What is ADAS calibration? ADAS calibration explained

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 IS ADAS?

ADAS is a general collective term that references a host of features, not one particular item. Since 2014, Euro NCAP required carmakers to fit Autonomous Emergency Brake and both lane/speed-keeping to attain the highest scores. More systems are being introduced and manufacturers seem keen to fit them, especially to bolster their products' Euro NCAP results.

ADAS features can be broadly classified into three categories:

- Safety Systems: Designed to prevent accidents, these include features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning.

- Parking Systems: Features like Auto Park Assist and 360° Camera View help drivers park more easily and safely.

- Driving Systems: These assist with everyday driving tasks, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition.

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 (yet), take your garage's advice on the matter.

WHAT SYSTEMS NEED CALIBRATION?

Much 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.

CALIBRATING ADAS: WHY AND WHEN?

Your garage should advise you whenever ADAS calibration is necessary to complete the repair safely.

Typical examples include any repairs to the car that affect the suspension geometry. Any suspension repair is likely to require an ADAS calibration afterwards. Typical examples include track rod ends, steering racks and dampers.

Accident repair damage is very likely to require ADAS calibration, especially if any part of the ADAS hardware was damaged and is replaced.

Should a forward-facing camera be fitted to the windscreen, it will require transferring to the new windscreen and calibrating, afterwards.

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

With static ADAS 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.

b. Dynamic calibration

Dynamic ADAS calibration 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.

CALIBRATION COSTS - WHAT TO EXPECT

ADAS calibration costs vary tremendously, dependent on your car's specification, which systems require calibrating and the procedure. Consider that ADAS calibration can be quite laborious and demands that the garage invests in costly equipment.

Costs also vary between garages, including where they are located. When asking for quotations, enquire if ADAS calibration is needed and if the associated costs are included in any pricing.

ADAS FAQ:

Do I need to recalibrate my ADAS if I replace my windscreen?

If a forward-facing camera, or any other ADAS hardware, is mounted to the windscreen, yes.

Can vehicles be driven without ADAS calibration?

A car will still drive, although the ADAS safety systems might not work properly. It may be possible that the brakes, or steering lock, might activate unprompted.

What else might happen, if I do not have my ADAS calibrated?

A safety feature of the car could operate unintentionally. Worse still, the ADAS system might not operate at all in an emergency. For this reason, professional organisations advise garages that post-repair ADAS calibration is vital to ensure a safe repair.

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