ADAS Calibrations and 4-Wheel Alignment: What You Need to Know

The calibration process for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) isn't always as straightforward as one would hope. 

As ADAS safety features become increasingly integrated in multiple vehicle systems, several require specific preliminary steps before they can even be calibrated.

For instance, several common ADAS features cannot be calibrated until a 4 wheel alignment has been performed. 

This prerequisite 4 wheel alignment is an essential first step when servicing several ADAS features to guarantee proper function and safety. Completing the correct steps will ensure customer safety, strengthen your shop’s reputation, and increase your revenue, not to mention minimizing insurance claim headaches. 

Keep reading to learn which ADAS features require this to be performed before they can be calibrated.

Why some ADAS calibrations require a 4 wheel alignment

Understanding which ADAS features need this crucial first step will save you a whole lot of time. You will avoid the risk of improper calibration due to the geometry of the vehicle being out of alignment. In the high-volume and fast-paced auto repair industry, getting the job done correctly the first time is a must.

To put it simply, recognizing the relationship between ADAS calibration and 4 wheel alignment is critical for:

• Avoiding improper calibration
• Maintaining compliance with OEM standards
• Limiting insurance denials
• Increasing revenue

With this in mind, 4 wheel alignment is key to successful ADAS calibration for the simple reason that many of these safety features are aligned with the vehicle’s geometric zero-degree. What this means is that there are ADAS sensors and cameras that only function properly if they are pointed in precisely the intended direction.

Attempting to calibrate these features before a 4 wheel alignment can result in:

• Incorrect system readings
• System malfunction
• Safety risks
• Potential liability for your shop

It goes without saying, but these results will harm your shop’s reputation. Avoid this by getting the job done correctly the first time.

Following the right procedures and correctly documenting each step puts your shop at the forefront of the move towards highly integrated ADAS systems. Your shop earns more because it offers a wider range of billable services, and you gain a stronger reputation by ensuring customer safety and satisfaction.

ADAS features and ADAS-dependent systems requiring alignment first

Like previously mentioned, any sensor or camera that relies on precise alignment data to establish a zero-degree angle may require calibration after a tire alignment. The following features and devices have to be calibrated after a four wheel alignment:

Steering Angle Sensor

The most important device in controlling the direction of the vehicle is the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS). This vital system measures the angle of the steering wheel and shares this information with the vehicle’s computer, which then controls the wheels.

This sensor requires a preliminary 4 wheel alignment because it relies on a “straight ahead” reference point. This means that the sensor is calibrated to a zero-degree forward angle so that it can read input data about what is considered “forward”.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) aids the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle during skidding. This feature relies on information from the SAS and also the Yaw Rate Sensor, which measures the angular velocity of the vehicle. 

This system relies on understanding the direction of the vehicle and what it believes to be forward. Failing to conduct a 4 wheel alignment before servicing this ADAS system literally can be deadly.

Lane Keep Assist

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) or Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a feature that warns drivers if they are veering out of their lane. It relies on data from cameras and steering input to know which direction the car is headed. While this is not required for every OEM, it is still worth to check OEM requirements for the specific Lane Keep/ Lane Departure system that you are servicing.

Understanding when a car is moving forward and its intended direction is only possible when a 4 wheel alignment has already taken place. This way, data read from this system is accurate and works as intended.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a feature that automatically increases or decreases a car set to cruise control depending on data read from front-facing radar sensors. When it is paired with steering path prediction technology, this will require a preliminary tire alignment.

Steering path prediction and ACC need to know which way is considered “forward,” and this is only possible with the correct alignment of the tires. Failing to align all four wheels can cause this system to not adjust speeds correctly.

Be sure to check OEM requirements for the specific ACC system being serviced, not every OEM requires an alignment as a prerequisite, but doing your homework is worth it.

Additional ADAS features that may require calibration following a 4 wheel alignment

Other ADAS calibrations don’t rely on the vehicle geometry, yet still need calibration because alignment can change sensor orientation or mounting geometry. Suspension work can change ride height, altering the view of many other ADAS features.

While 4 wheel alignment may not in all cases be an OEM prerequisite for these calibrations, you may still need to service or perform an alignment check:

• Forward-facing radars that affect Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Forward-facing cameras for Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and AEB
• Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert sensors
• Surround View or 360-degree cameras

If ride height and bumper geometry are changed, make sure to check out these systems as well.

Alignment details by make and model

While some makes and models have more ADAS integration than others, it’s important to note that nearly all new cars either require 4 wheel alignment as a prerequisite to some ADAS calibrations, or need ADAS calibration following a 4 wheel alignment.

Some vehicles that require a 4 wheel alignment before some ADAS calibrations include:

• Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and more require tire alignment before servicing SAS, ESC, LSA, and autopilot steering
• Honda Civics and CR-Vs require it before service to LKA, and ACC
• Subaru Crosstrek, Impreza, and Foresters before servicing EyeSight lane support

Vehicle-specific ADAS features that may be affected by tire alignment include:

• Subaru EyeSight includes rear side radars crucial in RCTA, these will be affected by a change in ride height
• Rear radars for RCW systems in most Volvos, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance in Hyundais, and other vehicles equipped with rear radar sensors that are affected by suspension height changes
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) systems found on Audi A8s and others, some Honda Accords and Odysseys, and BMW 7 Series and 5 Series

While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights the need to pay attention to the relationship between ADAS calibration and 4 wheel alignment.

Static vs dynamic ADAS calibrations related to 4 wheel alignment

Depending on the feature you are attempting to calibrate, there may be either static or dynamic calibrations required by the manufacturer.

Static service would include work done to the vehicle while stationary, such as the alignment itself, including suspension work, and adjusting the necessary cameras or radars. This work is often highly sensitive to vehicle geometry.

Dynamic service is performed while the vehicle is in motion, often to verify that prior calibrations have been done correctly and to make necessary adjustments. This type of calibration would ensure that LDW, BSM, and some ESC features are working properly.

ADAS calibration workflow after a 4 wheel alignment

Calibrating ADAS systems after a 4 wheel alignment requires more than just following steps; it requires precision, preparation, and a robust knowledge of the vehicle’s geometry and electronic systems. 

Mistakes can set your shop back, costing you time, money, and putting your customers at unnecessary risk. Getting the job done correctly the first time guarantees your shop is ahead of the curve in the ever-growing world of ADAS calibration.

To avoid costly mistakes, you must follow the following steps. This ensures that your shop correctly diagnoses, services, calibrates, and documents the necessary work. 

1. Pre-calibration inspection - complete a full scan to document equipped ADAS features, check for physical damage, and review OEM calibration requirements
2. Perform the tire alignment - some of the aforementioned ADAS calibrations require this step beforehand, and you must document the alignment specifications
3. Environmental preparation - remove metallic objects, electronic interferences and uneven surfaces that can potentially impact the system readings of a “zero-degree”
4. Calibrate necessary features - Use up-to-date specifications to ensure quality
5. Verify - run a post-calibration scan to confirm all systems confirm no DTCs
6. Document - this step is not optional; keep your shop free from liability issues

These steps will ensure your shop gets the job done correctly the first time.

How Revv ADAS can help your shop align and calibrate with confidence

Understanding that some ADAS calibrations can only follow a 4 wheel alignment is only half the battle. As of 2024, 10 out of 14 ADAS features had been integrated in over half of new vehicles, while 5 had even exceeded 90%. Increased ADAS integration is here, and with it, ever-changing OEM requirements, calibration specifications, and new documentation.

Luckily, Revv will always have the most up-to-date information and tools to help you calibrate with confidence. For each vehicle that enters your shop, you can instantly have:

• Identification of equipped ADAS features
• Detailed OEM calibration procedures
• Comprehensive documentation generation
• Integration with existing shop systems

The result for your shop is reduced time waste, increased revenue, and decreased headaches dealing with insurance claims.

Are you looking to enhance your calibration process? Set up a call with our team and see how Revv ADAS can improve your shop by capturing more revenue from ADAS calibrations and keeping your customers safe.