ADAS System Calibration – When and How to Do It?
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are a top innovation in car technology, and most new cars are likely to come equipped with at least some form of this safety software. Sensors are used to gather unique information about the vehicle's surroundings and determine potential safety threats, alerting drivers in real-time. With the right ADAS system, you'll have the ability to troubleshoot potential road issues, and some systems can even take temporary control over significant aspects of the driving experience, such as steering or braking, to provide ultimate security while on the road. Calibration is a necessary protocol to ensure that ADAS systems within cars perform at their best.
Therefore, in this article, we will have a look at ADAS system calibration, including when and how to do it, to ensure that drivers can get the most out of their ADAS systems to stay safe on the road.
What is ADAS calibration?
Before considering the best approach to ADAS system calibration, it is essential to understand what ADAS systems are, how they function, and any necessary information that will help drivers to operate their cars safely. ADAS systems are advanced auto safety features that use cutting-edge software and sensors to provide an unrivaled level of driver safety. New vehicles come pre-calibrated to the car model as standard, but vehicle damage or repairs can impact their performance, requiring recalibration.
Calibration involves precisely aligning sensors and covers electronic aiming capabilities to ensure that data is properly collected and conveyed to the necessary ADAS system features. This includes functions such as forward collision warnings (FCW), lane departure warnings (LDW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warnings (BSW), and rear cross traffic alerts (RCTA). There are many more functions that can be highlighted by ADAS, and they will depend on the ADAS systems in the car, such as steering-angle sensors, front-facing, or rear-facing camera sensors.
It is important to note that due to the positioning of ADAS sensors, misalignment during repairs can be common, especially when it comes to windshields or tires. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that ADAS systems are recalibrated correctly after any repairs or replacements to maintain their performance and keep drivers safe on the road.
Why is ADAS calibration important?
Correct calibration of ADAS systems is pivotal to safety because even the slightest misalignment of sensors can impact their performance. For instance, if one sensor focuses on the wrong area by as little as a millimeter or degree, it can change the vantage axis as the vehicle travels along the road, potentially causing it to miss obstacles or issues such as potholes. As ADAS systems do not have self-diagnostic capabilities, drivers may not be aware that there is a misalignment issue until it is too late, making calibration essential to maintain their performance and keep drivers safe on the road.
Who can perform ADAS system calibration?
ADAS system calibration should only be undertaken by experienced Sekurit Partner technicians who follow the outlined OEM standards regarding ADAS calibration. Only an expert in ADAS calibration will be able to properly calibrate the system to industry standards, with the make and model of the car in mind, to ensure that everything functions precisely as it should. Calibration is a precise process that requires specialized skills and equipment, and attempting to perform it without the proper knowledge and experience can lead to inaccurate results and potentially compromise the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Therefore, it is essential to entrust ADAS system calibration to skilled and certified professionals who can ensure that the calibration is performed correctly, according to the necessary standards and guidelines.
Types of ADAS calibration
There are two types of calibration for ADAS systems, static calibration, and dynamic calibration, and each may have slight variances in operation depending on the ADAS system in car models. It is essential to find an automotive professional who is well-versed in the specific type of calibration needed for the ADAS system to achieve accurate results.
Static ADAS calibration
Static calibration involves calibrating the sensors while the vehicle is stationary, using a calibration target board that is positioned in front of the car. The board is placed at a specific distance and angle, and the sensors are calibrated to ensure they are correctly aligned with the target board. This type of calibration is typically required when a sensor has been replaced or when the vehicle has been involved in a minor accident.
Dynamic ADAS calibration
Dynamic calibration, on the other hand, involves calibrating the sensors while the vehicle is in motion. This type of calibration is typically required when the vehicle has undergone significant repair work or when certain ADAS features are not functioning correctly. Dynamic calibration typically involves driving the vehicle at specific speeds and under specific conditions, such as on a straight road or around a curve, to ensure that the sensors are accurately calibrated.
When should ADAS systems and sensors be calibrated?
Recalibration for ADAS systems will be necessary in multiple instances, with the most common ones being after entire windshield replacement or accidents that damage the ADAS system. Calibration is not usually performed automatically for repairs, so it is essential to be vigilant about recalibration requirements.
It is imperative to have recalibration taken care of at every repair or replacement of windshields, especially as new car models will often have front-facing sensors and cameras mounted in this area. Additionally, if any maintenance is undertaken on tires or brakes, including tire rotations, recalibration will likely be necessary. In many cases, recalibration should be included as part of the maintenance/repair process, but it is crucial to ask in case ADAS system features are not covered.
For ultimate car safety, it is essential to keep in mind that vehicles should not be driven without proper ADAS calibration. Malfunctions in safety features and a myriad of potential driving hazards can occur without proper calibration, and safety is paramount. Therefore, it is essential to stay vigilant about recalibration requirements and ensure that they are taken care of promptly to maintain ADAS system performance and keep drivers safe on the road.