How ADAS is Shaping the Collision Industry

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have emerged as both a game-changer and a challenge for collision repair shops. What started as premium features in luxury vehicles has rapidly become standard equipment in nearly every car rolling off assembly lines. For shop owners and technicians, this evolution represents both an opportunity and a critical responsibility.

In this post, we’ll discuss how the increase of vehicles with ADAS features and customer expectation of ADAS calibration services is impacting the collision industry overall— and what you can do to adapt. 

Increased number of vehicles with ADAS features 

According to recent industry data, 10 out of 14 major ADAS features now exceed 50% market penetration in new vehicles. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems have achieved near-universal adoption with 94% penetration in 2023 models.

The shift has been dramatic. Back in 2015, basic features like Forward Collision Warning appeared in just 12.8% of new vehicles. Now, we're looking at nearly 100 million ADAS-equipped vehicles on U.S. roads alone. 

The cost impact of ADAS on repair shops 

For collision repair shops, ADAS technology presents not only technical challenges but significant cost implications as well. According to industry experts, repair costs for ADAS-equipped vehicles can be substantially higher than for conventional vehicles—sometimes twice as expensive for even minor collisions.

Several factors contribute to these increased costs:

• Complex replacement parts: ADAS components like sensors, cameras, and radar units are expensive to replace and often located in vulnerable areas most likely to be damaged in collisions, such as bumpers and windshields.
• Specialized labor: Technicians must have proper training and certification to work on these sophisticated systems, commanding higher labor rates than traditional body work.
• Extended repair times: The additional steps required for testing, calibration, and verification extend the overall repair time, increasing labor costs and potentially rental car expenses for customers.
• Calibration equipment: The specialized equipment needed for proper ADAS calibration represents a significant investment for repair shops—costs that are ultimately passed on to customers and insurance companies.

These increased costs are already affecting the industry broadly. Insurance companies are adapting their policies and premiums to account for higher repair costs on ADAS-equipped vehicles. Some vehicles with moderate damage may be more likely to be declared total losses due to the prohibitive cost of proper ADAS repairs and calibration.

The high stakes of incorrect calibration 

The consequences of missed or improper calibrations extend far beyond customer dissatisfaction, and include the following: 

• Safety risks: Misaligned sensors can lead to delayed or failed warnings. Imagine a forward collision warning that activates too late because its camera wasn't properly calibrated after a windshield replacement.
• Legal liability: Shops are increasingly being held accountable for ensuring ADAS systems function correctly after repairs. A missed calibration that contributes to an accident could result in significant liability issues.
• Customer comebacks: Industry data shows up to 75% comeback ratio with cars that have ADAS systems. Customers notice when their vehicles aren't behaving as expected, leading to lost time, money, and reputation for shops.

How shops have already begun offering in ADAS services

Leading collision repair centers are approaching ADAS calibration as an essential part of their business model:

• Investing in equipment and training: The most successful shops are making significant investments in calibration equipment and ongoing training for technicians. This investment is substantial but necessary—proper OEM ADAS calibration equipment can cost between $250,000 to $300,000.
• Implementing standardized processes: By creating consistent workflows for identifying, documenting, and performing ADAS calibrations, shops can minimize oversights. This includes integrating ADAS diagnostics directly into the initial damage assessment process.
• Leveraging technology solutions: Advanced diagnostic tools and AI-powered platforms are helping shops quickly identify calibration requirements without spending hours researching manufacturer specifications. Some solutions can reduce diagnosis time from 60 minutes to just seconds per vehicle, and platforms like Revv can ensure that you’re identifying all calibration requirements and billable procedure for each unique vehicle. 
• Documenting everything: Comprehensive documentation of all calibration procedures provides protection for both shops and customers while building trust in the repair process. Proper documentation is also essential for insurance reimbursement and liability protection.

What triggers the need for ADAS calibrations? 

Shop owners and technicians need to understand what types of repairs require ADAS calibration. Many common procedures and collision incidents— even minor ones— can necessitate recalibration. These include:

• Windshield replacements or repairs.
• Wheel alignments.
• Body repairs.
• Battery disconnections.
• Steering angle sensor resets. 
• Suspension work.
• Even minor accidents. 

As a result, your shop will almost certainly need to have the option to perform calibration services. Clients won’t want to bring their vehicle to you to have a wheel alignment, for example, if they then have to go to another service center for calibration afterwards. 

How to adapt to evolving ADAS requirements 

As ADAS technology continues to evolve, collision repair shops must adapt to remain competitive and ensure customer safety. Here's what's required:

• Continuous education: Stay current with evolving manufacturer requirements and calibration procedures. With over 500,000 unique ADAS procedure combinations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge is essential, so train your staff on how to offer ADAS services and how to check for them. .
• Investment in technology: From calibration equipment to AI-powered diagnostic software, the right tools make all the difference in accurately identifying necessary procedures. Revv can help you here. 
• Process improvement: Implement systematic approaches to identify and document calibration needs for every vehicle. Automation can reduce the time required to diagnose ADAS calibration needs from 60 minutes to just seconds.
• Clear communication: Educate customers about the importance of proper ADAS calibration and its role in vehicle safety. Providing quotes that include ADAS calibrations upfront can be an important part of this process. 

Looking ahead: The future of ADAS for collision and repair shops 

ADAS features are here to stay, and we’re likely only going to continue to see more vehicles with more advanced technology over time. Auto shops and mechanics need to have the training and tools needed to offer calibration services to their customers. 

For many shops, the decision will come down to whether to bring ADAS calibration in-house or partner with specialized calibration centers. Both approaches can be viable depending on your business model, volume, and available resources. What's not optional is addressing ADAS calibration needs in every repair, and it’s clear that there are exceptional profit margins for shops who do offer ADAS services. 

The ADAS revolution is here to stay. For collision repair professionals, the question isn't whether to adapt, but how quickly you can position your business to thrive. 

You can learn more about how to get started offering ADAS services today.