ADAS Calibration for Body Shops
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While ADAS dates back to the 70s, many of the ADAS features we encounter today weren’t commonplace until the 2000s. Fast-forward to 2024, and we find body shops working on a complex network of cameras, radar, sensors, sensors and other ADAS technology. Today’s ADAS monitors a car’s surroundings, identifies hazards and even automatically engages safety features to avoid collisions. As ADAS technology advances, collision repair facilities must prepare for the inevitable demand for ADAS calibration.
What Are ADAS Calibrations and How Do They Work?
ADAS calibration is critical for restoring a vehicle’s safety and convenience features after a collision or bumper or windshield replacement. It’s essential to understand that even a minor fender bender can affect sensors, cameras and other ADAS components that may require calibration after repairs. After repair technicians complete repairs and replace damaged components, following dynamic and static OEM ADAS calibration procedures is a must.
Static ADAS Calibrations
A static calibration is performed while a vehicle is stationary. The process relies on scanners, targets and other specialized equipment and tools to calibrate ADAS components.
Dynamic ADAS Calibration
A dynamic calibration is performed while a vehicle is being driven. The car is driven at a predetermined speed in clear weather while a technician scans components and makes necessary adjustments.
ADAS calibrations in collision repair can be complicated, especially when new technology keeps changing the landscape. Repair technicians must ensure ADAS calibrations meet OEM specifications by relying on the latest collision repair data. In addition to understanding the types of calibrations, technicians must also understand the differences between active and passive ADAS features.
Understanding Active and Passive ADAS Calibration
Active ADAS features proactively engage to prevent accidents and ensure safety. The advanced sensors, cameras and complex software monitor a vehicle’s surroundings to identify potential hazards in real time. When danger is imminent, the system can take control of the car or truck to activate emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and other safety features.
Passive ADAS components alert a driver to potential dangers without intervening in the operation of the vehicle. Relying on radar, LiDAR and other sensing technology, passive ADAS detects possible hazards and warns the driver. The alerts may be auditory, visual or tactile and include forward collision warnings, blind spot monitoring, driver attention warnings and others.
The Latest Technology and ADAS Calibration Challenges
Every body shop knows the challenges of keeping up with the advanced technology found in most modern cars and trucks. From lightweight body panels to increasingly more complex wiring systems, seemingly endless innovations require the most up-to-date repair information. Nowhere is the need for current OEM repair procedures more critical than with ADAS calibration.
Here are some of the more complex features already in production or coming soon that will affect how body shops perform ADAS calibrations.
- Sensor Fusion: One of the most significant innovations in ADAS that body shops need to know about is sensor fusion. Sensor fusion technology combines data from multiple sensors to create a model of a vehicle’s surroundings for a more comprehensive analysis.
- AI: Machine learning and AI technology for ADAS and other vehicle systems are inevitable advancements. These technologies will collect data from real-time driving events to optimize performance, safety and adaptability.
- LiDAR: LiDAR is already used for autonomous vehicles because the technology is superior to radar in object detection and distance measurements. For those and other reasons, the use of LiDAR for ADAS in conventional cars and trucks is increasing with each model year.
Most progressive collision repair facilities have the tools and knowledge to tackle ADAS repairs and calibration today. However, the fast-paced advancements in the auto industry continuously require updated skills, expertise and proprietary equipment and tools.
ADAS Calibration Expertise Equals Increased Revenue
Some body shops may consider keeping abreast of ADAS innovations and the latest calibration specifications a necessary but time-consuming hassle. However, staying ahead of the curve with ADAS repairs allows body shops to provide a more complete repair experience and keep more jobs in-house.
Whether it’s done after an accident or as a service, having access to the most up-to-date OEM ADAS calibration procedures is critical for safety and performance. While each manufacturer will have specific guidelines for calibrating ADAS, most will follow a similar step-by-step process.
- Manually inspect the vehicle
- Pre-scan all systems for codes
- Diagnose the issues
- Repair or replace damaged parts
- Calibrate the ADAS components
- Perform a post-scan to verify all systems are working correctly
When collision repair facilities invest in the tools and training for ADAS calibrations, more skilled and confident technicians and increased efficiency are only part of the return. Make ADAS repair and calibration a core part of your shop’s services for satisfied customers and a healthier bottom line.
How Sun® Collision Repair Information Makes ADAS Calibration Simple
As the line between collision and mechanical repair disappears and new vehicle technology advances, body shops need the most comprehensive OEM repair data more than ever. SUN Collision is the collision repair industry’s one-stop resource for OEM repair data for materials, techniques, finishes and vehicle systems. From unrivaled training and support to innovations like advanced interactive wiring diagrams, SUN Collision is the go-to partner for better repairs and profitability. Discover how state-of-the-art collision repair software keeps your body shop on track for success today and in the future. Get your free demo or team up with SUN Collision today and put the most advanced repair technology to work in your shop..
ABOUT SUN COLLISION
SUN Collision Repair Information, a brand of Snap-on, Inc., provides complete, accurate OEM data for collision and mechanical repairs that auto body shops can trust to fix any vehicle with maximum efficiency. Powered by its exclusive 1Search Plus search engine, the online software makes it quick and easy to access current repair procedures, diagrams and specifications for all makes, including the majority of Electrical Vehicles on the market and vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). For information about SUN Collision and its products, call 877-840-1973 or visit suncollision.com.
Chris Bonneau is the Business Manager for the SUN Collision product line. He has been in the automotive repair and collision industry since 2006. Chris has served in several roles at Snap-on, including Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast United States and Supervisor of the Mitchell 1 SocialCRM Marketing Services. Chris is also an alumni of San Diego State University.