It is not always obvious how much ADAS hardware features on an individual motorcar. Therefore, a global scan of all present ECUs tends to be the only sure way.
ADAS: A safe investment?
GARAGE EQUIPMENT – ADAS
With car manufacturers incentivised to fit more driver assistance tech by higher Euro NCAP scores, Rob Marshall asks whether investing in ADAS calibration now is a no-brainer, or is the technology changing excessively quickly to risk taking the plunge?
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The world of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is confusing, especially when carmaker marketing departments adopt terminology for features similar to those of their competitors. Perhaps this is understandable, because two systems that appear the same may not operate in identical ways. To find out, we liaised with Euro NCAP, which assesses the effectiveness of these driver assistance systems. It turns out that not all carmakers select the best available systems, due (possibly) to cost restraints. For instance, an ADAS feature from one manufacturer might use radar and cameras to assess its surroundings, whereas another one may employ radar alone. Furthermore, as described separately, there is also potentially dangerous blurring between ADAS and autonomous driving definitions, about which you should be aware. Even so, virtually all of the many ADAS systems rely on only a handful of hardware: cameras, radar, LiDAR and ultrasonic
Virtually all of the many ADAS systems rely on only a handful of hardware: Cameras, radar, LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors
sensors. While the latter does not require calibration, any repair that alters the suspension geometry (even bush replacements) will require a subsequent ADAS calibration. While respected industry figures have emphasised final alignment as part of a garage's duty-of-care obligations for some time, it is now a mandatory requirement. Garages and bodyshops have had to comply with the Insurance Industry Requirements for the safe repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles since 31st of March this year. More details about which can be found here.
