ADAS and Heads-Up Displays (HUDs): Complete Guide for Automotive Technicians

Like many scientific advancements, Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) used to be something only imaginable in sci-fi films. These futuristic displays are no longer on the silver screen or pages of comic books, but are already equipped in vehicles on the road today.

With current trends, HUD market share is expected to double by 2030, so your shop must be prepared to handle the apparent spaceship-ification of vehicles.

This guide tells you and your technicians everything you need to know about Heads-Up Displays (HUDs), including their functionality, integration with other systems, variations, calibration and repair considerations, and industry trends.

What is a heads-up display in a vehicle?

A Heads-Up Display is a function designed to keep drivers’ eyes on the road by displaying data on the windshield. These displays are holographic and transparent, limiting distraction and eliminating the need to look down at controls.

They typically display the speedometer, tachometer, and navigation systems, but can vary by manufacturer. Many manufacturers integrate HUDs with other ADAS features to enhance safety. Some features often integrated with HUD warning signals include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision avoidance systems such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and also Lane Departure Warning (LDW). These ADAS features share information with the car’s central computer, which flashes warnings on an HUD.

These HUDs improve driver and passenger safety as distractions and the need to look down is eliminated. These enhance the driver’s ability to keep their eyes on the road and maintain focus.

Types of automotive HUD systems 

Not all HUD systems are created equal. Due to the many different manufacturers and needs for each specific model, there is a wide variance in the automotive industry when it comes to HUD design.

Let’s look at a few examples of how HUD design can differ and understand what this means for your technicians.
Windshield-projected HUDs

Like the name suggests, windshield-projected HUDs are those in which the image is projected onto a special coated portion of the windshield. With this design, the display appears to float a few meters ahead of the driver. 

These designs are immersive and typically tend to have a high level of integration with other ADAS features. They can, however, be costly if windshield repair or replacement is needed. Not only must a new windshield be compatible with the HUD system, but it also requires precise alignment between the projector and the windshield angle.

Examples of vehicles with this type of HUD include:

• Toyota offers HUDs on the Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and more
• Mercedes E-Class
• Mazda 3 and CX-9

Many other manufacturers offer HUDs or have plans to roll out models with them equipped. This will soon become standard for even base models.

Combiner HUDs

Combiner HUDs are distinct, as they have a separate, dedicated transparent screen located in front of the driver. These are typical of after-market or lower-cost HUDs. For this reason, they are cheaper to maintain and service as they aren’t vehicle-specific nor require a special windshied and can be installed on most cars.

These can be less immersive than traditional windshield-projected HUDs and feel cluttered if they are equipped after-market. They are, however, cheaper and easier to calibrate, and often are not integrated with many or any ADAS features.

HUD information displays and ADAS integration

Typical HUD displays show information such as:

• Speed
• Navigation information
• RPM

Many HUDs are highly sophisticated and integrate with ADAS features. Due to this integration, your shop must understand the importance of properly calibrating these displays. 

Failure to understand the importance of calibration can have drastic adverse effects. Malfunctions due to improper or ignored HUD service is an easily avoidable circumstance. Identifying which ADAS features are integrated with the HUD is the first step.

Higher-end HUDs can give warnings to drivers through visual and audio signals based on information shared from various ADAS features.

Some ADAS systems that are integrated with HUDs include:

• Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

RCW, LDW, and BSM assist the driver in avoiding collisions while ACC assists in properly controlling the vehicle. These systems must be properly calibrated, along with the HUD itself to properly function and perform its role in passenger safety.

Imagine a driver who has become dependent on the warnings issued by their HUD, but your shop miscalibrates the system. Unfortunately, this could cause not only a safety concern for the driver and passengers, but could also be a liability on your end.

HUD calibration and repair considerations

So when should HUD systems be serviced and/or calibrated?

Surprisingly, quite often.

Windshield-projected HUD displays often require calibration when a windshield is repaired. Even if not replaced, slight adjustments to the projector or windshield angle can throw the whole display out of whack.

The correct windshield is vital for projected HUD displays, as direct sunlight and sudden lighting changes could wash out projections. It’s also worth noting that these displays need to properly dim at night to reduce glare. Correctly calibrating the light sensors attached to these displays is equally vital to other calibration considerations. Window tinting is also something to discuss with customers in regards to their HUD displays.

Changes in lighting and display brightness, as well as windshield angle, can affect HUD performance, but there are other factors that can cause these systems to malfunction. Road conditions can cause the display to misalign, and extreme temperatures can render HUDs inoperable.

Your technicians also must ensure that the HUD is working in sync and as intended with any applicable ADAS systems. Whenever calibration is performed for associated ADAS systems (BSM, ACC, LDW, etc.), or vice versa on the HUD itself, you must run tests to see that everything is communicating as intended. For example, calibrating Blind Spot Monitoring systems requires a test to see that the HUD still registers and relays accurate data to the driver.

With all of these factors in mind, your technicians must have the know-how to give precise and accurate attention to these HUD displays.

Industry trends for heads-up displays

HUD technology is evolving rapidly. Trends already point to further integration with Augmented Reality (AR). This technology will allow for more information to be projected in 3D on the windshield. This may allow for real-time navigation, driver distance alerts, hazard identification and warning, and more.

HUDs are not only here to stay, but they will become more sophisticated and thus require a higher level of care. HUDs and ADAS will continue to have higher levels of integration. Soon, ADAS features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) will visually alert drivers of potential hazards via the HUD. You must be privy to each step along the way, or risk your shop being left behind.

Luckily, Revv is here just for that: keeping you up to date and in the know. With Revv, you will have instant access to all things ADAS, including:

• Instant identification of equipped systems and their required calibrations
• Detailed and up-to-date OEM procedures 
• Comprehensive documentation tools
• Integrations with existing shop systems

Revv will keep your shop consistently advancing and ahead of the competition. Whether HUDs become fully automated, Augmented Reality displays, or something completely different, Revv has your back. 

Set up a call with our team and see how Revv ADAS can improve your shop by capturing more revenue and keeping your customers safe.