Today’s cars are smarter than ever, thanks in large part to advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) sensors. These small modules deliver millions of data points to a vehicle’s safety systems to protect passengers and drivers.

Here is everything you need to know about ADAS sensors, including the different types and how you can recalibrate them to keep your customers safe and build trust with them.

What Are ADAS Sensors?

ADAS sensors are the computers and modules that help vehicles understand their surroundings. As part of ADAS, they’re designed to improve motorist safety and enhance the driving experience.

These sensors are connected with the rest of the vehicle to form a semi-automatic system that can alert the driver to potential issues on the road. They can ultimately save lives and are constantly evolving with each new model year to make driving safer and easier.

How ADAS Sensors Work Together

Much like the different senses in the human body, certain parts of ADAS can only process specific data inputs. For example, some subsystems do not process images, while others can. On the other hand, some can’t function in low visibility or severe weather conditions.

Together, each system compensates for the other to give the driver a clearer picture of the world around them that compensates for their senses of sight, sound, and touch.

What Can Happen When One Sensor System Isn’t Working

ADAS sensors are more involved in vehicle safety than ever before. These sensors can help prevent all types of accidents because they detect objects in the road or directly behind the vehicle, along with anticipating shifts in road conditions.

When even one set of ADAS sensors is malfunctioning, accidents become more likely. This is why they need to be monitored during every vehicle inspection and repaired accordingly whenever possible.

Types of ADAS Sensors

Video Cameras

Backup cameras are increasingly common in vehicles, partially because all standard vehicles sold in the United States have been required to have them since May 2018. Most new vehicles have multiple cameras at different points to understand what’s around them and help the driver make safe decisions while reversing or changing lanes.

Manufacturers are starting to include multiple cameras around the vehicle that point in different directions. These can build a 3D model of the vehicle’s surroundings for easy navigation of tight parking lots, identifying obstacles, and displaying traffic around the vehicle—and the technology is always improving.

Some of the systems that use these cameras for baseline safety information include:

• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Around view monitoring (AVM)

Additionally, video cameras can be used for security, rain detection, and other supplemental convenience features. However, their primary focus is improving driver and pedestrian safety.

Ultrasonic Sensors/SONAR

Ultrasonic sensors, otherwise known as SONAR, use sound waves to detect objects and measure distances between them and the vehicle. These sensors are commonly used for backup detection features and self-parking systems. They are usually located on the bumper of vehicles—the front, back, and corners—and look like small, circular discs to the naked eye.

The sensors for these systems are typically mounted on the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers. They emit an ultrasonic burst that listens for the reflections from nearby objects, similar to how bats and dolphins use echolocation.

Ultrasonic sensors make backup cameras more accurate when the car is in reverse. They also make it easier to park or maneuver around objects that aren’t immediately visible on the backup camera. 

NEX - Optimized Toyota Parking Sensor Tool

Radar

Radar has been used for almost 100 years to detect weather patterns, approaching planes, and other objects in the sky. For vehicles, it also detects the presence and location of objects using radio waves. These can detect even relatively small objects from a distance in many cases.

Radar capabilities support blind spot assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane change assistance, parking assistance, and more.

Autel Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Reflector

Autel Corner Reflector with Stand

Topdon ADAS Radar 3 in 1 Configuration

LiDAR

Designed to identify obstacles and irregularities in the terrain, such as debris or animals on the road, LiDAR detects objects and their distance from the vehicle in real time. In higher-end vehicles, this system can help with:

• Emergency braking
• Collision avoidance
• Pedestrian detection

LiDAR is often found in Volvo vehicles, new Volkswagens, Audis, and newer EVs from China. However, as the technology becomes easier to use in vehicle design, LiDAR systems may become more common in other vehicle brands as well.

Autel VW/Audi LIDAR Calibration Board

Autel Toyota LiDAR Reflector

Infrared Cameras

More and more vehicles are becoming equipped with infrared thermal imaging cameras for night vision and radiometric measurement. They’re designed to judge the distance of heat-emitting objects and people from the vehicle and can detect heat signatures of all types that one might encounter on the road.

While this is a relatively new technology for many vehicle manufacturers, it’s a life-saving difference that many ADAS calibration tools and diagnostic scanners have begun to account for in their capabilities.

GPS/GNSS Sensors

As more manufacturers pursue self-driving vehicles, more are using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). 

GPS is part of this system, but it’s most commonly used for navigation and orientation in North America. Other regions have their own systems, such as Galileo in Europe, BeiDou in China, and GLONASS in Russia. Most of these systems function in roughly the same way.

Higher-end vehicles worldwide frequently have built-in GNSS sensors to aid in navigation. However, they’re also used to aid in orientation and could help with parking or self-driving features on future models.

Why ADAS Sensors Need to Be Calibrated

No matter which system they support, ADAS sensors must be calibrated after any repair or replacement that can affect their positions or alignment. They can also start to malfunction on their own due to:

• Prolonged exposure to temperature extremes
• Snow, dirt, and debris
• Hitting potholes, snowbanks, large rocks, or other obstacles in the road
• Wiring problems
• Software glitches

No matter what may have caused the sensors to malfunction, properly diagnosing and recalibrating them for your customers will keep them safe on the road and improve their vehicle’s performance.

Basic ADAS Sensor Calibration Tips & Tools

1. Know the Two Types of Calibrations

ADAS calibrations typically fall into two categories:

• Static calibrations: Static calibrations use specialized targets depending on the OEM to diagnose, reset, and adjust the vehicle’s sensors for accuracy.

• Dynamic calibrations: These calibrations require driving the vehicle under specific conditions that allow ADAS sensors to recalibrate themselves. 

Many of today’s calibration tools can handle both types of calibrations. However, they aren’t interchangeable. Verify whether your specific scanning tool can conduct the calibrations you need it to before you start working on a given vehicle.

2. Complete Calibrations in the Right Environment

Calibrating the vehicle’s ADAS requires the right environment. Static calibrations are performed in a controlled environment, such as a garage or repair center, while dynamic calibrations can occur on an open road with clear lane markings, minimal traffic, and good weather conditions.

3. Place Targets with Exact Measurements

Precise placement allows for better accuracy than relying solely on manual setups or string-based alignments. That’s partly why many ADAS packages from providers like Autel include laser units that make it easier to align with the target boards each vehicle needs.

Autel IA1000 All-Systems Calibration System w MS Ultra S2 and Digital Targets

4. Use the Right Equipment

Using the right calibration tools, target boards, and frames can make it easier to accurately calibrate your customers’ vehicles. Here are some of the pieces of equipment you’ll need:

• Calibration tools
• The latest software for each tool
• Target boards for every type of vehicle you service
• Calibration frames
• Cables and adapters, depending on the types of vehicles you’re servicing

And that’s just the beginning. You may also need TPMS equipment, battery testers and maintainers, and key fob programming tools, depending on the services you offer.

The Calibration Tools You Need, All in One Place

Learning how to calibrate these sensors makes it easier to build trust with your customers when they bring their vehicle to you for repairs. However, you also need the right equipment.

ADAS Depot is your one-stop shop for calibration equipment and accessories. We also have the resources you need for everything from technical support to navigating insurance claims, so you can get paid. Check out our line of ADAS packages and accessories today to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a difference between a windshield camera and a dash cam?

Yes. While they have the same basic purpose, windshield cameras are designed more for vehicle safety and accident prevention than dash cameras, which are primarily used for security and accountability with other drivers.

Windshield cameras are directly connected to the vehicle’s ADAS, while dash cams typically are not and can be taken out at any time to view footage.

Do sensors need to be calibrated regularly?

While they don’t necessarily need to be calibrated as regularly as a car needs an oil change or tire rotation, ADAS sensors need to be calibrated after most types of repairs.

This could include calibrations following minor or moderate collisions, windshield replacements, or even going over a particularly rough patch of road in some cases.