Vehicles are now designed with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the demand for ADAS is increasing. But did you know ADAS systems are impacted by regular car maintenance — specifically, wheel alignments?
Many automakers now require ADAS calibration after wheel alignments because it is critical to the functionality of vehicle ADAS systems like lane keeping assist and automated emergency braking. The slightest wheel alignment change impacts how ADAS systems work. Failing to calibrate poses serious safety risks to drivers.
Here is how to understand the relationship between wheel alignments and ADAS systems and why a new calibration is critical to ADAS sensors.
How Wheel Alignment Affects ADAS
Calibration is necessary anytime there’s a change in wheel alignment on an ADAS-equipped vehicle. This is because the system’s sensors rely on precise calibration to align with the vehicle’s new configuration. For example, even a slight adjustment to the toe angle alters the alignment geometry, requiring sensors to recalibrate and ensure accurate performance. Without this step, the ADAS system may provide inaccurate data, potentially compromising the vehicle’s safety features.
ADAS Sensor Functionality
ADAS systems depend on strategically mounted sensors to identify lane markings, obstacles, and other critical road elements. Even the smallest misalignment in these sensors can significantly impact their performance. For instance, if a sensor is even a fraction off, it might misinterpret lane boundaries or fail to detect nearby vehicles. Over time, this can increase the likelihood of accidents, as drivers may not receive the proper alerts or assistance when needed most.
Lane Departure Warnings
Lane departure warnings are a critical ADAS safety feature, designed to notify drivers if their vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. These systems rely heavily on cameras and sensors to interpret road markings, making proper wheel alignment essential for accuracy. When wheels are misaligned, the system may struggle to detect lane boundaries correctly, potentially triggering unnecessary warnings or, worse, failing to alert the driver altogether. This highlights the importance of maintaining precise alignment to support both the functionality of the system and overall driver safety.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Many ADAS systems, such as adaptive cruise control, rely on finely calibrated sensors to function correctly. For example, the sensor will not see the leading vehicle correctly if the wheel alignment or thrust angle is off. ADAS systems can be thrown off if your car’s alignment is slightly out of position. When sensors aren’t calibrated correctly, it can lead to dangerous driving risks.
All-in-One ADAS/Alignment Racks
Alignment is essential to accurate ADAS system calibration. Due to this, several ADAS equipment providers have created specialty alignment racks that can double as calibration fixtures. ADAS calibration equipment allows auto shops to perform both services on the same equipment, saving time and money.
Benefits of ADAS Calibration After Wheel Alignments
In addition to best vehicle safety practices, ADAS system calibration after a wheel alignment provides vehicle owners several benefits. Here are two of the biggest:
Sensor Accuracy
The ADAS system calibration process involves using targets placed at specific locations around the vehicle. A sensor and the associated ADAS calibration are only as accurate as the vehicle’s wheel alignment. For example, if the vehicle’s thrust angle is out of alignment, the vehicle’s driving direction will not be the same as the sensor’s point of view.
Enhanced Driver Safety
Calibrating your ADAS system after a wheel alignment ensures that your sensors’ performance is functioning as it should. When the sensors are calibrated correctly, drivers can receive the full safety benefits that ADAS systems provide.
Turnkey ADAS Solutions from Car ADAS Solutions
Now that you know how wheel alignments impact ADAS system functionality, you know that you can’t just skip calibrations after performing alignment services on ADAS-equipped vehicles. The next step is finding an ADAS calibration center near you or planning an ADAS solution for your shop. Car ADAS provides turnkey ADAS solutions for auto shops, dealerships, and standalone calibration centers. We’ve helped businesses nationwide to plan and implement ADAS solutions. Learn how we can help you.
