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.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:


Related I-CAR Courses

  • One-Time-Use Parts And Fasteners: Genesis Friday, 25 October 2024

    What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Toyota/Lexus Sectioning Clarification Thursday, 24 October 2024

    As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. A common question when it comes to...

  • Refinishing Park Assist Sensors: Jaguar Land Rover Tuesday, 22 October 2024

    Parking sensors are part of the park assist system, just one of many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on vehicles today. Damaged sensors are typically replaced and may require...

  • I-CAR At SEMA 2024 Friday, 18 October 2024

    Attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this year? Well, I-CAR will be providing many different opportunities to connect with you at this year’s show.

  • Non-SRS Wiring Repair: BMW/Mini Thursday, 17 October 2024

    What is a non-SRS wiring repair? It is the repairing of an electrical component that is not part of the supplemental restraints system circuit (usually identified by yellow wire looms). As...

  • Paint Maker ADAS Radar Optimized Color Resources: BASF Wednesday, 16 October 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. We know that paint film thickness can affect the performance of ADAS radars, but...

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: Steering Column Inspection After a Collision - Coming Soon Friday, 11 October 2024

    I-CAR is having a discussion on steering column inspection after a collision.

  • Repairer Driven News: BMW Adds Structural Steel Parts To Restricted List Thursday, 10 October 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting BMW adding structural steel parts to their restricted list.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 3 Wednesday, 9 October 2024

    Ford has released the third installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Rivian Friday, 4 October 2024

    A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)...