Resources · Glossary

ADAS Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the ADAS, calibration, and diagnostic terms collision, glass, and repair shops run into — and the terms an estimate, an insurer, or an OEM procedure will use.

Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC)

Maintains a set speed and a following distance behind the vehicle ahead, slowing and resuming automatically.

See also: Millimeter-wave radar

ADAS(Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

The cameras, radar, and sensors that power crash-avoidance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring.

See also: Static calibration, Dynamic calibration

Automatic Emergency Braking(AEB)

A system that detects an imminent frontal collision and applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the impact.

See also: Forward Collision Warning, Millimeter-wave radar

Blind Spot Monitoring(BSM)

Uses rear-corner radar to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and warn before a lane change.

See also: Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Diagnostic Trouble Code(DTC)

A fault code stored by a vehicle module. Many DTCs never illuminate a dashboard light, so a scan tool is the only way to find them.

See also: Pre-repair scan

Dynamic calibration

Calibration completed by driving the vehicle at set speeds on roads with clear lane markings while the scan tool guides the process.

See also: Static calibration

Forward Collision Warning(FCW)

Alerts the driver when it detects a likely frontal collision with a vehicle or object ahead.

See also: Automatic Emergency Braking

Forward-facing camera

A windshield-mounted camera that reads lane markings, signs, and vehicles ahead. Replacing the windshield typically requires recalibrating it.

See also: Lane Keeping Assist, Static calibration

Lane Departure Warning(LDW)

Warns the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without a turn signal.

See also: Lane Keeping Assist, Forward-facing camera

Lane Keeping Assist(LKAS)

Provides gentle steering input to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

See also: Lane Departure Warning

Millimeter-wave radar

A high-frequency radar (often 77 GHz) behind the grille, bumper, or emblem that measures distance and speed of nearby vehicles for adaptive cruise and emergency braking.

See also: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking

Module programming

Writing or updating the software on a vehicle control module — required when a module is replaced or when the OEM releases a calibration update.

See also: Security gateway, OEM

OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer)

The vehicle manufacturer. 'OEM procedure' or 'OEM spec' means the manufacturer's own documented repair and calibration requirements.

See also: Module programming

Park assist sensor

Ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers that detect nearby objects when parking and trigger audible or automated assistance.

See also: Surround-view camera

Post-repair scan

A diagnostic scan run after reassembly and calibration to confirm all codes are resolved and no new faults were introduced.

See also: Pre-repair scan

Pre-repair scan

A diagnostic scan run before teardown to surface every stored fault code and hidden damage, so the repair plan is complete.

See also: Post-repair scan, Diagnostic Trouble Code

R-1234yf

The low-global-warming refrigerant used in most 2015-and-newer vehicles. It is mildly flammable and requires dedicated, certified recovery equipment.

See also: R-134a

R-134a

The legacy automotive A/C refrigerant used before R-1234yf. Many older vehicles still on the road use it.

See also: R-1234yf

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert(RCTA)

Warns of vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing, using the blind-spot radar units.

See also: Blind Spot Monitoring

Security gateway

A locked module that controls access to a vehicle's diagnostic network. Authorized credentials are required to scan or program protected systems (e.g. FCA/Stellantis, Nissan/Infiniti).

See also: Module programming

Static calibration

Calibration performed in the shop using manufacturer targets placed at precise distances on a level floor, with the scan tool teaching the sensor its reference.

See also: Dynamic calibration, Target

Steering angle sensor

A sensor that reports the steering wheel's position. It often needs a zero point reset after an alignment or suspension work for ADAS to read the vehicle's path correctly.

See also: Zero point calibration

Surround-view camera

A system of cameras (front, rear, and mirror-mounted) that creates a 360-degree overhead view for parking and low-speed maneuvers.

See also: Park assist sensor

Target

A manufacturer-specified board, mat, or reflector placed at an exact position so a camera or radar can learn its reference during a static calibration.

See also: Static calibration

Zero point calibration

A reset of the yaw-rate and steering-angle sensors so stability and driver-assistance systems read the vehicle's true straight-ahead position — often required after an alignment.

See also: Steering angle sensor