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As repairers know, they must be carefully calibrated after a collision repair to ensure repair accuracy and vehicle safety. However, despite the widespread implementation of ADAS, many repairers report feeling lost or confused about when calibrations are needed and how to manage them. To help clear up these concerns, OEC connected with two experts from OEM Calibration, Inc., Andy Hipwell and James Rodis, for an in-depth discussion on ADAS calibrations. Below are some highlights from their conversation.
Many repairers have performed tasks, like removing mirrors, thousands of times and feel confident completing them without consulting updated repair procedures. Unfortunately, this leads to missed ADAS calibrations, which are not always highlighted in traditional bodywork procedures. At the same time, repairers often start work on a vehicle without realizing components are involved since the ADAS information isn’t always included in the procedure. Your repairers might have to search for ‘camera’ to find the correct calibration steps. The industry needs to prioritize ADAS calibrations and establish them as a standard part of the repair process.
Why aren’t calibrations top of mind?
ADAS technology represents a newer field many collision repairers have not yet mastered. Repairers are (often) bodywork experts, not ADAS specialists. This lack of familiarity with ADAS technology usually results in overlooked calibrations. Consultants frequently must point out specific sections in the repair procedure that require calibrations, which often surprises repairers.
How many shops are properly equipped for ADAS calibrations?
One of the biggest challenges is that very few repair shops are equipped to perform ADAS calibrations properly. Most body shops and dealerships were not originally designed to support ADAS calibrations. The buildings in which they operate do not have the specifications necessary to perform these calibrations as required. Even well-meaning shops can make mistakes without the right expertise and equipment, believing they were using the correct calibration tools and processes, only to discover they were using solutions that were not approved for the repair.
Is an ADAS scan tool enough?
Unfortunately, having an ADAS scan tool is not always sufficient to identify the necessary calibrations. There’s more work to it than that, at least for now. Maybe the computer will tell us everything we need to know someday, but we’re not there yet.
What should a shop consider when doing in-house calibrations?
Shops considering in-house calibrations need to evaluate several factors: lighting conditions, empty space, and a level, non-metallic floor are all essential for performing calibrations accurately. You also need factory equipment from each OEM you work with. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you do most of your work with one OEM, you might consider in-house calibrations for that manufacturer, but you’ll likely need to outsource the rest.
Are many shops using a hybrid model where they fix and calibrate some OEMs and then outsource others?
The hybrid approach approach is more common among larger organizations with multiple locations and the resources to invest in specialized equipment.
Benefits of Outsourcing ADAS Calibrations
When should a shop consider outsourcing?
For many shops, outsourcing ADAS calibrations to specialists like OEM Calibration, Inc. is the most practical option. Outsourcing eliminates the need for expensive equipment and ongoing technician training and reduces liability for the shop. These providers handle the investment in education, equipment, and certification, allowing the shop to focus on their core work while the experts handle calibrations.
What should shops expect from a calibration provider?
When outsourcing calibrations, shops should expect comprehensive documentation and verification from their calibration provider. OEM Calibration, Inc. provides extensive reporting, including photos, PDFs, tire pressure checks, and detailed information on the calibration process. Having detailed reports can protect both the calibration provider and the repair shop from potential lawsuits and liabilities.
The Importance of Genuine OEM Procedures
Why do genuine OEM procedures matter for calibrations?
Genuine OEM procedures are essential for accurate ADAS calibrations - with other sources continuing to include outdated calibrations months after the OEM changes the requirements. Solutions with direct OEM information from TechInfo sites or RepairLogic stay current with manufacturer guidelines and are essential for accuracy. RepairLogic simplifies this process for repairers by providing easy access to up-to-date OEM repair procedures and highlighting the necessary calibrations. This helps ensure that repairers don’t miss critical steps and that ADAS systems are accurately restored to factory specifications.
What other calibration procedures have changed?
Calibration procedures are continually evolving. Certain procedures have shifted from static to dynamic calibrations, and OEMs frequently update requirements to improve success rates. Staying current with genuine OEM procedures helps ensure repairs and that calibrations are done correctly and safely the first time.
Looking Ahead
ADAS calibrations are an essential yet often overlooked component of collision repair. As ADAS systems become more prevalent, repair shops must stay informed and equipped to handle these calibrations accurately. Whether a shop performs in-house calibrations or outsources the process to calibration experts, prioritizing genuine OEM procedures and thorough documentation is critical to delivering vehicle safety and repair quality.
Meet the Experts
This article reflects the views and expertise of the third-party contributors, OEM Calibration, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of OEC.
Taylor Moss is the co-founder of RepairLogic and collision expert at Quality Collision Group, helping bring innovative solutions to single-location shops and large multi-shop operations.
Andrew Hipwell is the manager of OEM Calibration, Inc., bringing 17+ years of experience in the automotive service industry. He has first-hand knowledge of ADAS technology, having worked with a high-end manufacturer that was an early adopter of these systems.
James Rodis is the Process and Procedure Manager for OEM Calibration, Inc., with 38 years of experience in collision repair. He spent 28 years as a technician and takes pride in providing solutions that bring repairs to factory specifications.
To learn more about how RepairLogic can streamline the calibration process and help your shop access the most up-to-date OEM repair procedures, visit oeconnection.com/repairlogic.
For more information about ADAS calibrations or to request services from OEM Calibration, Inc., visit oemcalibration.com or call 402.315.5800.