for Auto Shops
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have been a revolutionary technological advancement in the automotive industry. When initially introduced, it had basic safety features and driver alerts. Today, it is an AI-driven, highly sophisticated system designed to enhance vehicle safety and driver comfort through autonomous driving. No wonder, over 98 million vehicles on the U.S roads now have ADAS. This accounts for around 80% of the current automotive market.
The global ADAS market size was valued at around $40 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $134 billion by 2032. So whether you’re a car owner or an auto repair shop owner, get a full understanding of ADAS to better prepare for it.
What do car owners need to know about ADAS?
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are driver assistance technologies that allow safe vehicle operations. These use computers that collect information from cameras, radar, LiDAR, and other sensors. It provides real-time monitoring of roads, drivers, and all surrounding vehicles to prevent accidents.
Common ADAS features include:
- Automatic emergency braking: It helps keep a reasonable distance between you and another vehicle with distance measurement synced to your cameras and brakes.
- Adaptive cruise control: This reacts to a slowing or stopping vehicle in front of you with automatic speed adjustments.
- Lane departure warning and keep assist: If you drift from your lane, this system will notify you and help you get back on course.
- Automatic lane changing: With a turn signal lever, it helps make the automatic transition to another driving lane if no other vehicles are nearby.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: If your vehicle is about to hit something when you back up, this system will give an alert and apply brakes automatically to avoid any collision.
- Blind-spot warning: When a vehicle enters your blind spot (an area you can’t detect using mirrors), this warning system will illuminate its icon and make a noise to alert you.
- 360-degree camera systems: You will find the birds-eye view of this technology helpful in tight parking situations.
- Backup camera: Use the vehicle’s live video to check what’s behind you before exiting a parking spot.
Why ADAS cars matter to drivers
Reduced accident rate
The biggest selling point of ADAS cars is the advanced safety systems.
- Crashes of vehicles with blind spot monitoring were 14% lower than the same models that didn’t have it.
- ADAS vehicles show a 27% reduction in the frequency of bodily injury claims and a 19% in property damage.
According to research, over the next 30 years, ADAS cars can prevent an estimated 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and 250,000 deaths.
Regulation and adoption
ADAS technologies were mandated in Europe as part of their General Safety Regulations. Every vehicle is also required to have an ISA (intelligent speed assistance) system in the European Union. Outside of the EU, the USA is one of the first countries to adopt ISA. Apart from regulatory authorities making it mandatory, new cars are already coming with standard ADAS features.
Maintenance matters
You will often need ADAS calibration after
- Windshield replacement
- Suspension/alignment work
- Collision repairs
- Minor incidents or part replacements (bumper repairs/tire changes)
Any work can throw off sensor positioning. Without recalibration, ADAS features can malfunction or even shut down. This will put the driver at risk.
Regularly inspect ADAS features to check for misalignments. This will ensure the system performs properly throughout.
Owner FAQs
How much does it cost to install and repair ADAS features?
ADAS calibration costs somewhere between $300 and $600. It is based on your vehicle information and estimates. Plus, it also depends on what needs to be calibrated and where you get the work done.
What is the impact on insurance premiums with ADAS features?
Having ADAS in cars means there is a lower risk of potential accidents. This naturally brings the insurance premium down. However, ADAS components alone don’t impact insurance premiums. Other factors, such as, driver’s history, vehicle type and usage also affect the insurance premium.
What is the theft risk of ADAS components?
Compared to traditional auto parts, the theft risk for ADAS components is relatively low. But, they are a growing target because of the high cost and demand for these features. ADAS components have a high market value, and they are also interchangeable between model years or similar cars. Front and rear cameras, radar sensors in bumpers, are frequently at risk of being stolen.
How to maintain ADAS?
ADAS components need maintenance and regular checks. Make sure you
- Keep sensors and cameras clean, as ADAS relies on them. Use a microfibre cloth to remove dirt and grime.
- Schedule regular recalibrations especially after certain repairs and replacements such as windshields, bumpers, or suspension work.
- ADAS is software-driven, so monitor your dashboard for any system warnings. Check if the system is up to date.
How can auto repair shops prepare for ADAS cars?
How has ADAS changed the repair game?
ADAS systems need more than just mechanical knowledge. It requires precision, technical knowledge, and cross-disciplinary expertise.
There is a rising demand for ADAS-related repairs. In 2025, there were over 2 million calibrations done in the U.S alone. The ADAS parts and service market has reached $676 million. This will increase as the number of ADAS vehicles increases in the market. This makes it a great time to upskill your team so they know how to service and repair ADAS-equipped vehicles.
Auto repair shops need to focus on:
Technicians trained in specialized skills
Your auto technicians need to know how radars, sensors, and software algorithms work in sync. It’s not just about fixing the bumper anymore. They need to understand the radar unit in that bumper that will help in automatic emergency braking. Invest in continuous learning and training programs and certifications for your auto technicians so they stay up to date. You can consider
- Manufacturer-specific trainings, for example, if your auto shop has more Toyota and Honda vehicles coming in, your technicians can get specific training for those brands.
- Third-party programs, for instance, Snap-on or Aute, where technicians can get practical training to use diagnostic tools and calibration equipment.
- ADAS- focused certification where technicians learn how to meet industry standards for ADAS repair and calibration
Understanding when system calibration is needed
As we’ve seen above, ADAS features need precise calibration after repairs. Features such as cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring need to be checked after certain repairs. These include:
- Windshield or bumper replacement
- After collision damage or bodywork
- Suspension or alignment work
- Sensor or camera replacement
When a vehicle with ADAS features comes into your autoshop for these repairs, make sure to recalibrate the system before handing it over to the customer. A small misalignment can also cause a system failure and put the driver’s life at risk.
Updated equipment and shop capabilities
When more and more ADAS-equipped cars are on the road, more of those will show up at your auto shop as well. It’s now time to update your shop equipment so you’re ready to service and recalibrate ADAS cars. For example, add
- Diagnostic and OEM-specific scan tools and ADAS diagnostic software
- Calibration rigs, which include target and laser measurement systems
- Alignment systems for precise vehicle geometry checks
- A large floor space for static calibration
New revenue opportunities
Offering services for ADAS cars is a great way to generate a new revenue stream and keep your shop ahead of the curve. Your auto shop can either:
- Outsource calibration services and markup. This gives your auto shop instant profit without having to invest in equipment right off the bat.
- Or, it can add ADAS services to your shop’s service menu. This will make your shop a go-to and trusted expert in the area of a growing niche.
Clear communication with customers
Make sure your customers understand why calibration is needed after servicing an ADAS car. Explain that correct calibration is linked to the vehicle’s safety system. Show them any before/after visuals. Adding visual aids strengthens their understanding of any technical concepts and also helps you build trust with customers.
Common challenges and error prevention
A common challenge is misalignment or incomplete calibration after repairs, which can cause sensor failures. Customers might come back with problems with ADAS after their vehicle was serviced at an auto shop.
Your auto shop can avoid such issues
- Regularly training staff so they know about the latest ADAS technologies
- Document everything, from the moment the vehicle lands in your auto shop, so there is uniform service quality across the team
- Keep a standard calibration checklist to reduce errors
If sensors aren’t aligned properly, it might trigger false emergency brakes, which puts the driver at risk. The liability will fall on your shop if calibration isn’t done correctly.
Adopting technology to work on new technologies is a sure shot way to make it an easy transition for your auto shop. A auto repair shop management software, such as Autoleap, can help you align your invoices, share correct estimates, track inventory, integrate payments all in one, so you can focus on what’s next in the world of auto industry.
Wrapping up
Whether you’re the customer who has an ADAS-equipped vehicle or an auto shop owner who is servicing these vehicles, you need to understand ADAS. For the ones behind the wheel, it offers safety and smarter driving. For auto shops it’s a new challenge and an opportunity to add to their services. In both cases, it’s a great time to gain knowledge in the area, invest in technology, as this will keep your auto shop ahead in the game.
FAQs
What is ADAS in cars, and how does it work?
ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) is a technology that helps drivers using sensors, cameras, and radars to monitor vehicle surroundings and improve safety.
When is ADAS calibration needed?
ADAS calibration is needed after windshield replacement, alignment or suspension work, bumper replacement, camera replacement or collision-related repairs.
Can auto repair shops profit from ADAS services?
ADAS calibration services are high-margin and in demand. Shops can generate new revenue streams by offering ADAS services in-house or outsourcing calibration.
What are the risks of wrong ADAS calibration?
Wrong calibration can cause system errors like false emergency braking, inaccurate warnings, or sensor failures. These cause risk to the driver and also lead to liability claims for the auto shop.
