Being able to perform ADAS calibrations in your shop is a huge convenience for your customers and makes it easier for you to have a steady customer base. If you’re new to performing ADAS calibrations, this guide is a great way to get started.

Why Every Shop Needs ADAS Calibration Tools

• Compliance with OEM standards: Performing ADAS calibrations helps you remain compliant with the standards the vehicle’s manufacturer has set and protects you from liability.

• Value for customers: Having an ADAS calibration tool in your shop lets you keep your work in-house and reduces wait times for your customers so they can get back on the road sooner.

• Value for your shop: More and more makes and models have sensors to make driving safer. It’s essential to be able to repair and calibrate these systems for your customers so you can keep business in your shop.

What ADAS Calibrations Cover

Adaptive Cruise Control

ADAS calibrations help the adaptive cruise control system accurately measure how far the vehicle is from any vehicles in front of it. With proper calibration, they can prevent rear-end collisions and make for a less strenuous driving experience.

Blind Spot Detection

The rear radar sensors in most vehicles contribute to this system. Calibrating these sensors is essential for keeping the vehicle safe to operate. These calibrations are often required after quarter panel damage, if airbags are deployed, or if the vehicle structure changes in any way.

Emergency Brake Assistance

This technology can save lives if a driver fails to respond to sudden obstacles in front of the vehicle. To calibrate the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, you must adjust the sensors in the front of the vehicle.

Lane Departure Warning Systems 

Lane departure warning (LDW) systems, and specifically static calibrations for them, require a range of specialized calibration targets. The right ADAS calibration tool can adjust these systems for exact accuracy by providing a preset image pattern that allows the front windshield camera to self-adjust based on the target.

LiDAR

These sensors detect objects and need absolute precision to help the driver avoid everything from rear collisions to road debris. LiDAR units can be disturbed or displaced even during minor fender-benders, so it’s important to address them when you calibrate an ADAS system.

Night Vision Systems

Certain vehicles now have a forward-facing camera with night vision capabilities that could require its own calibrations after a collision.

Obstacle Avoidance

Calibrating the ADAS sensors allows these systems to accurately detect obstacles ahead or beside the vehicle.

Rear Collision Warning Systems

Rear radar units also need calibration, especially if the vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision. They also make it less likely for your customers to have collisions when they’re in reverse.

And More

As manufacturers equip vehicles with more and more safety features, the list of systems needing calibrations is always growing.

Finding the Right ADAS Calibration System for Your Shop

Not all calibration systems are the same. Even those from the same after-market tool maker can have different sets of features. We recommend considering the following factors:

• Types of repairs you do—such as auto glass, tire, or full collision repair

• Number of cars you work on daily or weekly

• Vehicle makes and models you service most often

• Space requirements for setup

• ADAS calibration targets you need

How to Perform ADAS Calibrations

Each manufacturer has different specifications that are unique to their vehicles. However, these are the general steps you’ll need to follow for correct calibrations.

1. Set Up the Vehicle & Preparation

Before you begin, make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, has appropriate tire pressure, and that the sensors and cameras are debris-free. 

It’s also important to prepare by carefully reviewing the details of the vehicle’s repair order, as well as the type of vehicle you’re servicing. You should also conduct a pre-scan to identify the systems the car has available and run initial diagnostics.

Review the OEM standards for that particular vehicle model and use repair information aggregation software like ALLDATA or other service guides so you understand the exact steps to take during the calibration process.

2. Connect the ADAS Diagnostic Tablet

Now that you have all the information you need to properly calibrate the vehicle, connect your ADAS diagnostic tablet to the vehicle through the OBD-II port. You’ll typically find this port on the underside of the steering column in most vehicles unless the OEM specifies otherwise.

3. Calibrate With the Targets

Make sure you have the appropriate ADAS calibration targets and frames set up to easily orient the vehicle to the 3D space. Every OEM requires different target configurations for the sensors on its vehicles, so make sure you’re using the correct targets.

Whether you’re using a mobile calibration frame or you have a permanent space dedicated to it in your shop, aligning the targets precisely to the sensors is essential for a successful calibration.

4. Adjust the Sensors

Some more advanced ADAS tools can handle the adjustment process automatically, but you should always verify the sensors are properly aligned and functioning.

As long as you have the targets placed correctly, all you have to do is press a button and the sensor will self-calibrate. There will be times when you need to manually adjust the sensor in order to make sure the sensor is precisely aimed at the right angles.

You should also document and take photos of the procedure so you have proof the calibration was successful.

5. Test the System

Once you’ve finished calibrating the vehicle’s ADAS features, it’s time for some QA. This might involve conducting a post-scan where you determine whether the issue was resolved. It’s always best practice to test drive the vehicle and ensure that the calibrated systems are working as expected. 

Get Support with Your ADAS Calibration System

Always have the ADAS calibration tools you need on hand. Explore ADAS Depot’s full line of calibration packages and see how we can be your roadmap to better car repairs today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Long Does the Typical ADAS Calibration Take?

Typically, ADAS calibrations take at least 30 minutes per system you need to adjust. If you need to calibrate multiple systems, the whole process could take much longer to complete.

Do I Need Different Diagnostic Tablets for Every Type of Vehicle I Service?

You don’t necessarily need multiple different tools for all of the makes and models you work on—however, you may need different calibration frames and targets depending on the vehicle you’re servicing.