ADAS calibration explained

Saturday, 03 August 2024, 10:00

If your car needs repair, an extra fee quoted for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration is likely to be an unwelcome surprise, especially if you do not know what it is for. Should you be unsure, our previous blog on the topic serves as a useful introduction.

What warnings does an ADAS system give that it needs calibrating?

Surprisingly for such vital safety equipment, most ADAS systems at the time of writing do not recognise that they need calibrating. Therefore, you cannot rely on a dashboard warning to advise you. Self-calibrating ADAS systems have not (yet) become a reality, disappointingly. While the MOT Test does not assess ADAS warning systems (at the time of writing), take your garage's advice on the matter.

What systems need calibration?

It depends on your car's specifications. Usually, cameras, LiDAR and RADAR require calibrating whenever any mechanical work is performed on the steering and suspension. Even a simple wheel alignment/suspension geometry adjustment should be followed by an ADAS calibration. On some cars, this procedure can be very involved.

ADAS calibration is also needed, whenever the windscreen is renewed. Most crash repair operations should be followed by an ADAS calibration, too. From 31st March 2021, insurance companies required their repair networks to comply with IIR. This is the Insurance Industry Requirement for the safe repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles. It mandates the repair shop must calibrate all ADAS sensors and cameras to complete the repair safely.

More details about ADAS hardware are in our separate blog on the topic.

How much does ADAS calibration cost?

While figures vary, we have heard of recommended costs being more than £300. However, some garages charge less.

Even so, it is still a nasty shock to receive the news, because it adds significantly to the cost of the repair. Ultimately, the garage is acting in your interests, by insisting that this work is done, even though a charge is necessary.

How is an ADAS calibration performed?

Calibrating ADAS systems is not a DIY operation; it requires expensive equipment and knowledge. Calibrations employ two main methods but a four-wheel suspension alignment check is mandatory before work begins - yet another expense:

a. Static calibration

This process can take some time and involves the garage placing equipment accurately around the car. These can include physical calibration boards. These contain patterns that differ between makes and models. An example of one such system is pictured at the top of this blog.

b. Dynamic calibration

This involves the technician driving the car in a specific way. Therefore, do not accuse the garage of fraud, if you notice that your mileage has increased, or your fuel level has dropped slightly.