ADAS Feature: Adaptive Headlights & Common Calibrations

The rapid evolution of automotive lighting has transformed basic headlights into sophisticated ADAS systems that actively respond to driving conditions. 

For repair and body shops, adaptive headlights represent both a challenge and an opportunity. As these systems become standard in more vehicles—from luxury models to everyday cars—shops must develop the technical expertise to service them properly. 

With each minor repair potentially requiring recalibration, shops that can confidently handle these specialized services will have a significant competitive advantage. The days of simple bulb replacements are fading into the rearview mirror as the industry navigates this new terrain of sensor-integrated lighting technology.

What are adaptive headlights?

Adaptive headlights are an ADAS safety feature that automatically adjusts the direction and intensity of your vehicle's headlights based on your steering, speed, and road conditions.

Unlike traditional headlights, which only point straight ahead, adaptive headlights pivot to illuminate the area where you're turning, providing better visibility on curves, corners, and hills.

Different manufacturers often use different names for adaptive headlights. Depending on the make in question, you may see them called any of the following names: 

• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).
• Dynamic Bending Lights.
• Adaptive Cornering Lights.
• Active Headlights.
• Intelligent Light System. 
• Adaptive Cornering System. 

How do adaptive headlights work?

Adaptive headlights connect to electronic sensors in your vehicle that monitor your speed, steering wheel direction, and the vehicle's motion. These sensors determine which way you're going and how your vehicle is angled, then tell small electric motors inside each headlight casing exactly where to point the light.

The headlights typically can rotate about 15 degrees to each side, giving them a 30-degree range of motion. This might not seem like much, but it makes a huge difference when driving on winding roads at night— and is directly tied to real safety advantages for everyone on the road. 

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), vehicles with curve-adaptive headlights showed a 5.8 percent reduction in property damage liability claims and a 1.1 percent reduction in collision claims. That small improvement in visibility—seeing obstacles about one-third of a second faster—translates to meaningful safety gains. 

As a result, they’re an increasingly important feature that your clients will count on. 

What's the difference between adaptive headlights and adaptive driving beams?

While they sound similar, adaptive headlights and adaptive driving beams (ADB) are different technologies:

Adaptive headlights primarily refer to curve-adaptive headlights—the ones that physically pivot in the direction your vehicle is traveling, based on steering input and sometimes speed.

Adaptive driving beams, on the other hand, are a newer technology that maintain the central beam for excellent forward visibility while automatically dimming only the portions of light that would shine into other drivers' eyes. This creates what's essentially a "shadow" around other vehicles while keeping the rest of the road brightly illuminated.

Unlike adaptive headlights, which use distinct bulbs that physically move, ADB systems use arrays of individual LEDs that can be precisely controlled. Each LED can adjust brightness independently, allowing extremely precise light control.

One important note: While adaptive driving beams have been available in Europe, Canada, and Japan, they're only recently been approved for use in the United States due to regulations that previously required distinct low beam and high beam patterns.

ADAS adaptive headlight calibrations: The basics

Like all ADAS technologies, adaptive headlights require proper calibration to function correctly. When might calibration be needed?

Calibration is often required whenever a component in the system is replaced, repaired, or repositioned. Common scenarios include headlight replacement, collision repair, windshield replacement (if sensors are attached to the windshield), and even some alignment or suspension work.

Calibration may not be required after simply changing out the headlight itself. However, calibration is usually necessary after replacing the sensors and modules that operate the headlight.

Maintenance for adaptive headlights 

Regular maintenance of adaptive headlights includes inspecting and cleaning sensors to ensure they function correctly, as dirt or debris can obstruct their operation. Proper calibration is essential, as improper alignment can significantly reduce the system's effectiveness.

The importance of offering ADAS calibrations 

As more vehicles come equipped with ADAS features like adaptive headlights (and especially with ADAS adoption on the rise), it's increasingly important for repair and body shops to have the capability to perform these specialized calibrations. Without proper calibration, these safety systems may not function as designed, potentially compromising driver safety.

Still learning about offering these services? See how to get started with ADAS calibrations. 

How Revv ADAS can help your shop

For auto repair and body shops, keeping up with the growing number of vehicles equipped with ADAS technology can be challenging. Different makes and models require different calibration procedures, and missing necessary calibrations can lead to customer safety issues and potential liability.

That's where Revv comes in. We helps shops quickly and accurately identify required ADAS calibrations using VIN-specific reports and supporting OEM documentation. Shops can create customer-friendly and insurance-compliant invoices with comprehensive documentation that ensures every calibration is identified and completed correctly. 

With Revv's platform, your shop can:

• Instantly identify all required calibrations when entering a vehicle's VIN.
• Access detailed OEM procedures and requirements.
• Automatically include calibrations on each client’s quotes. 
• Document all work for insurance purposes.
• Increase revenue by capturing all necessary calibrations.
• Save time on research and documentation.

Ready to revolutionize how your shop handles ADAS calibrations? Book your free demo today!