Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are no longer a luxury—they’re a standard feature in modern vehicles. CCC Intelligent Solutions has highlighted rising repair costs associated with advanced vehicle technologies, including ADAS. For instance, calibrations are now listed on 16% of claims, up from 10% in early 2022, with average fees for calibrations increasing, underscoring the growing financial impact of ADAS-related repairs.

These systems significantly enhance safety by preventing accidents and assisting drivers in critical situations. However, the consequences of missed or improperly performed ADAS calibrations extend far beyond system malfunctions. They can impact a shop’s financial stability, expose businesses to liability risks, and erode customer trust.

Let’s break down the true cost of missing ADAS calibrations and explore strategies to ensure your shop avoids these pitfalls.

1. Financial Costs: Direct and Hidden Losses

Missed ADAS calibrations can result in immediate financial losses due to unnecessary rework, warranty claims, or even outright system failures.

Hidden costs of missed or inaccurate calibrations include:

• Insurance disputes: Inaccurate calibrations can lead to claim denials or delays, reducing shop profitability.
• Lost business opportunities: Shops that cannot reliably handle ADAS calibrations may lose customers to competitors equipped to manage the work.

2. Liability Risks: A Threat to Your Business

Improper or missed calibrations can lead to severe liability risks if a malfunction results in an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that improperly calibrated systems may fail during critical moments, leading to preventable collisions. For shops, this opens the door to lawsuits and significant reputational damage.

NHTSA has issued a Standing General Order requiring manufacturers to report crashes involving vehicles equipped with automated driving systems or SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. This initiative aims to evaluate whether these systems, when not functioning correctly, pose unreasonable risks to motor vehicle safety.

Additionally, industry experts highlight the risks associated with improperly calibrated ADAS. For instance, miscalibrated systems can lead to malfunctioning safety features and increased accident risks. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles with misaligned ADAS sensors had a 30% higher likelihood of collision-related incidents.

3. Customer Trust: The Cost of Reputation

Customers expect repair shops to deliver safe, reliable vehicles. A single incident of malfunction due to a missed calibration can erode trust—not just with that customer but through negative online reviews and word of mouth.

• Survey Insight: According to JD Power’s 2023 Customer Service Index, 2023 saw a decline in overall customer service satisfaction, marking the first drop in 28 years, with a score decrease to 846 on a 1,000-point scale. This decline is attributed to factors such as increased wait times, higher recall rates, and service advisor knowledge gaps.
• Impact on Revenue: Retaining loyal customers is significantly cheaper than acquiring new ones, making trust a critical asset for long-term profitability.

Customer trust is critical in the repair industry. Safety-related issues post-repair can severely damage a shop’s reputation, making customers less likely to return. Repair shops that prioritize accurate calibrations and quality assurance can build long-term loyalty and avoid reputational damage.

Real Stats That Highlight the Stakes

• A survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that about half of vehicle owners who had repairs involving ADAS features reported issues with the systems post-repair, suggesting that repair shops may struggle with the calibration process.
• The same survey highlighted that post-repair problems were more prevalent among owners whose repairs involved windshield replacements or were necessitated by crash damage. Specifically, about two-thirds of owners with windshield-related repairs and nearly three-quarters of those with crash-damage repairs experienced issues with the technology after the repair.
• A report by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can cost twice as much to repair following a collision, compared to vehicles without these systems.

How to Avoid the Costs of Missed ADAS Calibrations

1. Invest in Training and Certification: Ensure technicians are up to date with OEM guidelines and receive ongoing education on ADAS technologies. Programs like those from I-CAR provide comprehensive training on calibration best practices.
   1. I-CAR ADAS Calibration Technician Training Program: This program focuses on foundational ADAS knowledge, including calibration requirements and proper repair processes. It helps technicians stay updated with OEM guidelines.
   2. OEM Calibration Requirements Search Tool: I-CAR offers tools to help technicians identify specific calibration procedures for various vehicle makes and models, ensuring adherence to OEM standards.
   3. Hands-On Skills Development: Autel offers a 2-day comprehensive course that walks you through the calibration and documentation process. I-CAR also provides workshops like the Static ADAS Calibration 3-Day Hands-On Skills Development course, which trains technicians in practical calibration techniques. 
2. Utilize Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Equip your shop with tools that identify calibration requirements and help execute them accurately. Trusted brands like Autel and Bosch offer solutions tailored to ADAS-equipped vehicles.
3. Document Everything: Create detailed pre- and post-calibration reports to support claims, ensure accuracy, and build credibility with insurers and customers alike.
4. Partner with Trusted Experts: When in doubt, consult third-party calibration specialists or software providers that can support complex ADAS jobs. Collaboration can prevent costly mistakes and expand your service offerings.

Conclusion: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Missed ADAS calibrations are not just a technical oversight—they’re a business risk. The financial costs, liability exposure, and loss of customer trust can jeopardize a shop’s long-term success. By prioritizing training, investing in the right tools, and adhering to strict documentation practices, shops can not only avoid these risks but also position themselves as leaders in an increasingly ADAS-reliant industry.

Key Takeaway: The cost of missing an ADAS calibration far outweighs the investment in doing it right the first time. Equip your shop with the tools and knowledge to handle the challenge and grow your reputation as a trusted partner in vehicle safety.