What are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems often shortened to ADAS, is the use of components fitted to a 

vehicle to aid or help the driver’s driving experience. These components can be as simple as parking 

sensors, to more advanced systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane departure.

The use of ever more sophisticated Driver Assistance, is developing to the point where one sensor can 

now control several different systems and modules on the vehicle. In nearly all cases they are Safety Critical.

When to Calibrate

If a windscreen has been replaced

If geometrical axis has changed, for example if the vehicle has had wheel alignment performed or adjusted

If a mechanical repair has been performed that affects geometry, for example, new springs, steering rack or 

associated components following a crash repair, which could misalign vital components 

Wheel Alignments Effects

Correct vehicle geometry is a prerequisite

Electronic calibration is set to the rear axle which incorporates the vehicles thrust angel

Always follow manufacturers recommendations regarding vehicle geometry

Why it’simportant to Calibrate

Incorrect calibration values can cause incorrect operation

Most ADAS systems are safety critical so accuracy is paramount to assist in correct function It’s impossible to 

check if a sensor is calibrated. It should always be calibrated if in doubt Drivers become reliant on ADAS systems 

and may assume they are functioning correctly after work has been carried out The repairer can be held liable 

if any ADAS system isn’t calibrated and work is carried out that requires an ADAS calibration

Long Range Radar

If a radar sensor is 2° incorrectly adjustedat the end of 250m (its normal operating range) the reference point 

is over 8.5m incorrec

Typical ADAS Systems

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

• Glare-free High Beam and Pixel Light

• Adaptive Light Control: Swivelling Curve Lights

• Anti-lock Braking System

• Automatic Parking

• Automotive Night Vision

• Blind Spot Monitor

• Collision Avoidance System (Pre-crash System)

• Crosswind Stabilisation

• Cruise Control

• Driver Drowsiness Detection

• Driver Monitoring System

• Electric Vehicle Warning Sounds used in Hybrids and Plug-in

• Intelligent Speed Adaptation or Intelligent Speed Advice (ISA)

• Hill Descent Control

• Lane Departure Warning System

• Lane Change Assistance

• Night Vision

• Parking Sensor

• Pedestrian Protection System

• Rain Sensor

• Surround View System

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring

• Traffic Sign Recognition

• Turning Assistant

• Vehicular Communication Systems

• Wrong-way Driving Warning

• Emergency Driver Assistant

• Forward Collision Warning

• Intersection Assistant