What is ADAS Calibration?

ADAS calibration (and recalibration) is the precise physical alignment, testing, and electronic aiming of sensors used with forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), and automatic emergency braking (AEB).

Calibration gives sensors their position in relation to the vehicle. Most ADAS sensors require precise aiming. A sensor on the car that is out of alignment by a fraction of an inch or even one degree will be aimed at an area significantly off-axis 50 or more feet down the road. Likewise, according to IIHS Advisory 43, a change of as little as .6 degrees would cut the reaction time of your car in half.

ADAS sensors are professionally set in their factory standard positions in a brand new vehicle. All sensors point in the same, precise place. But, throughout a vehicle’s life, things happen that cause sensors to come out of alignment — collisions, minor fender benders, and adjacent repairs or parts replacement. For example, vehicles with a windshield-mounted forward ADAS camera will require calibration after windshield replacement.

How do I know I need ADAS calibration if my car doesn’t have any lights or warnings on the dash?

Unfortunately, ADAS sensors don’t all have self-diagnostic capabilities to tell the driver when they are out of calibration. Automotive professionals need to know and follow OEM standards regarding ADAS calibration to function a vehicle’s ADAS systems properly. Newer vehicles require a static calibration after windshield replacement or even headliners removed due to many variables in how much we depend on these cameras for safety. They are easily miss-aligned during any kind of repair or replacement.

What kind of calibration is right for my car?

Some vehicles require just a dynamic calibration. On the other hand, many require static calibration and include dynamic calibration as the final step in the ADAS calibration process. Dent Vision’s state-of-the-art ADAS scan tools and knowledgeable staff will determine the correct calibration for your vehicle.

Static ADAS calibration takes place in a controlled environment while the car is stationary. ADAS static calibration uses special tools in a specially rendered environment to precisely set sensor angles. 

Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at certain speeds and conditions while connected to an ADAS scan tool. While the dynamic calibration process varies by OEM, specific parameters are needed. Examples include driving on clearly marked roads, following one or more vehicles, avoiding curved roads, and driving at designated speeds.