What is ADAS calibration:

Calibrating an ADAS system is a precise process where the ADAS sensors and cameras are aligned or aimed and tested to ensure that the sensor can collect the most amount of data possible. The calibration process teaches the sensor where it is located on the vehicle and where it needs to be pointed.

Originally, the manufacturer calibrated the ADAS system perfectly to the factory standards. As the car gets driven, the system starts to fall out of calibration. Many reasons could cause these sensors to be knocked out of alignment, minor collisions, fender benders and even repairs or part replacements. Any vehicle with a forward-mounted windshield ADAS camera will require calibration whenever the windshield is replaced. The only way to guarantee that the sensors will be calibrated properly is to have them done by a professional.

What is ADAS?

As technology advances, ADAS has become increasingly common in newer vehicles. ADAS or advanced driver assistance systems use sensors built into a car to help gather information about the vehicle’s surroundings, including systems designed to provide a safe and comfortable experience. Currently, there is no way for these systems to self-diagnose, and professionals say the systems show no signs of becoming self-calibrating in the near future.

AAA lists out the most common ADAS found in vehicles:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind Spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Parking assist/self-parking
• Adaptive headlights that steer with the vehicle
• Automatic headlight high-beam activation and dimming

How to Tell if Your ADAS System Needs Calibration:

• Changes in Driving Behavior: If you notice any changes in the behavior of your ADAS system, such as delayed response times or incorrect warnings, it may indicate that it needs calibration.
• Windshield replacement: If you replaced your windshield and didn’t calibrate your system, the ADAS system might need to be re-calibrated.
• After an accident: If you have been in an accident, having your ADAS system checked for calibration is important, as the impact may have affected it.
• Changes in Suspension: If any work is done on your suspension, it may cause changes in the alignment of the sensors and cameras in your ADAS system, which could lead to the need for calibration.

It is important to have your ADAS system regularly checked and calibrated by a certified technician to ensure that it functions correctly and keeps you safe on the road.

Dangers of Miscalibration

If the Vehicle ADAS systems are out of alignment or aren’t calibrated properly by specialists, the systems will not function as designed. If the system is off by fractions of an inch, this could lead to blindspots or the system as a whole not functioning properly. If a driver trusts or depends on this system and it isn’t working as designed, it could cause unsafe driving conditions or even accidents.

Types of ADAS calibration

There are two types of ADAS calibration systems. Depending on the Vehicle and OEM recommendations, ADAS systems can require static calibration, dynamic calibration or even both. Static calibration is done in a controlled environment where the car remains stationary. Dynamic calibration requires the vehicle to be driven at certain speeds in certain conditions with ADAS scanning tools hooked up to the vehicle.

What is ADAS calibration: Static Calibration

Static calibration requires a precise environment and special tools to help calibrate the ADAS system.

The technical requirements of the environment include:

• The vehicle on a level finished surface
• The area needs to have 30 by 50 feet of open space.
• The walls need to be a uniform color with adjustable levels of lighting.
• No objects to obstruct the sensors and no direct sunlight or reflections.

The Tools Required to perform static calibrations include:

• Precise measuring tools: most of the time, these are typically laser measuring devices
• Aiming targets: Depending on the system, it could require one or multiple targets to be set up.
• Alignment Racks: While the floor needs to be level, some OEMs will require the precision of alignment racks when calibrating
• ADAS scanning tool: Most OEMs require diagnostic tools to access the electronic scanning and calibration procedures.
• ADAS calibration tool: These tools vary by OEM, but all have similar jobs. The goal is to hold the targets in exact locations to help with calibration.

What is ADAS calibration: Dynamic Calibration

In most situations, a static calibration will also finish by performing a dynamic calibration. But if only a dynamic calibration is required, the technician will take the vehicle for a drive while a calibration tool is hooked up. This test drive requires a few common factors to calibrate properly. The car must travel at a specific speed on a straight road while following one or multiple vehicles. Because of these conditions, it is common to see this done by two technicians, one to drive and one to operate the calibration tool.

Windshield Calibration

What is ADAS calibration have to do with windshields? Windshield calibrations target the camera or cameras attached to the car’s windshield. This type of calibration is very common because, normally, it is done whenever the car’s windshield gets replaced. It is important to note that it doesn’t do anything with the glass because it’s called windshield calibration. It just targets the cameras attached to the windshield.

ADAS Frequently Asked Questions.

How long does it take for an ADAS calibration?

• On average, the time it takes to calibrate an ADAS system is between one and two hours, but depending on alignment, it can take up to six hours.

Are all Vehicles calibrated the same?

• ADAS Calibration is not only OEM-specific but can also be specific to the make and model of the vehicle.

Does every part of an ADAS system need to be Calibrated?

• Not all parts in an ADAS system require calibrating. Some parts will work fine for their lifetime, only needing replacement if damaged.

Does every vehicle need a dynamic and a static calibration?

• Depending on the OEM alignment, racks may be required. If this is true, it means that a dynamic calibration will be ineffective for these vehicles.

What is ADAS calibration?

Calibrating an ADAS system is a precise process where the ADAS sensors and cameras are aligned or aimed and tested to ensure that the sensor can collect the most amount of data possible. The calibration process teaches the sensor where it is located on the vehicle and where it needs to be pointed.