More than 4 million vehicles on the road today are fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). That’s over 10% of the car parc.
Despite the ever-increasing proliferation of ADAS, which is now a common feature on nearly all new cars, there has been a lack of clear information on how to approach the repair of these safety-critical systems.
To fill that void Thatcham Research has issued a position to enable the automotive industry to efficiently and safely repair ADAS:
If ADAS sensors, or parts that are in proximity to ADAS sensors, are included in a repair specification, calibration post repair must be completed to confirm sensors are functioning to the vehicle manufacturers’ specified tolerances.
In addition vehicle repairers should:
- Assess for the presence of ADAS sensors and record the outcome clearly;
- Research and seek guidance from relevant repair methods and calibration instructions;
- Ensure all calibration activities are completed by currently competent technicians;
- Complete system calibration in accordance with the relevant repair method / instruction;
- Be able to demonstrate that the calibration of all affected sensors has been completed and that the results of the calibration confirms functionality within the vehicle manufacturer’s specified tolerance – unless stated otherwise in the repair specification;
- Where no specific repair guidance exists, and functionality cannot be proven through systemised calibration, then advice should be sought from the vehicle manufacturer’s dealership network and appropriate action taken prior to vehicle release;
- If vehicle manufacturer information states dynamic calibration, this should be completed and confirmed prior to vehicle release.
Richard Billyeald, Thatcham Research Chief Technical Officer, comments: “The whole industry needs to work together to make sure ADAS repairs are safe and vehicles are returned to the road quickly and efficiently. Equipment suppliers must ensure that verifiable evidence of a successful calibration is provided. Repairers must invest in training to ensure competent persons are reinstating ADAS safely. And Vehicle Manufacturers must provide ADAS fitment data and consistent advice around which repair scenarios will result in successful ADAS calibration.”
A full set of industry-agreed guidelines will be launched later in the year, following a round of industry consultation.
Thatcham Research has also produced a document summarising its position on ADAS. Download a pdf version here.
For a full press release with further insights and commentary from Billyeald and the Association of British Insurers, please visit our Media Centre