How to tell if your ADAS is calibrated correctly

Every day, sophisticated sensors and cameras work silently to keep millions of drivers safe on our roads. 

These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become so prevalent that as of 2023, 10 out of 14 ADAS features have surpassed 50% market penetration in passenger vehicles. That same report shows that critical safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking have reached an impressive 94% adoption rate.

But these life-saving systems have a catch: they are only as effective and accurate if they are calibrated.

If a sensor or camera is off by just one degree, at 60 feet the ADAS feature will be over a foot off what it should be targeting. At 180 feet away, that’s now 3 feet difference between what the ADAS feature is “seeing” versus what it should be seeing. 

To use a Forward Collision Warning system as an example, that three feet could be the difference between seeing a car a short distance in front of you or instead looking at the guardrail. 

So what does it take to determine if a particular component is calibrated correctly? Let's break down exactly what this means for your shop and your customers.

How to identify common calibrations in cars

Understanding which vehicles need ADAS calibration isn't just about checking for warning lights or assuming that, if there’s a problem, your scan will uncover DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). 

In fact, an incorrectly calibrated ADAS feature may not seem like there is any trouble with it at all. 

So it is up to shop owners to be able to deduce which ADAS features any given vehicle is equipped with, what individual components support that feature, and the calibration requirements as dictated by the original manufacturer. 

Therein lies a huge problem. 

As of this writing, there are over 500,000 unique potential ADAS procedure combinations based on make, model, trim, and model year. This complexity makes manual identification nearly impossible and the number of combinations is only growing.

Think of it this way: just like a steering wheel needs to be properly aligned, ADAS sensors require precise calibration to function correctly. Even a slight misalignment can cause these systems to fail when they're needed most.

Here are some common calibration triggers you should keep in mind:

• Windshield replacement
• Bumper removal or replacement
• Suspension work
• Wheel alignment
• Minor collisions (even when damage appears minimal)
• Battery disconnection (on some models)
• Structural repairs

It’s important to note that having clear documentation around these requirements and being able to share them easily with insurance providers can make sure your shop is reimbursed in a timely fashion. 

Tools like Revv ADAS can help reduce the amount of time your team is spending on identifying calibration requirements and documentation in two ways. 

First, they can quickly tell you what ADAS components may be on board as you’re doing your initial scan of the vehicle. Second, they can help identify every billable ADAS procedure with proper OEM documentation, ensuring nothing gets missed. 

This is important for your bottom line but will also ensure you’re protecting your customers and your shop.

What happens if necessary ADAS calibrations aren't performed?

As you likely guessed, it’s not a pretty picture. Without proper calibration:

• Safety systems might fail to detect obstacles or hazards
• False warnings could distract drivers at critical moments
• Your shop could face significant liability issues
• Customer trust and satisfaction could be compromised

Basically, any safety system that’s not calibrated properly may as well not be installed at all.

Consider this: studies show that properly functioning ADAS technologies could potentially prevent or mitigate almost 40% of all passenger vehicle crashes. That could translate to thousands of injuries prevented—or potentially lives saved—with proper maintenance and calibration.

The liability implications for shops are significant. If an improperly calibrated vehicle is involved in an accident, the repair facility could be held responsible. This just reiterates how important proper documentation and verification of all calibration procedures is.

Examples of ADAS features

Let's examine the most common ADAS features requiring calibration:

1. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): A cornerstone of modern vehicle safety, AEB systems automatically apply brakes when detecting an imminent collision. These systems require precise calibration of radar sensors and cameras to function properly.
2. Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Working in tandem with AEB, FCW alerts drivers to potential front-end collisions before they occur. The system relies on properly calibrated forward-facing cameras and radar sensors to accurately gauge distances and relative speeds.
3. Brake Assist: This system provides additional braking force when it detects emergency braking situations. Proper calibration ensures the system can accurately distinguish between normal and emergency braking scenarios.
4. Driver Attention Warning Monitors: driver behavior to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. These systems often use cameras to track eye movement and steering patterns, requiring precise calibration for accuracy.
5. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, reducing lane-change accidents. These systems typically use radar sensors mounted in the rear bumper or side mirrors, making proper alignment crucial.
6. Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns drivers when they're unintentionally drifting out of their lane. The system relies on cameras that must be precisely calibrated to accurately detect lane markings under various conditions.

Tools needed for ADAS calibration

Meeting OEM requirements for ADAS calibration requires having the right equipment on hand. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it is:

Essential equipment

• Diagnostic scanning tools with ADAS capabilities
• OEM-specific calibration tools
• Aiming targets and calibration boards
• Level floor space meeting manufacturer specifications
• Controlled conditions for lighting and temperature
• Wheel alignment equipment
• Specialized measuring tools

Environmental requirements for static calibrations

• Clean, well-lit work area
• Level floor (often within 1 degree of level)
• Adequate space for target placement
• Controlled lighting conditions
• Protected from wind and weather (do not perform calibrations out doors)
• Clear line of sight for sensors

While checking all of these boxes can add up to a substantial upfront investment for shops, remember that it is just that: an investment. 

Considering the average range for calibration cost ranges between $300 to $500 and any given vehicle made within the last several years is going to have at least one if not more calibrations, this investment will pay for itself—especially as ADAS features increasingly become mandatory.

ADAS calibrations checklist

A systematic approach to ADAS calibration is crucial. 

While a complete checklist is available in our comprehensive ebook, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Pre-Calibration

• Verify vehicle condition and tire pressure
• Ensure proper weight distribution
• Check battery voltage
• Confirm environmental conditions meet specifications
• Document initial system status through a thorough pre-scan
• Check for any DTC’s
• Verify all required tools are available and properly maintained
• Check for any software updates needed

During Calibration

• Follow OEM-specific procedures exactly
• Document all steps taken
• Verify proper sensor alignment
• Maintain required vehicle position
• Monitor environmental conditions
• Record all measurements and adjustments
• Verify calibration progress at each step

Post-Calibration

• Perform verification tests
• Document all completed procedures
• Road test to confirm proper operation
• Provide customer documentation
• Update vehicle service records
• Create detailed customer reports
• Schedule any necessary follow-up checks

The Bottom Line for Your Shop

An overwhelming majority of vehicles now feature a minimum of one ADAS system. In the last few years, several components have broached the 90% mark of adoption rate. 

The ability to properly service these features is no longer optional but critical to shop success.

By investing in the right tools, training, and processes, your shop can capture additional revenue while ensuring customer safety. 

Whether you’re just getting started with ADAS calibrations or looking to improve your existing workflows, check out our complete ADAS Calibration Checklist. This comprehensive guide will help you implement proper calibration procedures and capture the growing ADAS service market in your area.

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