ADAS CALIBRATION

Types of ADAS Calibration

Static ADAS Calibration

The majority of vehicles start with static calibration. 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

Static ADAS Calibration Equipment

Several pieces of calibration equipment are also needed to perform ADAS static calibrations, including the following:

An ADAS scan tool — most OEMs require a diagnostic tool to access and initiate electronic scan and calibration procedures.
An alignment rack — while all static ADAS calibrations require a flat, level surface, some OEMs go above, requiring the use of an alignment rack.
ADAS calibration tool — tool requirements vary by OEM, but they all have the purpose of holding up targets a precise, calculated, and measured distance from the vehicle, and are able to stay in place and hold targets in place.
Aiming targets — Some vehicles use one target, while others use multiple targets. Many targets look like enlarged black and white patterns, while radar aiming targets can be metal pyramid shapes, reflective metal plates, or an electronic Doppler box.
Measuring tapes — or laser measuring devices are a must. Precise measurements are taken from the ADAS tool to the targets and more.

Note: Depending on a vehicle’s age, make, and model, some static calibration procedures for forward-facing sensors will require manual adjustments. However, final adjustments occur during calibration and will be performed by the ADAS module itself, electronically

Dynamic ADAS Calibration

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. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at certain speeds and conditions, while connected to an ADAS scan tool — but it’s far from a test drive. 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.

Note: Dynamic calibration may require two technicians. One ADAS tech safely drives the vehicle while the other operates the scan tool.

4 Examples of ADAS Sensors to Calibrate

Steering Angle Sensors

Steering angle sensors tell what direction the steering wheel is being turned. Setting your steering angle sensor is key to getting an accurate zero-point calibration. Some systems self-calibrate, some require re-calibration using a scan tool, and some require additional procedures. Typical calibration requirements include setting the wheels straight forward and using a scan tool to zero out the steering angle.

ADAS systems that use input from steering angle sensors:

Adaptive headlights (Curve-adaptive headlights)
Blind spot detection
Lane departure warning (LDW)
Lane keeping assist (LKA)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Collision Avoidance System
Adaptive Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection

Calibration of steering angle sensors is typically needed after:

Wheel alignment
Steering/suspension repair
Structural repair
Airbag deployment

Front Facing Camera Sensors

Mostly found mounted to the inside of a car’s windshield, near the rearview mirror, front-facing ADAS cameras detect cars, pedestrians, and obstructions in your vehicle’s forward view. Most OEMs use one forward-facing camera, while others, like Subaru, use two for better depth perception. Front-facing camera sensors gauge distance to forward objects, detect and watch lane markings, identify traffic signs (though some systems use a dedicated camera), and sense light levels.

ADAS systems that often use data from front-facing camera sensors include:

Calibration of front-facing camera sensors is needed after:

Airbag deployment
Windshield replacement
Vehicle alignment
Change in suspension
Many collision repair events, especially repair work involving more than cosmetic panel distortion

Forward Radar Sensors

Forward radar sensors are often located in a vehicle’s front bumper or grille. These sensors monitor the distance to forward objects and control the following distance. Some vehicles have a front radar system, some use cameras, and some use both, offering a system with an additional check and balance.

Calibration of forward radar sensors can be static, dynamic, or both. Static calibration includes aiming at metal reflector sheets or metal pyramid-shaped targets. It also requires a shop free of other reflective surfaces.

ADAS systems that often use forward radar sensor data:

Forward ADAS radar calibration is needed after certain circumstances:

Removal of the front bumper or grille
Front end structural repairs

Rear Radar Sensors

Located in a vehicle’s rear corners, behind the bumper cover, rear radar sensors, also need calibration. These shorter-range sensors are able to monitor the distance to approaching objects from the vehicle’s rear and sides.

Just like forward radars, the calibration of rear ADAS radar sensors is static, dynamic, or both. Depending on the OEM model, and model year, there are many different procedures for calibrating rear radar sensors, all requiring a software tool, measuring devices, and other equipment. To perform static calibration, a calibration mat, corner reflector, or laser tool may be needed.

ADAS systems that use rear radar sensors:

Rear radar sensors need calibration when:

Sensor or sensor bracket is replaced
Damage to mounting locations
Rear bumper removed or replaced
Structural body repairs at the rear of the vehicle

ADAS Reminders

1. ADAS calibration is vehicle-specific. Each make and model requires different OEM calibration preparations and instructions.

2. Not all ADAS sensors are even meant to be calibrated. Sonar/ultrasonic parking sensors, for example, don’t always require calibration. However, because they are embedded in the bumper, you may be required to replace a damaged bumper with OEM parts. This can mean pricier repairs for consumers.

3. ADAS calibration takes time. The average calibration time is 1.7 hours, with 6 hours max and 1 hour minimum, according to a 2018 IIHS investigation.

4. Many vehicles require both a pre-scan prior to repairs and a post-repair diagnostic scan.

5. Some OEMs, like Nissan, require an alignment rack for their ADAS calibration procedures. This means that mobile ADAS calibration services won’t work for Nissan vehicles.