Want to offer ADAS calibrations and don't know where to start? Start here
More vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are hitting the roads each year, presenting an invaluable opportunity to mechanics and shop owners. Many vehicles with ADAS technology need calibrations regularly, including after accidents or even minor repairs.
As a result, auto shops can either start offering ADAS calibrations and generating significantly more profit, or risking losing customers to other shops that do.
In this post, we’re going to go over everything you need to start offering ADAS calibrations so you can begin the process now.
What does an ADAS calibration involve?
ADAS calibration is a precise process that ensures that a vehicle’s sensors and cameras are properly calibrated and aligned to ensure that they’re working correctly.
Technicians perform ADAS calibrations in two distinct ways.
Static calibration happens in a controlled shop environment, requiring precise conditions like perfectly level floors, carefully controlled lighting, and ample space for positioning specialized targets.
Dynamic calibration takes a different approach, occurring on the road while driving under specific conditions that allow the vehicle's systems to self-calibrate using real-world reference points like lane markings and surrounding objects.
And for shops, there are a few key things to note:
- Shops typically charge between $300-600 per calibration, depending on their own internal pricing structures, location, and vehicle makes and models serviced.
- Calibrations may take as little as 30 minutes up to a few hours to complete, on average.
- Many vehicles typically need multiple calibrations.
- Even minor repairs like a windshield replacement or wheel alignment could require calibration services.
ADAS training and certification
For auto shops looking to offer ADAS calibration services, proper training and certification aren't just good business practices – they're essential for safety and liability protection. Here's what you need to know about getting your shop and technicians properly certified.
While there's no single national certification requirement for ADAS calibration, several organizations offer recognized certifications that shops can consider.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
These certifications and tests are highly regarded, and include:
- ADAS Specialist Test (L4)
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Calibration Technician Certification
- Must be renewed every five years
- Requires documented work experience
Equipment Manufacturer and Vehicle Manufacturer Certifications
There are certifications available both through equipment manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers. They each provide extensive training on specific equipment or vehicles and their required ADAS procedures.
In many cases, these certifications or training programs may be required to accept warranty work, and may have ongoing education requirements.
Check your ADAS equipment and the vehicles you service to determine what training and certifications may be required.
What you need to start offering ADAS calibrations
When offering ADAS calibrations, you’ll need to ensure that your shop meets certain requirements, that you have the right tools and equipment, and that you have software to ensure you’re following all necessary procedure and identifying essential calibrations.
Let’s discuss each.
Shop requirements
Auto shops offering ADAS calibration services must meet the following criteria:
- Floor: The floor must be level according to OEM-requirements, and ideally should be both durable and non-slip for safety.
- Space: Ideally, you should have at least 30x50 feet of floor space to ensure enough room for the vehicle, properly-spaced calibration targets, and room for your technicians to work.
- Lighting: The room must be well-lit and evenly lit to ensure accurate calibrations.
- Internet: You need high speed internet to run cloud-based diagnostics and review essential OEM requirements and procedure instructions.
Tools and equipment
There are multiple tools and equipment that you’ll need to offer ADAS calibrations, including:
- Calibration targets: Reflective panels, pattern boards, and more that are used to calibrate sensors and cameras during static calibrations. These are often OEM- or manufacturer-specific.
- ADAS frames and stands: These stands hold targets in place for accurate calibrations.
- Diagnostic scanners: Used to interpret each vehicle’s electronic systems to assess fault codes and troubleshoot issues.
- Measurement tools: Ensure that your targets are placed correctly with measurement tools, including laser distance meters.
- Calibration systems: There are distinct calibration systems for each type of camera and sensor to ensure proper calibration.
Keep in mind that each make and model may have its own unique requirements. This is particularly important to consider when it comes to calibration targets, as there are unique targets for different makes and potentially models. Check to ensure you have all the equipment needed for your commonly-serviced vehicles.
Learn more about essential ADAS equipment you may need. .
ADAS calibration software
Each make and model has its own unique OEM-specific required procedures and processes. This can be impossible for shops to track on their own, but ADAS calibration software like Revv can help.
Use Revv to look up each vehicle’s VIN, and get instant access to the OEM calibration requirements and procedures. This will help you ensure that you not only are accurately calibrating each vehicle, but also that you’re identifying every potential billable procedure.
Learn more about how Revv works here.
ADAS calibration pricing essentials
As we already mentioned, many shops may charge $300-600 per calibration, but this depends on multiple factors:
- Type of calibration: Different types of calibrations cost more than others. Dynamic calibrations, for example, typically take longer than static calibrations and may cost more as a result. Consider the equipment and time needed for each procedure.
- Number of calibrations needed: In many cases, multiple calibrations may be needed at once following an accident or repair. Some shops may offer “bundled deals” for multiple calibrations.
- Shop location: Your shop’s location— which determines cost of living— will impact how much you charge. Shops in higher costs of living locations, for example, may pay workers higher wages, have more expensive overhead costs, and have higher business taxes.
- Types of vehicles serviced: Some shops may charge more based on the types of vehicles they service. Shops regularly servicing Honda civics, for example, may charge slightly less than those servicing Benz clients due to the associated costs of repairs.
- Shop size: Larger, franchised shops may charge more to help cover overhead, while smaller shops often offer more competitive pricing.
Maximize ADAS calibrations and revenue with Revv
ADAS calibrations are a huge income driver for auto shops, and it’s a competitive differentiator. If you don’t start offering these services, customers will undeniably start turning to other shops— especially since even minor repairs like windshield replacements or wheel alignments trigger the need for ADAS calibrations.
While it is an upfront cost to modify your shop, purchase the equipment, and get your team fully certified and trained, it’s a worthwhile investment— especially with the right tools.
RevvHQ has been helping clients offer ADAS calibration services and increase their total number of repairs and profits. We help Essential Auto process over 300 ADAS repairs a month, for example, and we helped a new ADAS Service Center grow their business.
There’s significant profit in the ADAS calibration market for auto-shops, and it’s waiting for you to snag your share of it.
If you’re ready to offer ADAS calibrations to your clients, we’re ready to help. Get your free demo today.
