ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Why does every Technician now needs to have basic understanding of ADAS?

It’s now important that the industry has a better understanding of how to diagnose and assess ADAS and that ADAS and autonomous driving systems will only get more complicated in the coming years.

Even if you are not repairing ADAS specific components technicians now need to understand that removing a bumper, windscreen, suspension, or even varying paint thicknesses effect ADAS components and will require ADAS calibration. It’s vital that every technician in the industry has some form of understanding regarding ADAS this includes how to run pre and post diagnostics scans, ADAS component identification and damage discovery.

What can the industry do currently to alleviate some of these issues to make your business run more efficiently.

Currently there are three ideal options which a collision repair business can approach in regards to ADAS calibration and repairs.

The first option is to send every vehicle off to a ADAS specialist and let them perform all pre-scans, tests, alignment, calibrations, post scans and final tests. This can be a costly and inefficient way to get repairs finalised, but it will ensure that the repair is done correctly the first time with longer but measurable cycle times.

The second option is a business invest in a full in-house ADAS solution for their business which includes full scale static calibration solution within the repair centre. This can benefit the business in several ways – It can reduce claim costs over the long run, reduce repair lead times and improve cycle times. Some ADAS systems claim ROI in as little as 4-6 weeks which could result in a large cost saving measures over the long run.

Some solutions can be relatively easy to setup and operate. Many solutions provide multiple OEM Compatible solutions regarding scan tools and firmware upgrades.

The Third option is a hybrid approach. This is where a business does not want to invest fully into a large-scale in-house solution but still wants to streamline some of the processes depending on what car make and models they are repairing. A business may choose to purchase specific ADAS diagnostic scanners, digital-angle gauges and mobile/compact calibration units. In this case the business can provide repairs and calibrations for a range of ADAS functions and know when to send the vehicle off to a specialist for an accurate quote and calibration times. The business can also slowly add and expand their ADAS repair solutions to meet their business expectations.

A lot of solutions are supported under the governments $20,000 instant asset write-off scheme for small businesses with aggregated turnover of less than $10 million. This can help businesses scale up to meet their needs for the current and future market.

Diagnostic trouble codes and how do they relate to ADAS

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) do not identify which part needs to be replaced, rather DTCs are a piece of the diagnostic process that will lead a trained and qualified technician to the correct test to accurately diagnose the damage.

Scan tools – OEM vs General scan tool:

Years ago there were no general scan tools available for workshop to scan and diagnose a range of OEM ADAS systems. But ADAS scan tools have changed significantly now, with a range of ADAS specific diagnostic scanners available on the market which provide diagnostics for a range of OEM providers and can be easily updated via firmware when new models come to market.

Damage discovery for ADAS sensor mounting locations:

Every manufacturer has a range of sensor locations and mounting options specific to each vehicle. Damage discovery and understanding where every sensor location is vital for assessment and repair.

I-CAR Australia has an online course specially covering this topic (see link at the bottom of this page) which is recommended that every technician in the industry take.

ADAS and car modifications:

4x4 modification need to be checked for ADAS calibrations and confirmed with insurance companies.

A modified vehicle will need their ADAS re-calibrated or checked when the modification may affect any of the ADAS on the vehicle and to adjust accordingly. This is especially true for heavily modified 4x4 vehicles in Australia. Modifications such as suspension lifts, larger tyres, bullbars etc. could all greatly affect ADAS and requires recalibrations. If you do not recalibrate after modification insurance companies can deny claims in the event of an accident. Likewise, a technician must be aware of the modification during the repair process and adapt their processes accordingly.