For tire shops, offering ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibrations might seem like a hassle to bring in house.
The reality is far better than you think: it's an exceptional time to start offering calibrations for a few reasons.
One, many ADAS systems rely on precise wheel alignment, ride height, and suspension geometry, services you're already providing. All it takes is the right space and equipment.
Two, with 90% of new vehicles equipped with at least one ADAS feature, the demand for calibration services continues to grow exponentially.
If you're considering adding calibration services to your tire shop's offerings, let's break down exactly what you need to know to get started.
Three types of calibrations to know
There are two primary types of calibrations your shop will encounter: static and dynamic. There is a third type, usually called “dual” which is a combo of the two.
Each of these fulfills a specific purpose in making sure the safety feature is functioning properly and requires different tools and procedures.
But before diving when calibration might be required or how those procedures work, let's address what you’ll need to offer calibrations:
Equipment requirements for calibrations
- Manufacturer-specific targets and mounting systems
- Level floor space (minimum 25' x 40' recommended)
- Lighting control capabilities
- Calibration frame and target system
- Vehicle alignment system (required)
Static calibration
Static calibrations are the ones performed in a controlled environment (i.e. inside your shop). These calibration processes usually require a few things:
- A level floor with enough space
- Appropriate lighting conditions so sensors and targets function properly
- Specific target boards positioned at precise distances from the vehicle
- The vehicle to remain stationary throughout the process
Static calibrations tire shop technicians are likely to encounter the most will be for ride height and wheel alignment sensors. These two are critical for systems like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Dynamic calibration
Dynamic calibration is exactly what it sounds like. These processes require the vehicle to be driven on the road under specific conditions:
- Clean, well-marked roads
- Good weather conditions
- Specific speeds maintained for set distances
- Particular driving patterns
This type of calibration is often required after suspension modifications, tire size changes, or major alignment adjustments.
Dual calibration
Depending on the vehicle and service performed, you may need to perform both static calibration and dynamic calibration to confirm that it is properly adjusted.
Each manufacturer has their own specific requirements, and these can vary even between different trim levels of the same model. Always check your OE service information or Revv to determine the exact calibration needs for each vehicle.
Common ADAS calibration triggers from tire services
Because of the changes that can happen doing even routine tire services, they can frequently trigger the need to calibrate ADAS systems. Depending on the features on board, calibration may be required after:
- Wheel alignments that adjust suspension geometry
- Installing larger or smaller tire sizes
- Suspension component replacements or repairs
- Lift kit or lowering kit installations
- Major tire pressure adjustments affecting ride height
- Leveling kit installations
- Steering component repairs or replacements
Always consult OEM specifications. Many manufacturers require calibration after any alignment or suspension adjustment.
The importance of ADAS calibration
There are high stakes behind making sure each ADAS component is calibrated properly after tire and suspension work.
Here’s the situation by the numbers: Vehicle height changes as small as 1/4 inch can affect ADAS sensor alignment. A misaligned ADAS system following a wheel alignment can lead to a 6-foot discrepancy in object detection at just 65 feet away.
Even small changes in ride height or wheel alignment can significantly impact ADAS sensor accuracy. This could be the difference between skidding safely to a stop and a full-on collision.
Statistics show that properly calibrated ADAS systems reduce accidents by nearly 50%. However, this safety benefit is only achieved when the systems are correctly calibrated after any suspension or alignment changes.
Calibrating ADAS components
Successful calibration requires following a few essential steps:
Initial System Assessment
Start with a complete diagnostic evaluation before beginning any work. Run a full vehicle scan to capture DTCs, validate system operations, and document all installed ADAS features. This creates a crucial baseline for the calibration process and future reference.
Remember: some system issues may not generate error codes.
Space and environment preparation
Create optimal calibration conditions based on manufacturer guidelines. You can find these by using a scan tool. If you’re using Revv, you can scan the VIN and instantly know what’s on board the vehicle in question and access OE documentation.
Once you’ve tracked down the correct OE documentation, you’ll want to make note of any equipment, conditions, and the like that you’ll need. Key requirements typically include:
- Managing ambient lighting
- Ensuring a completely level work surface
- Securing adequate space for target placement at specified distances
Vehicle setup and inspection
Once you’ve got the environment set up, it’s time to get the vehicle in place:
- Adjust all tires to manufacturer-specified pressures
- Complete a thorough alignment check and adjustment
- Verify proper fuel levels to maintain correct vehicle stance
- Check and adjust ride height to factory settings
- Place vehicle in exact position per calibration requirements
Execute Calibration Protocols
Follow OEM-specific calibration procedures with precision. Each make and model has unique requirements for target positioning, tool selection, and procedural steps. Document every action thoroughly throughout the process.
Conclude with comprehensive testing:
- Perform post-calibration system diagnostics
- Complete road testing under various conditions
- Generate detailed documentation for service records and insurance purpose
Communicating with customers about the importance of ADAS calibrations
Vehicle owners often question the need for ADAS calibrations after alignment work.
Should any given work your shop is conducting trigger an ADAS calibration, clear communication can help owners understand the necessity and value.
Start by explaining their vehicle's specific safety systems and how alignment work impacts them.
Use simple analogies like getting the right fit on prescription glasses to illustrate why precise calibration matters. Show them that even small misalignments can cause safety systems to react incorrectly or fail to warn of dangers. Similarly, cost concerns require transparent discussion.
Help customers understand they're investing in their safety and their vehicle's proper function. When customers understand the direct connection between alignment and safety system accuracy, they're more likely to approve necessary calibrations.
In the event a customer declines recommended calibrations, it’s important for your shop to document their decision thoroughly. Create a detailed record showing:
- Which calibrations were recommended and why
- That you explained the safety implications
- The customer's signed acknowledgment declining service
This documentation protects your shop while leaving the door open for customers to return for calibration later.
Find all calibrations with the proper documentation
The single biggest challenge for tire shops—or really any shop type—entering the calibration business is identifying exactly which calibrations are required for each vehicle.
With nearly 500,000 different combinations of features, sensors, and cameras, technicians can spend hours sifting through fragmented sources like manufacturer documentation, aftermarket aggregators, and OEM procedures just to piece together enough information about a single calibration.
Revv makes all aspects of the calibration process easier through:
- Automatically identifying required calibrations based on the vehicle and repair
- Providing detailed OEM documentation to support insurance claims
- Offering integrated workflow management
- Generating professional, customized invoicing
- Seamlessly integrating with existing estimating systems
With potential additional revenue on any given calibration, investing in proper calibration equipment and documentation systems could be a lucrative line of revenue for your tire shop.
Interested in hearing more? Talk to a Revv expert today for a free walkthrough of our platform.
