09 Oct The Growing Role of ADAS Calibration in Vehicle Repair
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS Calibration) are changing the work carried out in vehicle repair workshops. Cameras and sensors support features such as lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. When repairs affect these components, it may not be enough to replace a part or clear a warning light. The system may also need to be checked and calibrated according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
For garages, dealerships and repair businesses, this creates new demands for equipment, processes and skilled people. Understanding when calibration is needed can help workshops plan repairs thoroughly and return vehicles with their safety systems checked.
What is ADAS calibration?
ADAS uses cameras, radar and other sensors to detect road markings, vehicles and obstacles. These components need to be positioned and adjusted correctly so that the systems can interpret their surroundings as intended.
Calibration is the process of setting or checking a sensor or camera against the vehicle’s specifications. Depending on the vehicle and system, this may involve equipment and targets in the workshop, a road test, or a combination of methods. The correct procedure varies by vehicle, so technicians should follow the manufacturer’s repair information rather than assume that one process suits every model. (rts.i-car.com)
Why ADAS calibration matters after a repair
A camera or sensor can be disturbed even if it has not been replaced. A windscreen change, wheel alignment, body repair or mechanical work that affects vehicle geometry may mean calibration needs to be checked. The UK government’s guide to maintaining roadworthiness lists these and other situations in which cameras and sensors should be checked. (gov.uk)
This makes ADAS an important part of repair planning, not just a final diagnostic step. A warning light or fault code may indicate an issue, but technicians also need to consider which systems could have been affected by the work. When required, calibration and related checks should be documented to confirm the system has been attended to appropriately. (gov.uk)
How ADAS is changing workshop processes
A well-planned repair starts by identifying which systems are fitted and whether the proposed work could affect them. Technicians may need to consult vehicle-specific information, use diagnostic equipment and check requirements for the work area, tools or test drive. The exact steps depend on the make, model and repair.
Some workshops carry out calibration in-house. Others arrange for a specialist to complete it. Either way, clear communication between the repairer and calibration provider can help avoid delays and gaps in the repair record. Industry guidance also recommends keeping relevant calibration details, including the vehicle information, equipment used and evidence of the result. (rts.i-car.com)
The skills and people workshops need
As ADAS becomes part of more repair work, businesses need technicians who can work confidently with diagnostics, vehicle-specific procedures and safety checks. Calibration is not a substitute for sound repair work. It sits alongside it, requiring attention to detail and a careful understanding of how vehicle systems interact.
Recruitment and training decisions can help workshops build this capability. Employers may need to develop existing staff, recruit technicians with relevant diagnostic experience, or partner with specialists when they do not have the equipment or capacity in-house. The right approach will depend on the types of vehicles the business services and the repairs it undertakes.
For job seekers, familiarity with ADAS can be a useful area to develop alongside core mechanical or body repair skills. Employers value technicians who are willing to learn, follow technical procedures and keep up with changes in vehicle technology.
Making ADAS part of a reliable repair
A practical approach can help businesses keep ADAS requirements visible throughout the repair process:
- Identify the vehicle’s ADAS features before work begins.
- Check manufacturer information to establish whether the repair requires calibration.
- Confirm that the correct equipment, conditions and technician capability are available.
- Record the checks and calibration work completed.
- Investigate unresolved warnings or faults before returning the vehicle.
These steps support consistent workshop practices and help teams account for the technology fitted to each vehicle. For commercial vehicle operators, UK government guidance also stresses that ADAS maintenance should be carried out by a competent person, in line with manufacturer specifications, with repair and calibration work documented as appropriate. (gov.uk)
Supporting the changing automotive workforce
ADAS calibration is one example of how vehicle technology is reshaping repair work. Workshops need a workforce that can combine practical repair skills with diagnostic knowledge and a commitment to ongoing learning.
AKA Recruitment supports automotive businesses and job seekers across the sector, including service and technician roles. Explore AKA Recruitment’s automotive recruitment services to find out how the team can help with your hiring needs.