Shops offering ADAS calibrations need to meet multiple criteria, including having the right lighting, tools, and flooring.
Flat, durable floors with enough space to properly calibrate ADAS technology and the systems they support are crucial for diagnostic and calibration purposes, and will play a vital role in ensuring you’re ready to assist clients. It’s also essential to remember that static calibrations should only be performed indoors and never outside.
In this post, we’ll discuss the floor requirements you need to effectively offer ADAS calibrations, including the type of floor and the amount of floor space required for level one and two calibrations
What’s the difference between ADAS levels?
There are different levels of ADAS features, which define the amount of driving automation the system is capable of.
There are six levels in total, but most new cars in North America currently only reach level one or two features. They include the following:
- Level zero: The vehicle is manually controlled, but has autonomous emergency braking.
- Level one: Driver assisting features, with features like cruise control or lane keep assist. The systems operate independently of each other.
- Level two: Partial driving automation features, like acceleration and braking, or basic steering. These systems can operate steering, braking, and lane centering features all at once.
- Level three: Conditional automation allows the car to drive autonomously in some conditions, but the human intervention will likely be needed in many conditions.
- Level four: The car offers high automation features, allowing the vehicle to operate autonomously in most circumstances.
- Level five: The vehicle can operate independently in all conditions, with no driver needed.
It’s important to understand the difference between the levels to ensure that your shop meets the requirements to offer calibrations. Since most cars currently only have level one and two features, this post will focus on the requirements needed for their ADAS calibrations.
What type of floor do I need for ADAS calibrations?
To offer effective ADAS calibrations, your shop’s floor should meet the following criteria:
- Flat: The floor must be flat and level to ensure accurate calibrations. Many OE manufacturers require the floor level to be within +/- 10mm. If this isn’t an option, you may need to purchase an integrated alignment rack.
- Durable: The flooring you choose should be both easy to clean and resistant to potential damage.
- Non-slip: Your shop’s floor should be non-slip for the safety of your workers and to effectively test the car’s ADAS features.
Concrete, vinyl, and epoxy resin are popular floor materials for ADAS shops, but keep in mind that they must have low-gloss and non-reflective finishes.
How much floor space is needed for ADAS calibrations?
Just as you need the right type of floor, you also need enough space in your garage to ensure you can test and calibrate ADAS features.
While the exact amount of space may vary depending on the equipment you choose to use in your shop, most calibrations on standard vehicles will benefit from at least 30 by 50 feet to accommodate a vehicle, mechanics, and the best ADAS calibration equipment.
This space should be clear of potential obstructions that could impact a calibration’s accuracy, and the floor must be level according to OEM requirements for this entire space. You may need to reposition the vehicle to test and calibrate all features.
Larger vehicles may need larger spaces, depending on their calibration needs.
Consider what types of customers you’re serving. Some manufacturers may only need 25 feet by 34 feet, but others recommend 40 feet by 60 feet for optimal flexibility for larger vehicles.
What are the space requirements for ADAS dynamic calibrations?
Dynamic calibrations involve calibrating ADAS sensors and cameras while the vehicle is actually in motion, requiring the car to be driven. However, while stationary calibrations must be performed inside, dynamic calibrations are completed while driving in everyday conditions. As a result, you don’t need to worry about space or flooring requirements in your shop for dynamic calibrations.
Offering ADAS calibrations with Revv
Each vehicle has its own calibration requirements depending on its make and model, which can feel intimidating to shops newly offering ADAS calibration services. Fortunately, with the right shop set up and the right tools, Revv can make the process easier.
Our AI-powered ADAS calibration reporting can help shops identify every billable procedure automatically, helping you identify what needs to be done for each client. You can view each vehicle’s mandated OEM calibrations, procedures, and requirements in Revv’s system by looking up the VIN number. This can ensure you’re delivering every potential calibration service needed and following manufacturer requirements.
If your shop has the right set-up, then you’re ready to start offering ADAS services to your clients. And we’re ready to help you do that.
Offer full calibration services to your clients and earn more revenue. Book your demo with Revv today.
