Frequently Asked Questions
Why are ADAS calibrations important?
Safety is #1. ADAS calibrations involve aligning sensing devices in your vehicle, so they will function properly. According to every manufacturer, it is always mandatory to recalibrate ADAS after any repair. It’s no longer just about an airbag light because ADAS monitors and controls almost every system in your car. Most of the ADAS systems are designed to correct driver error through a complex system of cameras, radar, sensors, and onboard computers. They are designed to enhance the driver’s ability to drive error-free or to fully take over in the event of driver inattention.
When the driver is in danger to any degree, they need to be alerted early, which is the main reason for ADAS. If the ADAS isn’t working correctly, the
signals and alerts can be delayed and the driver might not be able to stop the car on time, for example. This is particularly crucial when it comes to
ADAS features such as Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Head-Up Display, Night Vision System, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
What are the proper procedures for completing ADAS calibrations?
The technician uses special diagnostic tools to calibrate the ADAS while the car is stationary and on a flat surface. A faulty ADAS system can actually cause an accident, so if it’s not calibrated and tested, it can potentially lead to serious collisions and fatalities down the road.
Body shops that perform calibrations need sophisticated diagnostic tools and the latest OE vehicle information to do the job correctly. Technicians take a wide range of training classes to become proficient at doing ADAS calibrations on every vehicle containing ADAS. A highly-skilled and well-trained diagnostician can find obscure and often hard-to problems that others may miss.
How to spot improper ADAS calibrations?
If a system stops working, such as Night Vision or Lane Departure Warning, the driver will know immediately because they will shut down completely with most vehicles. Many systems have warning lights that will illuminate once a particular feature stops working or begins to malfunction.
A dash light will appear, but that doesn’t often tell the entire story because something might be misaligned or calibrated incorrectly.
What is Estimate Scrubbing?
Estimate Scrubbing is a support tool used by estimators when estimating prices. Computer systems take data from body shops all over the country and use math and statistics to provide current information on non-included operations regarding labor rates (the time required to complete the repair to OE standards and materials used.) It enables estimators to see how their estimates compare against the market and provide transparency for the insurance company and the customer.
Shops can save hundreds of dollars on repairs by seeing what other shops are doing and charging on identical vehicles nationwide. We use adasTHINK to get vehicle-specific ADAS data, identify required ADAS calibrations, and get the OEM documentation we need to support it.