GM releases new ADAS position statement

GM’s new position for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) says that the overall operational integrity of the features is dependent on maintaining its inherent design specifications. 

“General Motors (GM) vehicles, systems, and components are engineered, tested, and manufactured to help protect vehicle occupants and deliver the safety, durability, and performance expected of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles,” the position statement says. “GM Genuine Parts are designed, engineered, tested, and validated by GM.”

The use of Aftermarket or non-genuine parts and accessories in ADAS sensor areas is not recommended due to the potential for degradation of ADAS feature functionality, the statement says. 

ADAS sensor areas includes but is not limited to: 

• • Front bumper
  • Front grill
  • Below the front grill
  • License plate covers
  • Headlamps 
  • Windshield
  • Front and rear side panels
  • Mirrors
  • Rear camera lens 
  • Rear bumper area 

Examples of ADAS includes but is not limited to: 

• • Adaptive cruise control 
  • Forward collision alert 
  • Automatic high beam
  • Glare free high beam
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist 
  • Front pedestrian braking 
  • Traffic sign memory 
  • Collision imminent braking 
  • Following distance indicator 
  • Head up display 
  • Side blind zone alert 
  • Automatic parking assist 
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Front and rear parking assist 
  • Surround vision 
  • Night vision 
  • Super cruise 
  • Lane change on demand 

“The overall operational integrity of Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features is dependent on maintaining its inherent design specifications,” the statement says. 

Additions can adversely affect ADAS system feature performance, the statement said. Additions could include: 

• • Protective covers
  • Protective film
  • decorative/cosmetic wraps
  • Stickers
  • Window tints
  • Magnets
  • Hood protectors
  • Push bars 
  • Bicycle racks
  • Cargo racks
  • Light bars
  • Oversized roof cargo

The statement adds that vehicle modifications such as non-genuine lifts, lowering kits, wheel rims and tires, suspension, steering and components or modifications that impact ride height, alignment angles and vehicle dynamics or handling are not recommended. 

“Covering or any modification to the windshield blackout is not recommended,” the statement said. “Any of these types of modifications are not recommended due to the potential for degradation of ADAS feature functionality.” 

Any damage, failure or nonperformance arising from the installation or presence of non-GM parts, accessories or modification is not covered under the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty or any GM service plans. 

“To ensure continued warranty coverage, GM requires that collision, structural, and system dependent repairs utilize GM OE parts and GM-approved procedures,” the statement says. 

An Auto Racing publication, Auto Racing 1, recently published an article exploring how vehicle modifications using aftermarket parts become a part of a discussion following a collision. 

“From turbocharged street builds to lifted trucks and custom suspension setups, aftermarket modifications are a major part of automotive culture in the United States,” the release says. “More horsepower, sharper handling, bigger wheels, or aggressive suspension setups can dramatically change how a vehicle drives. In motorsports, these upgrades are carefully engineered to balance performance and safety.”

Police crash reports, insurance claim investigations and safety data all reference these types of modifications, the article says. 

Modifications can appear in crash investigations if it appears relevant to the collision. For example, they may not if a lifted truck had altered steering geometry or oversized wheels changed braking behavior. 

According to the article, some modifications appear more frequently in crash reports and insurance claim discussions. 

Lift kits are common on pickup trucks and SUVs, the article says. The kits raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and the change can affect stability during sudden steering maneuvers or emergency braking situations. 

“Higher vehicles may be more susceptible to rollovers in extreme conditions, particularly if suspension geometry is significantly altered or if the lift is not properly engineered,” the article says. 

Engine Tuning and electronic control units (ECU) are also a common modification, it says. Tuberchargers, superchargers and ECU remapping can improve acceleration but the additional power may exceed what the vehicle’s stock braking system or tires were designed to handle, it adds. 

“When power output increases dramatically, inexperienced drivers may struggle to control the vehicle under aggressive acceleration or in low-traction situations,” the article says. 

Oversized wheels and low-profile tires can be noted when they alter the vehicle’s original design specifications, the article says. Heavier wheels can also affect braking performance and suspension response. 

Suspension modifications including lowering kits, coilover systems and aftermarket sway bars also can affect steering geometry and tire contact with the road if extreme lowering or if poorly installed, the article says. 

Tinted headlight covers, smoked taillights or non-standard LED systems can reduce visibility and may become a factor during nighttime driving or poor weather conditions, according to the article. 

“Many drivers assume that aftermarket parts are automatically covered under a standard auto insurance policy,” the article says. “But insurance companies also tend to review vehicle modifications during large claims investigations. Attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner, who represent accident victims across Florida and several other states, say aftermarket upgrades can complicate insurance evaluations after serious crashes. In reality, insurance companies often require modifications to be disclosed when a policy is written or updated.”

Insurance companies can examine whether aftermarket modifications influenced the accident or increased the cost of repairs, the article says. 

“From grassroots car meets to professional racing events, performance upgrades continue to drive innovation across the automotive industry,” the article says “Many technologies originally developed in motorsports eventually influence road vehicles, improving safety and engineering standards for everyday drivers. At the same time, modifications that significantly alter a vehicle’s original design may change how it behaves in emergency situations. That’s why crash investigators, insurers, and safety analysts often look closely at aftermarket upgrades when evaluating serious accidents.”

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