When your dealership services vehicles with ADAS systems like automatic emergency braking and lane change assist, it’s essential to plan for the necessary ADAS repairs and calibrations. Why? ADAS systems have specific needs, above and beyond those of the standard (non-ADAS) vehicles dealerships normally service.
Dealerships have three options when servicing ADAS vehicles:
- Offer in-house ADAS calibrations
- Call in a mobile ADAS calibration provider
- Send vehicles out to a standalone ADAS calibration facility
Here’s a breakdown of the three ADAS service options, and the pros and cons of each that dealerships should consider to make the best decision.
Three ADAS Services Strategies for Dealerships
There are a few strategies your dealership can choose when deciding how to approach ADAS services. However, each ADAS plan has its own set of pros and cons to consider first.
1. In-House ADAS Calibrations
An increasing number of dealerships are offering ADAS calibration and repair services in-house. Offering in-house ADAS services means providing a one-stop shop for all your customers’ needs with the fastest possible cycle time. Still, it requires significant planning and resources (time, money, and staffing) upfront.
Pros of Doing Your Own ADAS Calibrations In-House
- Fastest possible repair cycle time for customers
- Increased customer satisfaction and retention
- On-site services can attract new customers
- Easily accessible documentation
Cons of Doing Your Own ADAS Calibrations In-House
- A significant initial investment
- Requires specific warehouse safety conditions like a level floor
In-house ADAS calibration services are best if you want to prioritize service speed, customer satisfaction, and documentation.
2. Mobile ADAS Services
Mobile ADAS technicians come to you. Once scheduled, they travel to your shop and bring special equipment to calibrate ADAS systems outdoors.
Pros of Using a Mobile ADAS Technician
- Less initial investment (they bring all the equipment and expertise)
- Convenience of services coming to you
Cons of Using a Mobile ADAS Technician
- Mobile technicians can’t calibrate every make and model – OEMs decide
- Outdoor calibrations have more factors that can negatively impact services
- Not many businesses can offer this option, and it may not be available in many areas
- Most will not be able to diagnose and repair DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) associated with car ADAS components
Offering a mobile ADAS service can be tricky. Any mobile operation with ADAS calibration services can only work on certain cars. This service type is not practical if your dealership has clients with vastly different vehicles.
3. Outsourcing to a Local Calibration Center
ADAS calibration centers are a new type of auto shop that is becoming increasingly popular with dealerships. These businesses, like our national ADAS training center in Salt Lake, specialize in ADAS repairs and calibrations by providing training to local auto shops and dealerships.
Pros of Sending Vehicles to a Local ADAS Specialist
- No initial investment
- Can calibrate any make or model
Cons of Sending Vehicles to a Local ADAS Specialist
- Longer timing because vehicles must be transported — some offer valet pickup and drop-off services
- Less convenient because you have less control of timing
Outsourcing your ADAS calibration services is practical for dealerships looking to reduce overhead costs. Although it can be tricky to find a reliable and high-quality ADAS calibration center, once you find the best ADAS service strategy that fits your dealership’s needs, it’s smooth sailing from there.
Now that you know the ADAS service options available for dealerships, it’s time to decide the best one for your needs.
How to Choose the Best ADAS Services Strategy for Your Dealership
Setting up your dealership for car ADAS services is simple, and we’ve created a guide to getting started with ADAS to help make the process smoother.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best car ADAS services strategy for your dealership.
Dealership Size
The first is the size and scope of your operation. If you have a large dealership with multiple locations, you’ll need a more comprehensive strategy than a small, single location. In this case, an in-house calibration service would fit better and offer a higher return on investment.
In contrast, single-location dealerships should consider outsourcing their calibration services to an ADAS services center.
Facility Lighting
Accurate calibration requires the right kind of lighting that is even and flicker-free. Shadows or other refractions can interfere and lead to inaccurate results without adequate light levels. Therefore, creating a workspace with high-quality LED illumination is essential for successful sensor calibration.
Warehouse Power
Running sensor equipment for vehicle calibrations can require a lot of power and an uninterrupted source to maximize accuracy. To get the most out of your setup, it’s vital that you have access to reliable electricity with no disruptions or brownouts. Consider having an outlet near where the calibration takes place or investing in a generator, so you won’t be caught off guard when powering up sophisticated equipment.
Flooring
When considering flooring for your calibration center, it’s essential to make sure that you have a surface that is durable, easy to clean, and non-slip.
Some popular calibration center flooring options include:
- Concrete
- Epoxy resin
- Vinyl
No matter which flooring type you choose, it should always be low gloss or non-reflective with adequate resistance against damage. It must also provide even levels across its entire span to guarantee precise calibrations per the original equipment manufacturer’s standards (typically +/- 10mm). If these requirements cannot be met, then an integrated alignment rack may need to be factored into your plans.
Below, we’ll cover some FAQs to understand which ADAS service type is right for your dealership.
ADAS Center Planning FAQs for Dealerships
Here are a few critical questions you should ask yourself before strategizing your car ADAS services at your dealership.
Can your existing building handle ADAS services? Is there a big enough bay?
Bosch Diagnostics officially states that a calibration bay must be at least 34ft by 25ft for the bare minimum amount of calibration services but recommend 45ft by 30ft for the most versatile workspace. If you want the most optimal flexible space for calibration services and more, then a bay of 60ft by 40ft is best. Measure your space carefully to confirm whether your building can accommodate any of these dimensions.
Can you expand your building in the future?
In many cases, you’ll need to sacrifice vehicle storage or parking space to set up an ADAS calibration services bay. Many ADAS shop challenges are associated with building a dedicated calibration service facility.
Would you be willing to lease a nearby space for a standalone facility?
If expanding your current space isn’t possible, consider a standalone facility for ADAS services, ADAS calibration, and ADAS training for your employees.
What’s your budget? How much of an initial investment are you able to provide?
Depending on budget and number of dealership locations, it may benefit you the most to outsource your advanced driver assistance systems services to another business and facility at first.
The costs of setting up an ADAS facility includes:
- ADAS calibration training
- Calibration equipment
- Local marketing for a new and upcoming ADAS industry
These factors can become costly, so it’s essential to pick a strategy that works within your budget.
How important are speed and convenience for your customers? How much do you value customer satisfaction and loyalty?
A satisfied customer is always a loyal customer. If you plan on outsourcing ADAS services, be aware that it may be inconvenient for your customers to drive back and forth between destinations. An in-house ADAS calibration facility will significantly increase turnaround, customer satisfaction, and make record-keeping much more accessible.
What are your long-term goals for your dealership?
Would ADAS systems be a pillar service for your dealership in the long run? You will need to decide if you plan to dedicate the necessary resources to enhancing your ADAS services in the future. The earlier you establish your dealership as a dedicated ADAS calibration or services center, the stronger of an authority your dealership will become in the ADAS industry.
Preparing for the Future with Car ADAS
Answering these questions should give you a clearer idea of your dealership’s best ADAS services strategy. If you’re still not sure how to incorporate ADAS services into your dealership, Car ADAS can help. We specialize in helping dealerships and other businesses plan for and provide ADAS services. Whether it’s remodeling or expanding your current facility or opening a nearby standalone calibration center, we can help set you up for success.
Contact us for help setting up ADAS calibration services for your dealership so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your newly provided services.
