Static vs Dynamic ADAS Calibration: What Your Shop Must Know

Each car that rolls into your shop is a lawsuit or a five-star review waiting to happen. This result is solely in your hands, and with ever-changing OEM requirements to keep track of, this may present some challenges. 

Knowing which ADAS calibrations need to be performed is just half the battle. You must know how to calibrate each ADAS feature, which can be a can of worms. Each ADAS system has unique OEM standards and specific needs. Only with the correct attention can a car be considered properly repaired.

Not all calibrations are the same; there are static and dynamic processes for calibrations. This guide will walk you through the differences between these two methods and how to determine when to use them. This will help your shop have the necessary knowledge to calibrate with confidence.

The calibration method decision that impacts your bottom line

Identifying the correct ADAS calibration method is more than just an arbitrary workplace process. The difference between the optimal and suboptimal calibration methods is a substantial gap in profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The wrong calibration process leads to costly redos, longer cycle times, and failure to meet OEM standards. There is no choice when it comes to OEM standards; you must satisfy these requirements.

While some techs may think that one method fits all vehicles, this is not true. Each calibration required a tailored approach based on make, model, and system being addressed.

For each and every calibration, your technicians must:

• Take into account which sensors and ADAS systems need to be serviced
• Note the year, make, model, and OEM requirements for the vehicle and its equipped systems
• Identify which calibrations are going to require static-heavy, dynamic-heavy, or a combination of the two calibration types

Service each car in a vacuum and consider them a unique case that requires unique care. Following OEM standards gets the job done correctly faster, leaving you with more time to service others. More time equals more profit.

Static calibration explained

Static ADAS calibration is simply any ADAS calibration performed while the vehicle is stationary, typically using precise targets and measurement instruments. Characteristics of static ADAS calibrations can include:

• Specific environmental needs, such as a fixed temperature
• Level working surfaces
• Precise and accurate measurement requirements

Let’s dive into when you may need to perform static ADAS calibrations.

When static calibration is required

Static calibration is required for certain ADAS features when accurate alignment is crucial. While specific measurements will vary by manufacturer, OEM specifications will always require certain ADAS calibrations to be done while the car is stationary. Some scenarios where static calibration is necessary include:

• Front-mounted radar and camera sensor calibration - These sensors require exact measurements to relay correct information to the car’s computer. Brackets, angles, ride height, and secure fastening are crucial. These sensors contribute to Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and more.
• Windshield replacement - Cameras mounted on the windshield need precise measurements. Many newer vehicles equipped with Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) also require specific windshield requirements.
• Bumper repairs, suspension work, wheel alignments - Any service that impacts a vehicle’s geometry, ride height, or bumper positioning requires static calibration to any attached sensors. Bumpers often hold radar sensors used in Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and others.
• Rear and side radar and camera sensor calibration - In a similar vein to front-mounted sensors, these rear and side sensors require static calibration due to the nature of their precise measurement needs. ADAS features equipped with these sensors include Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and more.

Static ADAS calibration is required quite often. It is important that your technicians understand which features require this type of care, and that they understand how to successfully service them. Let’s look at how well-equipped shops are set up for successful static calibrations.

Static calibration equipment and setup

Static calibration always begins with an accurate diagnosis. Your technician needs to inspect the vehicle’s ADAS sensors to determine what needs to be realigned or calibrated. Apart from common triggers (i.e., suspension work, windshield replacement, etc.), obstructions, misalignments, or damages from normal wear and tear can warrant calibration.

After pre-calibration checks and diagnoses, certain environmental standards must be met to properly calibrate. These environmental targets can include temperature, level working surfaces, controlled lighting, and more. 

OEM standards are available for each calibration, and they must be followed exactly. This includes environmental targets but also specific target measurements and positioning. These include correct angles in relation to vehicle geometry, correct ride height, and proper fastening.

All of this static calibration setup requires the correct tools and space considerations. Investing in the right tools is a game between balancing cost and quality; going too far towards one extreme can cost you time, customers, and efficiency. Having a strategy for selecting the right tools can enhance your shop’s static ADAS calibration experience.

Dynamic calibration fundamentals 

Opposite to static calibration, dynamic calibration is done while the vehicle is in motion. Some features require this for self-calibration purposes, whereas others can be tweaked by technicians while on the go. 

There are ADAS features that require testing at specific speeds and conditions to be calibrated properly. 

Road test calibration procedures

Many ADAS features require specific road test conditions for calibration and verification. While some require technicians to make manual adjustments, some ADAS features can self-calibrate during this process. Each specific ADAS system that requires dynamic calibration has its own OEM requirements for the tasks that need to be performed. 

Some examples of necessary dynamic calibrations include: 

• Forward-facing cameras - Used in ADAS systems such as ACC, TJA, and FCW, cameras must be calibrated with a road test of varying distances or time in good weather conditions. The cameras need as much environmental data input to recognize obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians. OEMs vary, but some cameras self-align in as little as 5 miles, while some may need up to 25 miles of road tests.
• Side-facing cameras - In a similar vein to forward-facing cameras, side-facing cameras need to be driven for the same range of distances under good weather conditions to adjust and properly identify lane markings and obstacles. These cameras contribute to features such as BSM, LKA, TJA, ACC, and more.
• Windshield replacement - Some windshield replacements may warrant dynamic calibration for any installed forward-facing cameras.
• 360-degree/Birds-eye view camera - These cameras also require road tests under good weather conditions to get sufficient data to self-align and correctly function. These cameras are used for a host of ADAS features such as Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), LKA, ACC, and more.

Each make and model will have its own unique OEM for any installed sensors that require dynamic calibration, so it is key to be aware of this and not apply a “one-size-fits-all” strategy to these tests. Let’s explore why this information is important to your shop - and your bottom line.

Choosing the right calibration method

While choosing the correct calibration method is not rocket science—it’s stated in any OEM guidelines after all. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some challenges. 

You must balance cost, quality, ability, and time to craft the perfect strategy. Some tools, such as scanners, target boards, and more - come in all levels of quality. For example, tools such as the target board must function with precision and therefore cannot be cost-optimized. In a similar vein, OEM requirements may require static over dynamic, or vice versa, which must be followed.

Each vehicle has specific needs and OEM requirements. It is on you and your shop to address these needs the correct way and to document each step. Where you have freedom in choosing the “correct” method is through choosing the tools that make sense for your shop. Following each required step, documenting, and selecting tools that function and are cost-efficient will work as a solid calibration method that keeps your customers happy and your doors open.

Common calibration method mistakes to avoid

To recap, there are common pitfalls that your technicians must avoid when understanding which calibration method is appropriate. These are practices that can waste your time, resources, money, and patience. 

The most important mistakes to avoid are:

• Not following the manufacturer's requirements to the letter
• Applying a one-size-fits-all method
• Failing to provide the correct environmental controls
• Little or no verification of calibrations
• Inadequate or total lack of documentation

Getting rid of any of these auto shop vices can drastically improve your customer satisfaction, personal liability protection, and your bottom line. Revv helps you avoid these mistakes altogether by ensuring your techs know exactly which procedures are needed and how to apply them.

Refine your calibration processes with Revv

Creating or improving a well-tuned calibration method is a tedious, yet vital, process. You must diagnose, follow the correct steps, and document along the way. Doing this unaided is almost as good as doing it blind.

Instead of wasting time with diagnosing, searching for OEM requirements, and documenting by hand, Revv offers a streamlined process powered by AI that meets you in your workflow. This reduces time and eliminates steps for your techs. Revv offers:

• Instant identification of ADAS features equipped on any vehicle
• Detailed OEM procedure on how to calibrate each related sensor
• Automatically generated documentation that speeds up insurance claims and prevents liability issues
• Quicker jobs, more vehicle turnover, and increased revenue

Efficient calibration can make or break your business. 

Choosing the right approach or processes doesn’t have to be difficult when Revv virtually does it for you, all while increasing your profit. 

Learn more about how Revv can vastly improve your shop’s calibration experience by setting up a call with one of our experts. Don’t lose sleep over your calibration method when Revv is here to help.