Advanced Technology for Expert ADAS Calibration Services
When you become a Sensi Partner, you gain access to exclusive benefits designed to enhance your operational efficiency, increase your profitability, and elevate your service offerings.
We honor the hard work and dedication of our partners. That’s why we created this program to provide an extra level of hands-on service that will support your growth and help you stand out in the competitive auto repair industry.
ADAS calibration is a precise process that ensures the functionality and accuracy of a vehicle's ADAS components. It involves physically aligning, testing, and electronically aiming the sensors and cameras that are the "eyes and ears" of ADAS.
While the term ADAS is still emerging and being embraced more commonly in the automotive industry, the roots of today's ADAS systems really began with the introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) in the 1970s.
Other early ADAS systems include electronic stability control, blind spot information systems, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and traction control. These early systems' success in preventing accidents and reducing vehicle-related deaths led to the evolution of the ADAS we see today.
Base models are increasingly featuring the most common ADAS features, but there can also be a wide range of ADAS features and capabilities.
The Society of Automotive Excellence has defined ADAS capabilities in a range of 0-6.
SAE Definition of ADAS Levels: ● Level 0: No driving automation. ● Level 1: Driver assistance, such as cruise control. ● Level 2: Partial driving automation, where the driver is still in control, but the system can help with steering and braking/accelerating. ● Level 3: Conditional driving automation, where the system can take over driving in specific situations but may require intervention in severe conditions. ● Level 4: High driving automation, where the vehicle can monitor its environment and handle driving functions for routine routes and conditions. The vehicle may alert the driver if it reaches its limits and can automatically secure itself if the driver doesn't respond. Level 4 vehicles may not have a steering wheel or pedals because a human driver isn't needed. ● Level 5: Full driving automation, where the vehicle is fully autonomous and doesn't require a driver at all.
The best way to illustrate the variety of systems is to demonstrate the types of sensors and what ADAS systems they impact. Steering Angle Sensors, front-facing cameras, forward-facing radar, and rear-facing radar are the most common sensors found in the American fleet.
The specific ADAS systems they control vary by manufacturer. Some manufacturers have systems that rely on data from multiple sensors to provide precise instructions to the ADAS systems.
● ADAS Systems that use data from Steering Angle Sensors: Adaptive headlights (Curve Adaptive headlights), Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist ● ADAS Systems that use data from Front Facing Cameras: Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB, Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist ● ADAS Systems that use data from Forward Radar Sensors: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning ● ADAS Systems that use data from Rear Radar Sensors: Blind spot warning (BSW), Rear cross traffic alert, Rear automatic emergency braking (Rear AEB)
ADAS calibration must adhere to the strict OEM standards set for each car. These standards ensure that each sensor is positioned and calibrated to provide accurate readings, which is critical for the safety features to function correctly.
Even a minor misalignment can significantly impact the system's effectiveness, highlighting the need for precise calibration.
ADAS Calibration Technology & Your Shop
Yes, there are three types of calibration services: Static, Dynamic, and some vehicles require both.
The specific type needed is dictated by the OEM repair procedures for each vehicle. Understanding these different types allows your shop to provide comprehensive service and meet manufacturer standards:
1. Static Calibration: Performed in a controlled environment with specific lighting and space requirements. 2. Dynamic Calibration: Involves driving the vehicle under specific conditions while connected to diagnostic equipment. 3. Combined Calibration: Some vehicles require both static and dynamic calibration.
Static calibration is a process that uses specialized tools and equipment to calibrate a vehicle's cameras and sensors while the vehicle is stationary. Cameras and sensors can become misaligned after a collision, auto glass replacement, or wheel alignment. If they're not recalibrated, they may not function properly, which can put drivers at risk of their vehicle's safety systems failing.
Proper floor level, lighting, and space requirements are incredibly important for proper static calibrations. They MUST be performed in an environment that meets the strict requirements of the vehicle manufacturer.
Static calibration involves:
1. Positioning the vehicle in a specific orientation 2. Establishing the vehicle's thrust line and correcting alignment if necessary. 3. Using a scan tool and target system to calibrate the cameras and sensors
This process involves driving a vehicle while connected to a hand-held scan tool connected to the vehicle's onboard computer. The technician drives the vehicle at a manufacturer-specified speed over a set distance in clear weather with visible lane markers.
The vehicle's sensors and cameras detect their surroundings and learn to react to road conditions, such as adjusting themselves electronically or sending signals to the technician. The technician then uses specialized equipment to simulate scenarios and collect data to adjust the ADAS systems.
This process can take anywhere from one to three hours, in some cases requiring two technicians, and is necessary to ensure the ADAS systems are working correctly and accurately for driver safety.
ADAS calibration should be integrated into your repair workflow, especially after certain services or repairs that can affect sensor alignment. This includes collision repairs, windshield replacements, suspension work, and even minor impacts to side-view mirrors.
By incorporating ADAS calibration checks into your standard procedures, you ensure that every vehicle leaving your shop is safe and fully functional.
There are various causes that can lead to the need to calibrate an ADAS system. The most common causes are windshield replacement, collision repair, and automotive repairs.
The OEM repair procedures for each manufacturer provide specific instructions on when a calibration is required based on the scope of work and repairs that can affect the calibration of each car's ADAS systems.
Minor impacts to side view mirrors, vehicle alignment, changes in ride height, suspension work, changes in tire size, and the removal of a bumper or fender are just a few of the examples that impact ADAS calibration.
Other signs that an ADAS system may need calibration include:
● The sensors activate too early or too late. ● The sensors don't detect nearby objects accurately. ● The sensors provide incorrect warnings. ● The steering feels difficult. ● There are braking or steering corrections under normal driving conditions.
ADAS systems will not always trigger a check engine light or cause an FTC (Fault Trouble Code). The best practice is to follow the OEM recommendations for calibration based on the repair procedures outlined by each manufacturer.
Onboard computer systems in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today cannot detect the proper alignment and positioning of cameras and sensors. For this reason, the onboard computer cannot detect an issue of misalignment or aim. Relying solely on dashboard warnings or FTCs is an inaccurate and potentially dangerous practice.
An alignment is usually needed before calibrating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in a vehicle. If the vehicle isn't aligned correctly, the ADAS systems probably won't work as designed.
A vehicle's alignment can directly affect the performance of ADAS features, especially lane keep assist and collision braking. For example, a backup camera that's out of alignment may cause improper performance. If a camera or radar system is off by even half a degree, it can cause the system to see things that aren't there and not see things that are.
Offering ADAS calibration services can:
1. Increase your shop's service offerings and revenue streams 2. Enhance your reputation as a comprehensive, tech-forward repair facility 3. Improve customer satisfaction by providing complete, safety-focused repairs 4. Ensure car safety systems are properly functioning post-repair
Failing to properly calibrate ADAS systems can lead to:
1. Malfunctioning safety features, potentially putting drivers at risk 2. Customer dissatisfaction and potential loss of business 3. Damage to a shop's reputation for quality and safety
Why Sensi?
ADAS calibration is a precise process that requires specialized tools, experience, and skills to ensure the system is recalibrated to the manufacturer's standards. Sensi is a first-in-class ADAS Calibration and Diagnostics company.
Our facility meets or exceeds the most stringent standards, our team is experienced and invested in ongoing training and development, and we are equipped with the latest and most advanced ADAS calibration tools and software in the industry.
We offer a seamless integration process:
● Easy scheduling through our online platform or phone ● Convenient pickup and delivery service ● Fast turnaround times to minimize disruption to your workflow ● Comprehensive documentation and reporting for your records and customer transparency
We stand out with...
● State-of-the-art equipment and technology ● Highly trained and certified technicians ● Commitment to OEM standards and procedures ● Comprehensive reporting and documentation ● Fast, convenient service with pickup and delivery options ● A partnership approach focused on your shop's success
Get a serious financial advantage with quarterly rebates on all ADAS calibration services.
This program offsets insurance company limitations on service markups, providing an additional, reliable revenue stream and greater financial stability.
Gain a competitive edge with expedited service. You’ll jump to the front of the queue and benefit from faster turnaround times on all ADAS calibrations, which is crucial for maintaining your workflow efficiency and customer satisfaction.
This priority treatment helps you meet tight deadlines and manage your service schedules more effectively, enhancing your reputation for prompt and reliable service.
Maximize convenience with our priority pick-up and delivery service. We handle the transportation logistics, providing a seamless and efficient process tailored to your needs.
This service is fully licensed and insured with stringent background checks on all drivers, providing a secure and trustworthy solution that saves you time and optimizes operations.
Transform your calibration process with ADAS Map or ADAS Think Software—exclusive to Sensi Certified Partners. We’ll help you choose the best application for your needs. Upload repair order PDFs into the portal and quickly identify vehicles requiring calibration.
Simplify your workflow, save valuable time, and guarantee precision in every ADAS service you offer.
Any service listed on a Sensi work order will be covered by insurance, and in the unlikely event that it isn’t, you won’t be responsible for payment.
This benefit eliminates the need for time-consuming estimates, provides peace of mind, and streamlines your operations. We will need to communicate directly with your insurance adjustor to ensure clarity and efficiency in all transactions.
This digital solution provides all the tools you need for effective business management. Track and forecast your rebates, monitor year-to-date activity, and manage your order history, documentation, and billing all in one place.
We’re continuously making this platform better, and we plan to add new features like real-time vehicle status updates soon.
As a Sensi Certified Partner, we’ll advertise your location and boost your brand recognition. You’ll receive the Sensi Seal and access customer-focused marketing materials that highlight the importance of ADAS calibration.
These help build customer trust and differentiate your business in the market.
Get a serious financial advantage with quarterly rebates on all ADAS calibration services.
This program offsets insurance company limitations on service markups, providing an additional, reliable revenue stream and greater financial stability.
Become a Sensi Partner. Let us be your advantage in the shifting landscape of auto technology. Stay competitive without the hassle.
