ADAS Calibration made easy

What is ADAS calibration?

ADAS calibration is the process of correctly aligning and configuring the cameras, radar sensors and other equipment used by your car's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

These systems can support features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition. For them to work correctly, cameras and sensors need to know exactly where the vehicle is positioned in relation to the road. Even a small change in their alignment can affect how accurately the system interprets what is happening around the car.

Calibration uses specialist diagnostic equipment and manufacturer-specific procedures to make sure the relevant camera or radar sensor is correctly aligned.

When does a car need ADAS calibration?

Your car may need ADAS recalibration after work that changes the position or alignment of a camera, radar sensor or the vehicle itself.
Common examples of this include:

• Replacing a windscreen containing a forward-facing camera
• Replacing or removing an ADAS camera or radar sensor
• Repairs following an accident
• Bumper or grille replacement where a radar sensor is fitted behind or within it
• Certain suspension or wheel-alignment work
• Changes to the vehicle's ride height
• Repairs that disturb a sensor or its mounting position

What does ADAS calibration involve?

The technician will first identify the ADAS equipment fitted to the vehicle and check the manufacturer's calibration requirements.

The vehicle may need to meet certain conditions before calibration can begin, such as having the correct tyre pressures and being positioned on a suitable level surface. Diagnostic equipment is then used to communicate with the relevant ADAS system.

Depending on the vehicle, calibration may involve positioning specialist targets or radar reflectors at precise measurements around the car, carrying out a road-based calibration procedure, or a combination of both.

Once complete, the system is checked to make sure the calibration has been accepted and any relevant fault codes have been addressed. Professional calibration equipment uses vehicle-specific procedures for camera and radar systems rather than applying the same settings to every car.

How much does front radar and front camera module coding/programming cost?

Front radar module coding/programming typically costs around £315 to £330, although the final price depends on the make and model of vehicle and the type of coding required.

Costs can increase if a replacement radar module needs to be matched to the vehicle, or if manufacturer-specific diagnostic equipment is required to complete the coding.

What is front camera calibration?

Front camera calibration makes sure the forward-facing camera is correctly aligned with the vehicle and the road ahead.
These cameras are commonly mounted behind the windscreen and may be used by systems such as lane assistance, traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking.

Calibration may be required if the camera or windscreen is replaced, if the camera has been disturbed or after other work specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

A specialist calibration target is often positioned at an exact distance and angle in front of the vehicle so the camera can establish the correct reference point.

What is radar calibration?

Radar calibration checks and adjusts the alignment of the radar sensors used by driver assistance systems.

A front radar sensor is commonly used for features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It may be positioned behind the front bumper, grille or vehicle badge depending on the model.

Radar calibration may be required after replacing the sensor, repairing or replacing the bumper or grille, accident repairs or if the sensor's mounting position has changed.

Because even a small change in sensor angle can affect where the radar is looking, calibration must follow the procedure specified for the vehicle.

What's the difference between static and dynamic ADAS calibration?

There are two main methods of ADAS calibration: static and dynamic.

A static calibration is carried out with the vehicle stationary. Specialist targets or radar reflectors are positioned accurately around the vehicle and a diagnostic tool starts the calibration procedure.

A dynamic calibration involves driving the vehicle under specified conditions while diagnostic equipment puts the ADAS system into calibration mode. The vehicle may need to be driven at particular speeds and on roads with suitable markings.

Some vehicles require only one method, while others may require both static and dynamic calibration.

Does ADAS need recalibrating after a windscreen replacement?

It often does if the windscreen replacement affects a forward-facing ADAS camera.

Many modern vehicles have a camera mounted behind the windscreen. Removing and replacing the glass can change the camera's position slightly, even if it is refitted in the correct mounting location.

For vehicles where the manufacturer specifies recalibration, the camera should be calibrated after the new windscreen has been fitted. Bosch includes windscreen replacement as a typical reason for ADAS calibration.

Not every windscreen replacement requires ADAS calibration because not every vehicle has a windscreen-mounted ADAS camera.

Does a replacement camera or radar sensor need coding as well as calibration?

It can do. Coding or programming and calibration are different procedures. Coding allows a replacement control unit or sensor to be correctly configured for the vehicle, while calibration establishes the sensor's physical reference and alignment.

Depending on the vehicle, a replacement radar or camera may therefore need to be programmed or configured first and calibrated afterwards.
The required procedure will depend on the manufacturer and the component being replaced.