With some 10% of cars on the road now fitted with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Thatcham Research has issued new guidance on the repair of these safety critical systems.

The organisation states that 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.

It further advises that 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 calibration conforms to vehicle manufacturer’s specified tolerance,  unless stated otherwise in the repair specification

If vehicle manufacturer information states dynamic calibration, this should be completed and confirmed prior to vehicle release.

A full Code of Practice 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. You can download a pdf at version at www.thatcham.org.