Pro Tips for Ensuring ADAS Sensor Compatibility with Vehicle Wraps and Paint

Wrapping a customer’s vehicle with vinyl is not just a way to change the car’s color to a non-OEM hue. It’s a creative way to protect a vehicle’s paint or cover up any imperfections. However, before wrapping any modern vehicle, there are critical considerations regarding advanced driver assistance (ADAS) sensors.

In the following, we’ll discuss SUN Collision’s expert tips to ensure vehicle wraps are selected and installed correctly for compatibility with ADAS sensors, including parking sensors, to avoid interference and maintain optimal performance.

The Problems with Poor Car Wrapping

When it comes to car wrapping, many products tend to overlook how vinyl wrap over ADAS sensors can impact customer safety during daily driving. A poorly done wrap with no regard to OEM statements on compatibility can negatively affect ADAS sensors for lane departure, blind spot detection, night vision, adaptive cruise control, and even automatic emergency braking. Parking sensors are the most commonly used ADAS sensors, and uneven wrapping, poor-quality vinyl, or a rushed application can cause them to misinterpret sensor data. Some ADAS sensors use radar, while others use sound, and a poor wrap can cause safety issues by impacting functionality and accuracy.

Tips for ADAS Compatibility with Car Wraps

1.     Follow the 12 x 12 Rule

Experts suggest installers apply the “12×12” rule, otherwise known as the radar projection area/origin point of the signal. Many manufacturers design ADAS sensors to project within a 12-inch by 12-inch area. While that rule is mostly geared toward brush guards, bull bars, or other outward-facing modifications, vinyl wraps can still change the way ADAS or parking sensors work — particularly sonar sensors.

There are three common ways to incorporate ADAS Sensors when wrapping:

1. Removing the sensors from the vehicle and wrapping them separately (especially those on the front and rear bumpers).
2. Wrapping sensors with separate pieces after the main wrap is installed to ensure a complete look without the risk of decreased functionality.
3. Use the “tuck and trim” technique: Place vinyl over the sensors, cut excess material away, and tuck the remainder underneath them.

2.     Research and Recalibrate

Some vehicles require sensors to be recalibrated after repairs or modifications, which is why extensive research is imperative before wrapping your customer’s paint.

• First, ensure your OEM collision repair data is up-to-date and accurate by checking OEM Position Statements. Read the data carefully to reveal the locations of all ADAS sensors on any specific vehicle to avoid placing vinyl over vital sensors. This will also help instill technician confidence during application.
  • NOTE: Cameras and sensors use sonar to visualize obstacles and analyze the potential for collision, man-made or otherwise. Covering any sensors with vinyl can cause the sensors to misinterpret the data, raising the risk of collision.
  • SUN Collision repair data also includes specific paint parameters, like thickness and coating information, to help make an informed decision about which vinyl wrap is right for the vehicle.
• All manufacturers are different, so it’s imperative to know all ADAS sensor locations before wrapping car paint.
  • For instance, General Motors will void any warranty for ADAS sensors if an aftermarket or salvage bumper is installed after purchase.
• Always use quality vehicle wraps. Saving some money on cheaper, inferior wraps poses a risk to your customers’ paint and ADAS sensors. This is especially true if the material is thicker than other quality products.
• After the wrap is done, it’s critical to verify the sensors are doing their job. Depending on the sensor type and manufacturer, you may have to take it to a dealership to have it evaluated and recalibrated.

3.     Prep Vehicle Paint for ADAS-Compatible Vinyl Wrap

• After establishing the ADAS and parking sensor locations on a customer’s vehicle, make sure the paint is clean and free of any debris, lubricant, or grease. Anything left on the paint can affect the quality of the wrap. It can reduce its ability to adhere to vehicle paint, which can shorten the life of the wrap.
• Inform the customer that any dents will show underneath a vinyl wrap, regardless of quality, so repairing them is imperative for the best results.
• Be sure to wear gloves before installing a wrap to avoid fingerprints on the vinyl.

4.     How to keep your wrap looking new

To ensure the wrap’s longevity, tell customers to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners. A quality wrap should last 5-7 years.

• Post-wrap: Instruct the customer to try to keep the vehicle out of direct sunlight by parking it under a carport or in a garage.

Let SUN Collision give you a few more tips for better collision repair today and tomorrow. Get your free no-obligation demo. Or contact a collision repair expert at 877-840-1973 to see how having accurate information on advanced driver assistance (ADAS) sensors can transform your body shop!