How Bringing ADAS Calibrations In-house can Increase Efficiency and Cashflow

What is ADAS? Most new vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In fact, at least one ADAS feature can be found on 93% of new vehicles in the US as of 2018. Some of these systems include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, to name a few. These are the systems that aid consumers in maintaining safe and effective driving, increasing overall car and road safety. The number of vehicles with ADAS features will continue to increase in the coming years–and for good reason. The Highway Loss Data Institute estimates that by 2026 71% of registered vehicles will be equipped with rear cameras, while 60% will have rear parking sensors.   According to a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is a factor in 94% of crashes. With ADAS, the number of crashes decreases. The Highway Loss Data Institute and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study the effect of ADAS technologies by comparing police-reported crash rates and insurance claims for vehicles with and without ADAS. These reports found that forward collision warning with autobrake decreased front-to-rear crashes by 50%. Rear automatic braking decreased backup crashes by 78%. These systems can also decrease the severity of crashes and lower the chance of serious injuries and fatalities. In fact, ADAS technologies have the potential to prevent 20,841 deaths per year–that’s 62% of total traffic deaths.   As with any advanced, complex technology, ADAS brings with it a number of concerns and requires careful use and proper maintenance. It also brings great opportunity.   Calibration is Key Most ADAS features require calibration if disturbed, not only by a crash, but also by regular vehicle service procedures, such as windshield replacement or wheel alignment. Even a minor fender bender generally requires recalibration to meet exact OEM specifications. If sensors are out of alignment by even one degree, the effectiveness of the system can be seriously impacted. For drivers who have learned to rely on these systems, this is a major safety concern.   Static vs. Dynamic There are two types of ADAS calibration. In-shop, or static calibration, involves performing manual measurements and special aiming targets to align cameras and sensors. After this process, many vehicles will require dynamic, or on-road calibration. This is generally the preferred method for camera sensors, and the only one performed, whereas radar sensors usually require a static adjustment followed by dynamic calibration. Dynamic calibration involves initiating the process with a factory scan tool, then driving the car according to specified requirements.   Due to the complexity of these systems, even simple repairs like windshield replacement can be significantly more time-consuming—and expensive—with ADAS-equipped vehicles. Since calibration requirements differ by vehicle and manufacturer, proper training and equipment is crucial to helping technicians perform a proper repair.   Streamlining the Calibration Process ADAS features must be calibrated by an automotive professional. Since there are a number of advanced (read: expensive) tools required for ADAS calibrations, most auto repair shops currently send vehicles to the dealer for this service. This means more time, labor and money. On top of that, repair shops can still be held liable for improper calibrations even if they outsource the work. These risks can all be avoided by bringing ADAS calibrations in-house.   According to collision repair specialist Mike Anderson, bringing calibration repairs in-house can reduce cycle time by up to two days. It can also reduce or eliminate the need for rental cars and improve overall customer satisfaction. And if you need another reason to bring calibrations in-house, it turns out that shops are often reimbursed for ADAS calibration expenses. In the Who Pays for What? survey, published by Collision Advice and Crash Network, 87% of shops indicated they are always or almost always reimbursed for ADAS calibration charges. Depending on the type of calibration performed, that could range from $250 to over $600.   Learning Curve While bringing ADAS calibration work in-house can stabilize cash flow and ensure profitability for auto repair shops, there’s also a major learning curve involved. OEM-specified targets and other equipment is required, not to mention perfectly level floors, paint that’s nonreflective and a spacious and clean area that is free of sunlight and shadows. Even technicians’ clothing must meet certain standards to ensure effective calibration. Remember, all it takes is one degree of misalignment to cause major ADAS system failure. According to one specialist, “Properly calibrating ADAS systems is a matter not of inches but of millimeters.”   Automotive professional David Kraus describes performing a minor repair on a vehicle and then recommending ADAS calibration to follow. The shop owner disagreed, since the system itself has not been directly damaged. When the customer received his vehicle, he entered an intersection to turn left. The misaligned radar unit detected something in front of the vehicle and the ADAS instructed the vehicle to stop. It did—in the middle of the intersection. The vehicle was hit on both sides.   Aftermarket Systems Awareness of the revenue-generating potential of ADAS calibration services has led to some safety concerns. Specifically, here has been a recent rise of portable calibration services. This is performed via a collapsible device that is available for anyone to purchase for as low as $7,000. The device can be stored in the back of a truck or van and then removed to perform calibration in any location. This is an extremely dangerous concept considering the strict guidelines that must be followed for proper calibration.   It is certainly easier to purchase a mobile calibration system than to invest in a dedicated facility that meets manufacturer specifications, but the risks associated may be too great. Collision repair shops are receiving increasing requests to perform ADAS calibrations that were performed incorrectly by these aftermarket mobile operators.   Conclusion When it comes to the safety features involved in ADAS, we can’t afford to cut corners. As long as their environment and equipment meet OEM specifications and technicians receive effective training, collision repair shops should consider halting the outsourcing of ADAS calibrations. Repair shops—and customers—will benefit greatly from properly regulated in-house calibration services.