Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a standard feature in most modern vehicles, offering safety functions like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, and more. These systems rely on an intricate network of cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors that need to be precisely calibrated to function correctly. After a collision, even a minor one, proper ADAS calibration is essential.
Why ADAS Calibration Matters
Every sensor in your vehicle’s ADAS is finely tuned to specific angles and distances. When your car is involved in a collision, even a small jolt can knock these sensors out of alignment. If they’re not recalibrated correctly, the system may provide inaccurate information or fail to respond when needed. This could lead to unsafe driving conditions, including false alarms, delayed braking responses, or failure to detect other vehicles or pedestrians.
Improper calibration can also cause insurance complications. If an accident occurs after a previous repair and the ADAS wasn’t recalibrated, it may be considered negligence, which can impact your claim, liability, or warranty.
When Does ADAS Need Calibration?
ADAS calibration is necessary under several common circumstances, including:
- After a front-end, rear-end, or side-impact collision
- When a windshield with a forward-facing camera is replaced
- During suspension or wheel alignment repairs
- After replacing or removing ADAS-related parts (bumpers, mirrors, or sensors)
Failing to calibrate the system correctly after any of these services can compromise the vehicle’s safety and performance.
The ADAS Calibration Process
At a professional collision repair center in Los Angeles like Eli’s, ADAS calibration is typically performed in a controlled environment using specialized equipment. There are two main types of calibration: static and dynamic.
- Static calibration is done at a dealership using all the required tools that the manufacturer’s mandate.
- Dynamic calibration involves driving the vehicle on the road while connected to a diagnostic tool, allowing the system to recalibrate in real-world conditions.
In many cases, both types are necessary to ensure the system works seamlessly.
Choose a Certified Collision Repair Center
Not all auto body shops are equipped to handle ADAS calibration. For example, an insurance carrier may suggest using a third party company for calibrations, which are not done following the specific manufacturer guidelines. Why jeopardize your safety and the safety of your vehicle by using a third party when you can get calibrations done by the dealership itself?
Here at Eli’s, we make it our priority to make sure the calibrations are done per manufacturer guidelines. That’s why it’s important to choose a certified collision repair center in Los Angeles like ours that uses manufacturer-approved equipment and techniques that will not only repair the visible damage but also ensure that your vehicle’s safety systems are fully functional.
As vehicles become more technologically advanced, collision repair has grown more complex. Proper ADAS calibration is not optional—it’s a crucial part of ensuring your car is safe to drive after an accident. Don’t take shortcuts. Choose an expert collision repair center like Eli’s that has the training, tools, and experience to restore both the body and brains of your vehicle.