Collision repair
An impact or the repair of surrounding body components can change a sensor’s position or field of view.
Advanced Vehicle Safety
ADAS Calibration After Collision Repair
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use cameras, radar and other sensors to help monitor the road around your vehicle. After a collision or certain repairs, those components may need precise calibration so the systems can perform as the manufacturer intended.
Understanding ADAS
What is ADAS calibration?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Depending on the vehicle, these systems may warn the driver, assist with steering or braking, maintain distance from another vehicle, or monitor areas that are difficult to see.
Calibration is the process of aiming, testing and electronically configuring the cameras, radar units and sensors that supply information to those systems. Even a small change in sensor position or vehicle geometry can affect where a system believes objects, lanes or vehicles are located.
Finish Line Auto Body incorporates ADAS requirements into the collision-repair plan and follows vehicle-specific, manufacturer-informed procedures when calibration is required.
When Calibration Is Needed
Repairs that can affect ADAS.
The exact requirements vary by vehicle. Repair information must be reviewed for the year, make, model and equipment installed on the vehicle.
Windshield replacement
Forward-facing cameras are frequently mounted to or positioned behind the windshield.
Wheel alignment
Changes to wheel alignment, steering angle or suspension geometry may require system calibration.
Sensor or panel removal
Removing a bumper, grille, mirror, camera, radar unit or mounting bracket may trigger a calibration procedure.
Ride-height changes
Suspension work, tire-size changes or other ride-height changes can alter how sensors view the roadway.
Warning lights or messages
An illuminated ADAS warning or related diagnostic fault should be properly evaluated.
Calibration Methods
Static, dynamic or both.
The manufacturer determines the required calibration method. The procedure can depend on the sensor, vehicle configuration and repair performed.
S
Static calibration
The vehicle remains stationary in a controlled work area. Specialized targets are positioned at exact distances, heights and angles, and a scan tool begins the vehicle-specific calibration routine.
D
Dynamic calibration
A technician drives the vehicle under specified road, traffic, speed and weather conditions while a scan tool performs or monitors the calibration procedure.
B
Combined calibration
Some vehicles require both static and dynamic procedures, followed by scanning and verification that the calibration completed successfully.
Part of the Repair Plan
ADAS should be considered from the beginning.
Calibration is not an isolated final step. Finish Line reviews the vehicle’s equipment and repair procedures so ADAS requirements can be identified, documented and coordinated as part of the overall collision repair.
- 1Identify systems
Review vehicle options, diagnostic information and manufacturer repair procedures.
- 2Complete repairs correctly
Restore mounting points, body dimensions, alignment and related components before calibration.
- 3Perform required calibration
Use the specified procedure, equipment, targets and environmental conditions.
- 4Verify and document
Confirm completion, review diagnostic results and retain documentation with the repair file.
ADAS Questions
Frequently asked questions.
What is ADAS calibration?
ADAS calibration is the process of aiming, testing and electronically configuring cameras, radar units and other sensors so driver-assistance features can operate as the vehicle manufacturer intended.
When might a vehicle need ADAS calibration?
Calibration may be required after a collision, windshield replacement, wheel alignment, suspension or steering work, a change in ride height, or the removal or replacement of a camera, radar unit or related body panel.
What is the difference between static and dynamic calibration?
Static calibration uses specialized targets and equipment while the vehicle remains in a controlled work area. Dynamic calibration uses a scan tool while the vehicle is driven under specified road and speed conditions. Some vehicles require both.
Can a sensor be out of calibration without a warning light?
Yes. A sensor may not always identify or display that it is aimed incorrectly, which is why repair procedures and post-repair verification are important.
Repair the vehicle as a complete system.
Contact your nearest Finish Line location for collision repair and ADAS calibration support.