Even One Degree: ADAS Calibration

Some advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components need to be precisely calibrated to the exact OEM specifications. Even one degree could cause a camera or sensor to miss a target or object by many feet, depending on the distance to the object. Imagine if while driving down the road you’re looking off to the right, your head is not turned, just your eyes. Your head is in the correct position, but your eyes are aimed at the wrong location. Can you see what is coming from the left side? This is the same for ADAS sensors and cameras.

This is a huge problem when you consider how these sensors and cameras work together for multiple systems. If a single sensor or camera is not aligned and/or calibrated to its exact measurement, systems may not respond as designed or they may fail. A cruise control radar sensor may not detect when a vehicle ahead is braking or slowing down. Therefore, it cannot warn the driver or slow the vehicle down. This also means that the collision braking system may not operate, or may be delayed in operation to mitigate the eminent collision.

There is a reason why OEMs give exact measurements within procedures, and why it is important to follow those measurements. Not adjusting or calibrating to an exact specification can mean ADAS failure, or the system not performing as intended, which in turn, can put occupants, other vehicles, and pedestrians at risk. Always follow OEM procedures to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

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