS cameras:

• • Don’t touch the camera lens
  • Don’t clean the camera lens
  • Do not re-install a camera that has been dropped

SCRS provides Quick Tip videos for repairers and/or consumers every week on its YouTube channel. Other ADAS and ADAS components have been covered in previous videos including backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, surround view cameras, and automatic emergency braking.

Images

Credit: SCRS/YouTube 

More information

SCRS consumer videos feature I-CAR, provide customer-focused education on ADAS

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