What Body Shops Need To Know About ADAS

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Nowadays, nearly every new vehicle has some form of ADAS built into it. The more vehicles that are on the road with advanced driver assistance systems, the more important it is that you and your team understand what ADAS technologies are, as well as how to perform ADAS calibration in order to best serve your customers. 

What is ADAS? 

ADAS is an acronym that stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These systems are built-in enhanced safety technologies that are designed to keep drivers safe by taking over if they need help. They are typically comprised of cameras, sensors, onboard computers, and radars. 

Here are some of the most popular ADAS systems, according to AAA:

  • Backup cameras
  • Blindspot detection 
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Adaptive cruise control 
  • Blindspot detection
  • Lane departure warning:
  • Forward collision warning:
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive headlights that steer with the vehicle 
  • Automatic headlight high-beam activation and dimming
  • Parking assist/self-parking

What is ADAS Calibration? 

So, now that you know what ADAS technologies are, let’s talk a little bit about ADAS calibration specificially. 

AAA defines ADAS calibration as “a process carried out to correctly align the cameras and sensors of a car so that its ADAS system can work as intended.” 

AAA goes on to say that ADAS calibration requires “specialized equipment and tools with highly trained technicians capable of adjusting or resetting these systems. Each one of these sensors is precisely positioned to perform their designed safety features. If the position of these cameras or sensors is altered in any way, calibration will be required.”

When is ADAS Calibration Needed?

ADAS calibration is needed when any part of an ADAS system becomes out of alignment, which can happen during an accident or even a simple fender bender. It can also happen when a vehicle is being repaired for any of the following: 

  • Wheel alignment
  • Windshield replacement 
  • Suspension issues
  • Roof replacement or repair
  • Broken mounting bracket 
  • Deployed airbags
  • Diagnostic trouble code issues

According to AAA “If the position of these ADAS cameras or sensors is altered in any way, calibration will be required.” This is because even becoming a fraction of an inch out of alignment can impact an ADAS system in a major way. For example, AAA indicates that “a sensor on the car that is out of alignment by a fraction of an inch, or even one degree, will be aimed at an area significantly off-axis 50 or more feet down the road.”

How Westside Can help Your Shop

Westside Auto Paint and Supply, Inc. is family-owned and has been in business in the Cleveland area for almost 30 years.

We offer the Autel, LAUNCH, and Bosche diagnostic and calibration tools your shop needs to repair any vehicle that comes into your shop. Complete our contact form to learn more about our services and equipment options. Or, give us a call at one of our locations: 

  • Fairview Park: (440) 335-5240
  • Akron: (330) 227-2572
  • Elyria: (440) 307-1993

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