How do you choose a paint that will not interfere with the ADAS system?

What car paint color will not interfere with ADAS? This is a question that takes on particular importance in the context of modern automotive technology. The choice of car paint color may seem like an aesthetic issue, but it actually has a significant impact on the performance of advanced driver assistance systems, known as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Today, we will focus on analyzing which colors are the most ADAS-friendly, ensuring that driver assistance technologies work optimally and are not affected by the color of the vehicle.

Car paint color and ADAS performance

Using complex algorithms and a suite of sensors, including cameras and radar, ADAS systems are designed to enhance driving safety by monitoring the vehicle's surroundings and actively supporting the driver's decisions. While it might seem that vehicle color has a limited impact on the performance of these technologies, existing data and market observations suggest the need for a deeper analysis of this issue.

The impact of color on ADAS sensor functionality

When analyzing the interaction between paint color and the perception of ADAS systems, it is important to note that the contrast between the vehicle and the environment can play a significant role in the effectiveness of detection by the sensors. Studies indicate that darker-colored paint can absorb more light, potentially hindering the performance of optical sensors, especially in limited light conditions. Although ADAS systems are designed to minimize the influence of external factors, including body color, this issue requires attention.

Research and recommendations

While detailed studies on the direct effect of paint color on the effectiveness of ADAS systems are relatively limited, recommendations from automotive experts suggest choosing brighter colors for better contrast and visibility. Colors such as white or light silver can increase reflectivity, which theoretically improves detection by ADAS systems.

Practical tips for painting a vehicle with ADAS

Painting a vehicle equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) requires a special approach so as not to interfere with their operation. Here are some practical tips to help maintain maximum functionality of these systems after the painting process.

• Consult with the vehicle manufacturer and ADAS specialists - vehicle manufacturers and ADAS suppliers are keen to ensure maximum functionality of the technologies they offer. In this context, they can provide specific guidelines for the paint color that best works with their systems. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with vehicle manufacturer representatives and ADAS specialists in the paint color selection process, especially if one intends to use the full range of available assistive features;
• avoiding paints with high concentrations of metals - as Doerdelmann points out, during the development of paint formulations, it is possible to identify and test colors that can interfere with sensors, especially those with high concentrations of aluminum particles. Sensors are extremely sensitive to the thickness and composition of the coating, so it is important to avoid lacquers that can interfere with the signal emitted and received by ADAS systems;
• use of certified paint formulas - when selecting paint for a vehicle equipped with ADAS systems, it is crucial to use certified formulas that have been tested for compatibility with these systems. Such formulas are designed not to adversely affect sensor and radar performance.

Making an informed choice of car paint is important so as not to interfere with ADAS systems. It is recommended that all decisions be consulted with professionals and be based on products recommended by vehicle manufacturers. Multichem, as a manufacturer of automotive paints, presents a comprehensive range of products that harmoniously combine aesthetic qualities with safety aspects and are fully compatible with the latest technologies used in vehicles, including ADAS driver assistance systems.