Navigating the Future of Automotive Safety: The Crucial Role of ADAS Calibrations
ADAS systems are revolutionising road safety, but maintenance and calibration of these systems are vital for optimal performance. ️Times are changing! Independent garages are now equipped with the training and tools to perform ADAS calibrations independently.
In this month's equipment focus article, we explore the remarkable journey of ADAS technology and its pivotal role in enhancing road safety and the advantages it presents for independent garages considering investment in their own ADAS equipment.
Keith Wray
Snap-on® Diagnostic Training Manager
Did you know that the primary cause of most car accidents stems from human errors? ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, were developed to enhance road safety by incorporating technology designed to 'assist' drivers. This assistance significantly reduces human intervention, subsequently lowering the likelihood of human errors.
Looking back to the early 1970s, during my time at a vocational school's automotive mechanics class, our instructor, Mr. Hardy, boldly proclaimed his belief in a future where cars would drive themselves. He envisioned vehicles equipped with cameras that could track painted road lines, painting a futuristic landscape for the automotive industry. While we were all familiar with fictional vehicles like the Batmobile, the Love Bug, and the Jetsons' flying car, those were the products of imaginative minds, including Stephen King's 1958 Plymouth Fury, Christine. Despite our respect for Mr. Hardy, we found it challenging to fully embrace his vision. Fast forward 50 years, and we witness vehicles doing precisely what Mr. Hardy foresaw – a truly remarkable transformation.
My initial encounter with this 'painted line' technology occurred while driving a rented SUV along a winding road through hilly terrain. Whenever I drifted too close to the center or shoulder line, ADAS seamlessly 'assisted' me back to the center of the lane. Oblivious to the vehicle's ADAS capabilities, I initially suspected a steering issue, possibly a loose tie rod. I contemplated contacting the rental car agency for assistance. However, as I later merged onto a major highway and overtook a slower vehicle, my seat vibrated, and a light on the dashboard flashed (even though I hadn't activated my turn signal). It was then that I realized the presence of ADAS, prompting me to spend the next 100 miles experimenting with its reactions.
While ADAS may appear to be a recent innovation, its development dates back to my time in Mr. Hardy's class in the early 1970s, coinciding with the introduction of Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) to the automotive industry. Other early ADAS technologies include Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Information Systems, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traction Control.
ADAS technologies are classified into six distinct levels, as defined by The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), based on their degree of automation:
Level 0: No control over the car, only providing information for the driver to interpret, such as warning lights and information displays.
Level 1 and 2: These levels require significant driver involvement in decision-making. Level 1 systems can take control of a single function, while Level 2 systems can manage multiple functions to assist the driver. Level 1 ADAS includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Automatic Emergency Brake Assist, Lane-Keeping, and Lane Centering. Level 2 includes Highway Assist, Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance, and Autonomous Parking.
Levels 3 to 5: In these levels, the vehicle assumes progressively more control, with Level 5 representing full autonomy.
To simplify, the levels can be roughly described as follows:
- Level 0: No automation
- Level 1: Shared control with the driver
- Level 2: Hands-off operation
- Level 3: Eyes-off operation
- Level 4: Mind-off operation
- Level 5: Optional use of the steering wheel, with the option for a nap!
How many OEM ADAS systems are there?
All OEMs incorporate six primary ADAS sensors, which consist of cameras, RADAR (originating from the term "RAdio Detection And Ranging," coined by the United States Navy in 1940), and Ultrasonic technology:
- Front-facing camera
- Forward RADAR (Long Range / Short Range)
- Rear-facing camera
- 360-degree view / Bird's eye view cameras
- Side-view / Blind Spot Monitoring RADAR
- Park-assist (Ultrasonic) sensors
When should you be calibrating ADAS systems?
Many common vehicle repairs impact ADAS systems, these include but are not limited to:
- Collision repair
- Bumper replacement
- Windscreen replacement
- Sensor/Camera replacement
- Suspension repair
- Tyre size changes
- Customer complaint
What tools and equipment are required for ADAS calibration?
Typically, workshops will require specialist ADAS calibration tools including a compatible diagnostic scan tool, ADAS calibration equipment and OEM-specific calibration targets along with procedural documentation, and calibration data including target placement measurements. The diagnostic scan tool will feature extensive ADAS vehicle coverage to enable you to complete ADAS calibrations directly from the scan tool.
Diagnostic Scan tool: (required for both static and dynamic recalibration methods)
A diagnostic scan tool is an essential tool to complete ADAS calibration procedures: Snap-on® Diagnostic Scan Tools that support ADAS calibrations include SOLUS™, APOLLO™, TRITON™, and ZEUS™ series products running current Snap-on® Diagnostic software. The diagnostic scan tool you choose should feature extensive ADAS vehicle coverage to enable you to complete ADAS calibrations directly from the scan tool.
To find out more about available ADAS coverage please click here
OEM-specific ADAS calibration targets: required for static calibration only. Target boards are essential for calibrating ADAS cameras and sensors. These boards come in a wide range of sizes and have specific patterns and markers that allow the cameras and sensors to accurately detect and align themselves during calibration. ADAS targets are generally specific by vehicle manufacture and a kit will consist of multiple targets specific to specific ADAS systems on the vehicle.
Levelling Equipment: ADAS calibration will often require precise levelling of the vehicle to set up the vehicle with a perfect centerline in relation to the calibration equipment which will ensure accurate calibration results. Independent garages will need levelling equipment such as laser-based levelling systems to achieve the necessary accuracy and properly set up the calibration equipment.
Training and Knowledge: Garages should invest in training their technicians to understand the intricacies of ADAS systems, calibration procedures, and the use of calibration tools and software.
For more information on training courses provided by the RMI, click here
OEM procedures are critical: To achieve correct static ADAS recalibration you must follow the OEM procedures to guarantee accuracy. For this, you will need calibration data, step-by-step procedural instructions, precise measurements and location information for targets and diagnostic input values.
To streamline the process and make it more convenient and efficient for technicians, Total Shop Solutions offers the SUN® EZ-ADAS™ mobile application. This application is designed for technicians using SUN® EZ-ADAS Recalibration Equipment alongside their Snap-on® Diagnostic Scan Tool. It simplifies the entire recalibration process, reducing complexity, and offers comprehensive guidance including all the technical data, step-by-step instructional videos to support technicians throughout the recalibration process.
Wheel Alignment: Vehicles equipped with ADAS are required by many OEMs to go through a wheel alignment before any recalibration. An ADAS-ready aligner will alert you when the vehicle has ADAS features and will provide the right procedure for adjustments and target placement instructions for ADAS recalibration.
Wheel alignment is vital for ADAS as it ensures accurate sensor alignment, precise measurements, correct target placement during calibration, optimal performance, and overall safety. By maintaining wheel alignment, the integrity and effectiveness of ADAS systems can be preserved, contributing to safer and more reliable driving experiences.
Operational Process
In today’s automotive repair world, a standard workflow has emerged for most situations, as illustrated in the diagram below. It begins with a pre-scan, which involves a comprehensive examination for trouble codes spanning from bumper to bumper. Following this, the cause of the trouble code is diagnosed, the issue is rectified, the system is recalibrated, and finally, a post-scan is conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the repair. When dealing with ADAS-related concerns, this workflow remains consistent. However, our focus will be directed towards the recalibration steps.
What is ADAS calibration?
ADAS calibration represents a crucial potential revenue stream for independent garages. It's worth noting that nearly every vehicle on today's roads is equipped with systems that demand calibration following a component replacement. Consider the substantial contribution this can make to a workshops annual income.
There are three methods of ADAS calibration:
- Static calibration: This method necessitates the use of a target system in conjunction with a scanning tool and is typically conducted within the service bay.
- Dynamic calibration: This process involves a simple connection of the scanning tool to the vehicle, followed by driving it.
- It's important to differentiate between static and dynamic calibration of ADAS, primarily concerning whether it occurs within the service bay or during a test drive and whether a target system is required or if the scanning tool alone suffices.
- Initialisation: This approach involves inputting pertinent information into the vehicle using a scanning tool.
Conclusion
The evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the essential role of ADAS calibrations highlight a significant transformation in the automotive industry. This journey underscores the impact of innovation and technology on enhancing road safety, from the early visionaries like Mr. Hardy to the seamless integration of ADAS into modern vehicles.
The defined levels of automation by The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) demonstrate the progression from driver assistance to full autonomy, with ADAS systems playing a pivotal role throughout. Importantly, these systems have a long history dating back to the 1970s, coinciding with the introduction of other safety technologies like Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS).
Calibrating ADAS systems is crucial to maintaining their functionality. Whether it's static calibration in a service bay, dynamic calibration through test drives, or initialisation using scanning tools, precision and adherence to OEM procedures are paramount.
In the automotive repair industry, ADAS calibration is not only a safety imperative but also a potential source of revenue for independent garages. Given that nearly every vehicle on the road is equipped with ADAS systems that require calibration after component replacements, the significance of this service cannot be overstated.
Overall, ADAS calibrations play a pivotal role in advancing automotive safety by bridging the gap between human errors and advanced technology. Embracing this evolution and investing in the necessary equipment and knowledge is not merely a choice but a necessity for ensuring safer and more efficient journeys on our roads.
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