Why VIN-specific Calibrations are a Game Changer for Your Calibration Business

Every car manufacturer has always had their own published guidelines for how to complete repairs on each vehicle they make… but mechanics and repair shop workers haven’t always needed to reference those instructions for each repair.

Plenty of experienced mechanics can rotate tires, swap out a car battery, and perform plenty of other straightforward repairs without needing to reference each vehicle’s manual unless they need to replace parts. 

‍ADAS calibrations, however, have complicated this. Now, there are vehicle-specific instructions for multiple types of ADAS calibrations, the need for which can be triggered by even simple repairs like a wheel alignment or windshield replacement. As a result, shops need to check VIN-specific processes for each repair they complete. 

The challenge: Complexity and precision in modern ADAS calibration

Even standard issues of most modern vehicles are equipped with a range of ADAS features, potentially including everything from adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings to blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. 

While this is outstanding news for drivers and roadside safety, it introduces new challenges for mechanics that may include:

• Vehicle-specific variations: ADAS systems don't just vary between makes and models, and they can vary significantly between trim levels of the exact same vehicle, requiring each repair to include VIN-specific research. 
• Time-consuming research: Without specialized tools, shops must manually search OEM portals and technical documents to find calibration requirements, wasting valuable time.
• Delayed discovery: Shops often only discover necessary calibrations after the vehicle arrives, causing scheduling delays and customer inconvenience.
• Documentation challenges: Insurance companies may reject claims due to missing or inadequate documentation of calibration necessity.
• Missed revenue opportunities: According to our own data, 60% of repair estimates don't include calibrations that are actually needed, representing significant lost revenue potential.

Why millimeters matter in ADAS calibration

The importance of precise calibration can’t be overstated. When it comes to ADAS calibration, being off by even a fraction of an inch can throw the entire calibration off. 

A misaligned camera or sensor potentially will not detect an object correctly, or may misinterpret its position relative to the vehicle.

Let's look at an example. Say a vehicle is equipped with a front-facing camera with a 7-degree field of view that spans a width of 64 feet over a 525-foot distance. A standard highway lane is 12 feet wide, and when positioned 525 feet away from the vehicle, this translates to a deviation of 1.3 degrees. This seemingly small deviation can have significant safety implications.

The repercussions if an ADAS system is even off just slightly can be deadly. For example, drivers rely on ADAS to assist in braking when a car stops quickly in front of them or when a pedestrian or animal darts into traffic.

Beyond the critical safety implications, incorrect calibrations can lead to:

• Constant alerts from the blind spot or proximity monitor when there’s nothing there.
• Warning lights or messages on the instrument panel that can't be resolved.
• Constant steering wheel vibration or pull.

These issues not only compromise safety but can lead to frustration, bad word of mouth for the repair business, and perhaps even a lawsuit.

The game-changing solution: VIN-specific calibration

With each vehicle having its own OEM-specific calibration processes and requirements, it’s imperative to enable your shop and its workers to utilize VIN-specific calibration data. Let’s discuss how a tool like Revv can help your shop improve your ADAS calibration process, maximize revenue, and provide superior service to customers. 

Instant identification of required calibrations

Simply enter a VIN, and Revv instantly identifies required calibrations based on needed repairs or service. From there, you can access OEM guidelines and compliance documentation. This eliminates the guesswork and extensive research previously required to determine calibration needs.

. This means you know exactly what needs to be calibrated before you start working on the vehicle based on the repairs you need to conduct— and you can quote customers accurately from the get-go. 

Access to comprehensive OEM procedures

Following OEM procedures is absolutely critical for accurate calibration. OEMs often slightly modify safety features on a vehicle model from one year to the next. Technicians must manually track down the exact OEM repair procedure and follow it step-by-step.

VIN-specific calibration platforms give you direct access to:

• OEM-specific required procedures and processes that would otherwise be impossible for shops to track on their own.
• Manufacturer position statements that provide non-negotiable guidelines for servicing, repairing and calibrating advanced driver-assistance systems features.
• Detailed information on mandated OEM calibrations, procedures, and requirements.

Comprehensive documentation for insurance approval

One of the most significant pain points for calibration businesses is insurance reimbursement. Clear documentation of calibration necessity is often required to prevent claim denials.

VIN-specific calibration systems solve this problem by:

• Generating comprehensive reports instantly that include all required calibrations, OEM guidelines, and compliance documentation
• Creating insurance-compliant invoices that include all the information needed for approval
• Providing documentation that validates every calibration performed

Maximizing your shop’s revenue with VIN-specific ADAS calibration data 

VIN-specific calibrations represent a true game-changer for calibration businesses. By eliminating guesswork, reducing research time, ensuring OEM compliance, and maximizing billable opportunities, these systems transform both the efficiency and profitability of calibration operations.

More importantly, they ensure that every vehicle you help put back on the road has properly functioning safety systems, which protects drivers, passengers, and your business reputation. In an industry where millimeters matter and precision is paramount, VIN-specific calibration technology is no longer just an advantage, it’s a necessity. 

Ready to revolutionize your calibration business? Discover how Revv can help you instantly identify required calibrations, access OEM procedures, and maximize your revenue potential. Book your demo today.