Understanding ADAS Calibration: What You Need To Know

You’re driving down the road when your lane departure warning nudges you back, helping you stay safe. Or you’re reversing into a tight spot, relying on your parking sensors. These safety features, powered by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), make driving easier and safer.

But what happens when they stop working properly? A minor accident, a windshield replacement, or even normal wear and tear can throw off your ADAS calibration, making these safety features unreliable. But what exactly is ADAS calibration? In this blog, we’ll explain ADAS calibration, its importance, types, and more in detail.

Is your ADAS system acting up after a repair? Don’t take risks with your safety. JS Coachworks offers expert ADAS calibration services, ensuring your vehicle’s safety features work perfectly.

Call us on 020 8699 3488 or email us at info@jscoachworks.co.uk to schedule your ADAS calibration with JS Coachworks and confidently drive!

What Is ADAS Calibration?

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) Calibration is precisely adjusting and aligning your vehicle’s ADAS sensors, cameras, and radar systems to ensure they function correctly. Since these systems rely on accuracy, even a slight misalignment can cause serious issues.

Factors that can cause misalignment include:

• Windscreen replacement
• Collision repairs
• Suspension adjustments
• Wheel alignment changes
• General wear and tear

If your ADAS sensor calibration is off, features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking may fail to work as intended, putting you at risk.

How Do ADAS Systems Work?

Modern vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to prevent accidents and enhance driving comfort. These systems rely on:

• Radar sensors

Used in adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring

• Cameras

Essential for lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition

• Lidar sensors

Helps in collision avoidance and autonomous braking

• Ultrasonic sensors

Used in parking assist and rear cross-traffic alerts

These components gather real-time data about your surroundings and relay it to your vehicle’s computer system, allowing for precise adjustments in speed, braking, and steering.

However, if these ADAS sensors are misaligned due to repairs or impact, they may provide false warnings or fail to detect hazards. ADAS calibration is essential after any accident or major vehicle repair.

Also Read: Common Car Repair Mistakes To Avoid

Types Of ADAS Systems That Require Calibration

Not all ADAS systems require calibration, but the most critical ones do. Here are the key ADAS features that rely on precise calibration services:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

• Uses radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
• Requires ADAS radar calibration if the sensors are moved or replaced.

2. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

• Uses camera calibration to track road markings.
• Needs ADAS calibration if the windshield is replaced, or the camera is adjusted.

3. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) & Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Relies on radar and lidar sensors to detect obstacles.
• Requires ADAS sensor calibration after any accident or front-end repair.

4. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)

• Uses side and rear sensors to detect approaching vehicles.
• The car needs ADAS calibration if the bumper or side mirrors are repaired.

5. Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

• Uses a camera-based system to read road signs.
• Requires ADAS camera calibration after a windshield replacement.

Importance Of Correct ADAS Calibration

Driving with a misaligned ADAS system can lead to:

• False alarms

Your ADAS sensors might trigger warnings unnecessarily.

• System failures

Safety features like automatic braking may not activate when needed.

• Compromised safety

Incorrect readings can lead to accidents.

When Should You Get ADAS Calibration?

You should schedule an ADAS calibration if you:

• Have recently replaced your windshield.
• Have been in an accident (even a minor one).
• Have had suspension or wheel alignment work done.
• Notice that your ADAS features are not working correctly.

Static Vs. Dynamic ADAS Calibration

There are two main types of ADAS calibration services:

1. Static ADAS Calibration

• Performs in a controlled environment (e.g., our workshop).
• Uses specialised tools and targets to adjust the ADAS sensors.
• Required for camera-based ADAS systems (e.g., lane departure warning).

2. Dynamic ADAS Calibration

• Requires driving the vehicle at specific speeds and conditions.
• Uses real-world road data to calibrate ADAS sensors.
• Needed for radar-based ADAS features (e.g., adaptive cruise control).

Depending on your vehicle model, you may require one or both types of ADAS calibration to ensure complete system accuracy.

Also Read: SMART Car Repair In London

Book Your ADAS Calibration Today With JS Coachworks!

Driving with a misaligned ADAS system can put you and others at risk. Whether you’ve had a windshield replacement, an accident, or routine maintenance, getting an ADAS calibration ensures your advanced driver assistance systems function flawlessly.

At JS Coachworks, we bring over 50 years of expertise in vehicle repairs and ADAS calibration services. Our highly trained technicians are Thatcham-approved and certified to calibrate all ADAS sensors using the latest manufacturer-approved calibration tools. We work with all major vehicle makes and models, ensuring precise ADAS sensor alignment for features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Don’t compromise on safety—book your calibration today! Get in touch with us by calling us on 020 8699 3488 or emailing us at info@jscoachworks.co.uk to keep you safe on the road!

FAQs

1. How often should ADAS calibration be performed?

ADAS calibration should be performed whenever a change could affect sensor alignment. This includes after a windshield replacement, accident repair, wheel alignment, or suspension adjustment. Even minor impacts can misalign ADAS sensors, making recalibration essential for safety.

2. How long does ADAS calibration take?

The time required for ADAS calibration services depends on the type of calibration needed. Static ADAS calibration can take a few hours, requiring precise adjustments in a controlled environment. Dynamic ADAS calibration may take longer as it involves road testing at specific speeds.

3. Can I drive my car if the ADAS system is misaligned?

No, you should not drive with a misaligned ADAS system. It can be dangerous, as safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking may not work correctly. A misaligned system can fail to detect hazards or trigger false warnings, increasing the risk of accidents. If you suspect your ADAS sensor calibration is off, JS Coachworks strongly advises booking a professional recalibration immediately.