What ADAS includes
- Forward-facing cameras behind the windshield.
- Radar units behind bumper covers and grilles.
- Blind-spot monitoring sensors in rear bumpers.
- Parking sensors and surround-view cameras.
- Lane-keeping, adaptive cruise and automatic emergency braking systems that depend on all of the above.
Why calibration isn't optional
These systems make decisions — when to brake, when to warn, when to steer. A sensor that is off by a small angle can misjudge distance at highway speed. Manufacturers publish calibration requirements that specify when calibration is required after a repair, and a repair isn't finished until those requirements are met.
If a shop replaced your bumper or windshield and never mentioned calibration, ask why.
Static and dynamic calibration
Some vehicles require a static calibration using targets in a controlled environment. Others require a dynamic calibration performed by driving under specific conditions. Many require both. We follow the procedure the manufacturer specifies for your vehicle and document it.
Common Questions
Why does ADAS calibration matter after a collision?
Because cameras and radar are aimed with tight tolerances. After a repair that disturbs their mounting location or the vehicle's ride height and alignment, they may report inaccurate information to systems that control braking and steering. Manufacturers specify when calibration is required, and skipping it can leave a safety system operating incorrectly.
Will my insurance pay for calibration?
Calibration is generally a documented, necessary repair operation when the manufacturer requires it. We document the requirement and include it in the estimate or supplement submitted to the insurance company.