FAQ

Currently different manufacturers indicate the ADAS functionality check when the vehicle is first started, or the type of system is activated/deployed. For instance, if the camera in the windscreen is obscured, or not currently accepting information, then a message in the driver info centre will indicate the camera is blocked. Similarly with other systems on the vehicle, warning information will be displayed for ACC etc.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has announced that the Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) will be mandatory for all new cars from 2020. The AEBS detects a potential front-end collision, alerts the driver through an audible and visual warning and activates the vehicle brakes if the driver does not react immediately, by applying a deceleration to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash with an obstacle, a pedestrian or another vehicle.

The automatic braking system is only one of the many ADAS fitted on vehicles today. In this respect, the European Parliament has already approved the proposal to make driver assistance systems mandatory on all new type-approved vehicles as soon as possible. As a mandatory fitted safety system it is envisaged that the functionality will have to be checked for any warning indicators for test purposes, as are Emissions, ABS and Airbag.

As per Vehicle Manufacturers service schedules and methods, motor vehicles presented for service should be pre-scanned for any issues indicated by DTC’s stored in the various ECU memories and reported to the customer. If the workshop has access to OEM software updates then these should be installed as per the VM requirements.

If the vehicle is fitted with any type of forward facing, body mounted Radar (ACC, City Safety, Distronic etc) then the Vehicle Manufacturers Method Statement should be followed and if required, a calibration checked and recalibrated, with the issue of a relevant Calibration certificate, copies of which should be retained by the workshop for future reference.

The automatic braking system is only one of the many ADAS fitted on vehicles today. In this respect, the European Parliament has already approved the proposal to make driver assistance systems mandatory on all new type-approved vehicles as soon as possible. As a mandatory fitted safety system it is envisaged that the system will have to be checked for any warning indicators for test purposes, as are ABS and Airbag.

To do their job, ADAS systems rely on inputs from a variety of sensors that allow them to “see” what is happening around the vehicle. The most common are camera, radar, laser, lidar and ultrasonic sensors. Steering sensors are also used to help determine the direction of vehicle travel. Some systems use information from a single type of sensor, but others combine information from multiple sensors – a process called sensor fusion – to obtain a more accurate “view” of the situation.

Most ADAS sensors are very precisely aimed and require calibration if their positions are disturbed in any way. Consider that a sensor out of alignment by a fraction of an inch or even one degree on the vehicle will be aimed at an area significantly off axis 50 or more metres down the road. Misaimed sensors often result from collisions – even a minor accident can knock ADAS sensors out of alignment. However, calibration can also be required as a by-product of common vehicle service work such as windscreen replacement, suspension repair or wheel alignment.

If there are issues with any speed related signal, then the ADAS and other systems will be disabled. Many ADAS systems can be activated/deactivated by the driver, through the Infotainment Centre and optional switches.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has announced that the Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) will be mandatory for all new cars from 2020. To achieve NCAP rating for insurance purposed, ADAS options are available on all makes & models.

If the vehicle has been repaired following body damage, wheel alignment adjustment or a replacement windscreen, there should be an available certificate to confirm the calibration. This is where a Full-Service History is vital for customers buying any used car with ADAS. New vehicles are not supplied with any certification but are produced to a homologated standard with the appropriate software installed to support the hardware. Any changes to compensate for wear and tear should therefor carry any available documentation.

Workshops investing in ADAS calibration systems predominantly send their technical staff to the training centres for IMI Certified training. Moving forward, there will become a greater level of technology employed in the average motor vehicle and owners must be careful of using suitably equipped repairers to have their vehicles repaired and serviced. Licencing is not currently a UK requirement for workshops, but with the increases is safety systems and the technology required to service, repair and maintain these vehicles it is becoming a necessity.