ADAS Calibration: Why It’s Essential for Modern Vehicle Safety

Elite Garages is proud to introduce state-of-the-art ADAS calibration equipment at our Fareham, Salisbury, and Southampton branches, offering specialised services to keep your vehicle’s technology performing at its best. In this guide, you will learn all there is to know about ADAS, what it entails and why it’s important to choose a reputable garage for your services.

As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the systems designed to assist drivers and improve road safety—known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—are becoming a standard feature. Ensuring these systems operate correctly requires precise ADAS calibration, particularly after repairs, windscreen replacements, or changes to the vehicle’s structure.

What is ADAS, and Why Does It Matter?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) refer to a suite of technologies designed to enhance driving safety and convenience. These systems include features such as lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. By using cameras, radar, and sensors, ADAS helps drivers navigate roads with better precision and reduced risk of accidents.

However, for these systems to function accurately, they must be calibrated correctly. Even minor misalignments can lead to false readings, reduced safety, or failure to activate in critical moments. This is where ADAS calibration becomes essential, ensuring that the systems are accurately aligned to the vehicle’s specifications.

Recommended: How Car Safety Has Evolved Over The Years

What is included in ADAS calibration?

ADAS calibration involves ensuring all advanced vehicle safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance, are functioning correctly. The process includes realigning cameras, radar, and sensors to match the vehicle’s manufacturer specifications. This ensures these systems can “see” their surroundings accurately and respond appropriately, whether it’s detecting nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or lane markings. Essentially, it’s like fine-tuning your car’s safety features to work as intended and keep you safe on the road.

When is ADAS Calibration Needed?

Calibration is required after windscreen replacements, changes in suspension, or alignment adjustments. Any disruption to the sensors or cameras, even from minor accidents, can affect their accuracy. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

• Repairs or replacements: Any repairs or replacements to the sensors, cameras, or components of an ADAS system can affect its alignment and require recalibration.
• Windscreen replacement: As many ADAS systems rely on cameras mounted on the windscreen, any replacement of the windscreen will need recalibration to ensure proper functioning.
• Changes in vehicle structure: Significant changes to a vehicle’s structure, such as a bumper replacement or suspension adjustments, can impact the alignment of ADAS systems and require calibration.
• Routine maintenance: To ensure ongoing accuracy and safety, it is recommended to have ADAS calibration performed during routine maintenance, such as an annual service.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle needs ADAS calibration, book a car diagnostics check at Elite Garages.

How Does ADAS Calibration Work?

ADAS calibration involves using specialised equipment to adjust and verify the position of sensors and cameras. This is done by placing targets in specific locations around the vehicle, which the ADAS systems will use as reference points. The equipment then measures the readings from these targets and makes necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment.

The Importance of Professional ADAS Calibration

While some may see ADAS calibration as a simple process, it requires precision and expertise to ensure the systems are aligned correctly. This is why it’s essential to have ADAS calibration done by a trained professional with the right equipment and experience. Some reasons to choose professional ADAS service centres include:

• Specialised equipment: Professional garages have access to specialised equipment designed specifically for ADAS calibration, ensuring accurate and precise alignment.
• Trained technicians: Technicians at professional garages undergo extensive training on how to calibrate different types of ADAS systems, ensuring proper alignment for each vehicle.
• OEM standards: Professional calibration follows the same standards as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring that the systems are precisely aligned to meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

The Benefits of Properly Calibrated ADAS Systems

Enhanced Safety

Properly calibrated ADAS systems provide real-time feedback, helping drivers avoid collisions and maintain control. Features like lane-keeping assistance or forward-collision warnings rely on accurate sensor data. Poor calibration can lead to delayed or incorrect warnings, compromising safety.

Improved Efficiency

Accurate ADAS systems reduce the risk of wear and tear on the vehicle by enabling smoother driving and optimising fuel efficiency. Drivers also benefit from better handling and confidence on the road.

Long-term Cost Savings

Correctly calibrated ADAS systems can reduce the risk of accidents and associated costs, such as repairs and insurance premiums. Proper calibration also ensures the longevity of the vehicle’s ADAS components, saving on potential replacement or repair costs in the long run.

Legal Compliance

Proper ADAS calibration is not only essential for safety but also a legal requirement. In most countries, vehicles are required to undergo regular safety and emissions inspections, and this includes checking the accuracy of advanced driver assistance systems.

Maintaining Vehicle Value

As modern cars rely more on advanced technology, correctly functioning ADAS systems have become an important factor in determining a vehicle’s value. Regular calibration helps maintain these systems’ accuracy, making your vehicle more attractive to potential buyers.

Regular Car Servicing: A Key to Longevity and Safety

While ADAS calibration focuses on advanced systems, regular car servicing remains essential for the overall health of your vehicle. Routine servicing ensures that critical components, such as brakes, tyres, and engines, perform as they should. This is important because it extends your vehicle’s lifespan and boosts its resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents minor issues from turning into expensive repairs, ensuring your car runs efficiently for longer. Additionally, a well-maintained vehicle with a complete service history is more attractive to buyers, significantly enhancing its resale appeal.

Explore our car servicing packages to see how Elite Garages can support your vehicle’s needs.

How Tyres and Wheel Alignment Affect ADAS

ADAS systems depend heavily on accurate wheel alignment and quality tyres. Misaligned wheels or poor tyre conditions can compromise sensor readings, affecting systems like adaptive cruise control or emergency braking.

Wheel Alignment and ADAS

Sensors connected to ADAS systems rely on precise wheel alignment to function correctly. Misaligned wheels can distort these readings, leading to performance issues. If your ADAS isn’t recalibrated, it may misinterpret the position of your steering wheel, believing it’s turned when it’s not. This can lead to malfunctioning features, compromising your safety and that of your passengers. If you think your wheels are misaligned, book a wheel alignment at Elite Garages today!

Tyres and Traction Control

Quality tyres with the correct tread depth are crucial for ADAS-supported traction systems. At Elite Garages, we stock premium tyres from leading brands like Michelin and Continental, ensuring your vehicle is equipped for all conditions. Learn more about our wide range of economy, mid-range and premium tyres here.

Why Choose Elite Garages for ADAS Calibration?

ADAS technology is revolutionising road safety, but it relies on precise calibration to function effectively. With advanced ADAS calibration equipment now available at Elite Garages, we’re proud to support drivers with the latest tools and expertise.

Our new ADAS calibration equipment allows us to service modern vehicles with advanced technologies. These tools are crucial for adjusting and verifying that ADAS sensors and cameras are correctly positioned and functioning as intended.

We combine expertise with cutting-edge equipment to provide exceptional services for modern vehicles. Whether you need an ADAS check, tyre replacement, or a full-service package, we’re here to help. Visit our Fareham, Salisbury, or Southampton branches to experience the Elite Garages difference.

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