The rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has transformed vehicles into sophisticated machines that are designed to keep drivers safer than ever before.
ADAS features—lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring—rely on highly sensitive cameras, sensors and radar systems.
These technologies are lifesaving when they function correctly-but therein lies the problem.
Despite their importance, ADAS calibrations are frequently missed during collision repairs.
This oversight can leave vehicles on the road with improperly functioning safety systems, creating a hidden danger for drivers and others.
5 reasons collision centers miss ADAS calibrations
why are these calibrations so often missed? The answer lies in a mix of technical challenges, procedural gaps, and industry pressures.
Reason 1: They are a complex and evolving technology
ADAS area relatively new addition to most vehicles, and the complex array of systems that make them work has created challenges for collision repair centers.
ADAS sensors and cameras are meticulously positioned on a vehicle. Something as minor as a fender bender or windshield replacement can throw these systems out of alignment. Recalibrating ADAS requires specialized knowledge, precise equipment, and adherence to strict manufacturer specifications.
However, not all repair shops are equipped to handle these demands. Many collision centers are still catching up, as staying current with the technology requires significant investment in both tools and training. Shops without proper calibration equipment may rely on third-party services or skip the process altogether if they're unaware of the need for recalibration.
Reason 2: A lack of awareness or training
Another reason ADAS calibrations are missed is simply a lack of awareness.
A majority of collision repair technicians were trained before ADAS became widespread in the 2010s. Some may not realize how easily these systems can be thrown off during repairs.
For instance, replacing a bumper or aligning a wheel may seem routine, but even minor adjustments can disrupt a vehicle’s ADAS function. Without ongoing training, technicians may not fully understand how their repairs impact these systems or even recognize when calibrations are necessary.
Additionally, some repair shops may rely on outdated processes or assume that a vehicle's onboard systems will alert them to issues. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. ADAS may appear functional even when it's misaligned, leaving repair technicians and drivers alike with a false sense of security.
Reason 3: time and cost pressures
The collision repair industry is driven by fast pacing and tight timelines. Insurance companies, repair centers, and customers all want vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible. ADAS calibrations, however, aren’t something that can be rushed.. Static calibrations, for example, involve placing the vehicle in a controlled environment with targets and patterns, while dynamic calibrations require driving the vehicle to recalibrate systems while on the road.
This additional time can be hard to justify in a repair shop operating on thin margins. Furthermore, calibrations often come with added costs for equipment or third-party services. In some cases, repair shops may feel pressured to prioritize speed and cost savings over thoroughness, leading to skipped calibrations.
Reason 4: Poor Communication in the Repair Process
ADAS calibrations can also fall through the cracks due to poor communication between repair centers, insurers, and customers. Insurance adjusters may not fully understand or approve the calibration process, viewing it as an unnecessary expense. Meanwhile, customers may not be informed about the importance of ADAS recalibration and may decline the additional service due to cost of concerns.
Without a standardized process for flagging vehicles requiring ADAS calibration, it's easy for the need to go unnoticed during a typical repair workflow. Some shops may not even have a system in place to document whether calibration was performed or whether it was necessary.
Reason 5: Misunderstanding the consequences of missed calibrations
In many cases, calibrations might be overlooked simply due to not realizing the gravity of the situation.. Misaligned sensors or cameras can lead to incorrect or delayed warnings, rendering features like automatic emergency ineffective. Imagine a vehicle's forward collision warning failing to activate in time because its sensors were misaligned, a seemingly small oversight could result in a catastrophic accident.
For repair shops, the stakes are also high. Missed ADAS calibrations can lead to liability issues if a vehicle is involved in an accident post-repair. With growing awareness around these systems, customers are becoming more informed and may demand accountability when safety features don’t perform as expected.
Moving toward a solution
The growing prevalence of ADAS means collision repair centers must evolve to meet the demands of modern vehicles.Here are some key steps to address the issue:
Training and certification
Repair technicians need continuous training to stay up to date on ADAS technologies Industry certifications focused on ADAS calibration can help ensure that technicians have the skills and knowledge required.
Investment in equipment
Shops need access to calibration tools and software to perform the necessary procedures in-house. While the upfront costs may be high, they are a long-term investment in safety and quality.
Streamlined communication
Repair centers must work closely with insurers and customers to educate them about the importance of ADAS calibrations. Clear documentation and transparent communication can help ensure calibrations aren't overlooked.
Standardized procedures
Implementing consistent workflows for identifying, documenting, and performing ADAS calibrations can help repair centers avoid mistakes.
Industry collaboration
Manufacturers, insurers, and repair centers need to collaborate on solutions, such as sharing calibration data and developing affordable tools for smaller shops
Reason number 6: identifying calibration requirements is extremely difficult
Even if you don’t fall prey to the reason above, there’s one more that might prevent a shop from properly calibrating ADAS tools: simply not knowing they’re there.
There are dozens upon dozens of different ADAS systems on the market, each requiring unique calibration procedures and OEM specifications.
To be sure, ADAS calibration services add significant profit to your bottom line, potentially $1,250 per job. The time spent identifying specific systems, hunting down correct procedures and verifying calibration requirements can eat away at those margins.
With Revv ADAS you can eliminate this complexity and turn that 30-60 minutes searching for the right OEM calibration specifications into minutes.
Revv is an AI-powered platform that helps you:
- Generate comprehensive calibration reports instantly
- Identify every billable ADAS procedure
- Access detailed OEM specifications and requirements
- Save hours of research time per repair
- Protect your business with proper documentation
Schedule a personalized demo today and discover how Revv ADAS can help you turn ADAS calibrations into an additional revenue stream for your business.
