Decoding ADAS systems: What They Are and How to Understand Them

Collision and repair shop owners face a clear reality: ADAS calibration services are no longer optional. With these systems now standard in most new vehicles, shops that can't properly calibrate them risk losing business to competitors who can. 

Despite this, ADAS technology is complex and constantly shifting, leaving many shop owners overwhelmed by manufacturer-specific requirements, equipment investments, and technical training needs.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ADAS systems so you can properly decode them and offer calibration services to your customers. 

What are ADAS systems?

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) offer exceptional driver safety features, and are made up of components like sensors, cameras, and software. 

Unlike traditional vehicle safety features like airbags or anti-lock brakes that activate during or after an incident, ADAS technologies work proactively to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. And they create new challenges for shops, as they require ongoing calibration when other repairs occur. 

Common ADAS features in today's vehicles

Modern vehicles incorporate numerous ADAS features, each requiring precise calibration:

• Forward collision warning (FCW): Alerts drivers of potential frontal impacts.
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB): Applies brakes automatically to avoid or mitigate collisions.
• Blind spot detection (BSD): Monitors areas not visible in mirrors.
• Rear cross traffic alert: Warns of approaching traffic when backing up. 

• Adaptive cruise control (ACC): Maintains speed and distance from vehicles ahead.
• Lane keep assist (LKA): Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Traffic sign recognition: Identifies and displays road signs to the driver.
• Parking assistance systems: Aid drivers during parking maneuvers.

Types of ADAS sensors and how they work

Understanding the various sensors that power ADAS systems is crucial for proper calibration and maintenance. Each sensor has specific functions and limitations:

Camera systems

ADAS cameras provide the visual input needed for features like lane departure warnings and traffic sign recognition.

Radar sensors

Radar sensors emit radio waves that bounce off objects and return to the sensor, allowing the system to detect distance, speed, and direction of objects. Radar is especially valuable in poor visibility conditions like fog or heavy rain when cameras might struggle. They're commonly used for adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

Using laser light pulses, LiDAR creates detailed 3D maps of the vehicle's surroundings. It offers precise object detection and range information, which is particularly important for emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.

Sonar sensors

These sensors use sound waves for close-range object detection, making them ideal for parking assistance systems.

Why ADAS calibration is critical

Proper calibration is the foundation of ADAS functionality. When sensors are misaligned, even slightly, the safety benefits of these systems can be compromised or eliminated entirely. 

Calibration is required:

• After windshield replacement.
• Following collision repairs.
• When suspension or steering components are replaced.
• After wheel alignment is performed.
• When diagnostic trouble codes indicate calibration issues.

Understanding static vs. dynamic calibration

ADAS calibration falls into two main categories, and understanding the differences is crucial for proper service.

Static calibration

This process is performed in a controlled environment with the vehicle stationary. It requires specific equipment including calibration targets positioned at precise distances and angles from the vehicle. 

Static calibration is commonly used for forward-facing cameras, radar sensors, and 360-degree camera systems. The process demands exact measurements, level surfaces, and controlled lighting conditions to ensure accuracy.

Dynamic calibration

Unlike static calibration, dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle on well-marked roads at specific speeds while a diagnostic tool monitors and adjusts sensor settings. 

Dynamic calibration is typically used for lane keeping systems, adaptive cruise control, and some camera-based systems. The process requires careful attention to road conditions, weather, and traffic to achieve proper results.

The importance of pre-scanning and post-scanning

Diagnostic scanning has become an essential part of the ADAS calibration process, with both pre-scanning and post-scanning being essential. 

Pre-scanning

Before beginning any repair or calibration work, a pre-scan identifies existing issues and provides a baseline of the vehicle's electronic systems. This crucial first step helps technicians understand what they're dealing with and develop an appropriate repair plan.

Pre-scanning can reveal hidden damage that might not be visible during physical inspection, helping shops provide more accurate estimates and reduce supplements. It also documents the vehicle's condition at intake, which can be valuable for insurance purposes.

Post-scanning

After repairs and calibrations are complete, post-scanning verifies that all systems are functioning correctly and no new issues have been introduced. This final quality control check ensures that vehicles leave the shop with properly functioning safety systems.

Post-scanning provides documentation that all electronic systems have been restored to proper working order, giving both shops and customers peace of mind.

Vehicle alignment tools and their role in ADAS calibration

Proper wheel alignment is a foundational element of ADAS calibration. When a vehicle's alignment is off, ADAS sensors may not work correctly even if they've been calibrated according to specifications. This creates a situation where the calibration appears successful, but the system still won't function properly on the road.

Modern alignment tools have evolved to integrate with ADAS calibration procedures, allowing shops to establish the proper foundation before beginning sensor calibration. This integration ensures that alignment angles are within specification, providing the necessary baseline for accurate ADAS function.

Advanced alignment systems can now communicate directly with ADAS calibration equipment, streamlining the process and reducing the potential for errors. As vehicle technology advances, this connection between mechanical alignment and electronic calibration becomes increasingly important.

Challenges and solutions in ADAS calibration

Several challenges face shops looking to perform ADAS calibrations:

Shop requirements 

Traditional static calibration often requires substantial floor space, with specific lighting conditions and a level surface. For many shops, dedicating this much space can be difficult.

Technical expertise

The complexity and variety of ADAS systems demand specialized training and continuous education. Each manufacturer has unique procedures, tools, and specifications.

Partnering with companies that offer remote assistance from brand specialists can bridge knowledge gaps, allowing shops to perform calibrations even without in-house expertise for every make and model. You can also schedule to have vehicles sent to local partners that have the expertise or space to complete certain calibrations for specific vehicles. 

Alternatively, tools like Revv can help provide step-by-step instructions for OEM-procedures for each vehicle’s VIN. 

Documentation and liability considerations

Proper documentation is crucial for ADAS calibration work:

What to document

Complete documentation protects both the shop and the customer by creating a clear record of the work performed and the condition of the vehicle's systems before and after service. You should document the following: 

• Pre-scan and post-scan reports.
• Calibration procedures performed.
• Tools and equipment used.
• Environmental conditions during calibration.
• Test drive verification results.
• Any limitations or issues encountered.

Limiting liability

Shops ultimately assume liability for repairs whether they perform calibrations in-house or sublet them. This makes it essential to:

• Follow manufacturer procedures exactly.
• Use OEM-approved tools and recommended equipment.
• Keep detailed records of all work performed.
• Train technicians thoroughly.
• Verify calibration success through standard testing procedures. 

The future of ADAS and calibration

ADAS technology continues to evolve rapidly, with several trends shaping the future:

Increasing vehicle coverage

ADAS features have been expanding beyond luxury vehicles into mainstream models, dramatically increasing the number of vehicles requiring calibration services. This will continue, and more advanced features will continue to become more accessible. 

Advancing calibration technology

New tools are making calibration more accessible for shops to offer, with digital targeting systems, mobile calibration units, and remote assistance changing how shops approach these services. Revv, for example, allows technicians to look up any vehicle’s VIN for OEM-specific calibration procedures. 

Integration with diagnostic and repair processes

ADAS calibration is becoming fully integrated with the repair planning process, with pre-scanning identifying calibration needs automatically and guiding technicians through required procedures.

As these systems grow more sophisticated, staying current with technology and training will remain essential for shops providing ADAS services.

Decoding ADAS systems with Revv 

Understanding ADAS systems and proper calibration procedures is no longer optional for collision repair shops—it's a necessity. The safety implications of improperly calibrated systems are too significant to ignore, and the technical requirements too specific to approximate.

By investing in training, equipment, and processes that support accurate ADAS calibration, shops can ensure they're providing safe and thorough repairs, while also opening new revenue streams and maintaining competitiveness in an evolving market. 

Revv’s comprehensive diagnostic and calibration solutions can help your shop deliver safer repairs and reduce cycle time to deliver better customer experiences. Search for a vehicle’s VIN to get OEM-specific calibration instructions, ensuring that you’re calibrating all ADAS systems and hitting every billable procedure. 

Don't let ADAS complexity limit your business potential—partner with Revv and transform challenges into opportunities. Book your free demo today.