Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These are electronic systems in vehicles that use advanced technologies to assist the driver in driving and parking functions, with the goal of increasing car and road safety.
Common ADAS features in modern vehicles:
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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
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Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Warns or helps steer the vehicle if it begins to drift out of its lane.
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Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Warning (AEB / FCW): Detects an impending collision and applies brakes automatically if the driver doesn’t react in time.
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Blind Spot Monitoring / Warning (BSW / BSM): Alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
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Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Detects and displays traffic signs like speed limits.
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Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of cross traffic when backing out of parking spots.
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360-Degree Camera Systems: Provide a bird’s-eye view around the vehicle for safer parking and maneuvering.
Technologies Used:
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Cameras
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Radar
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Lidar
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Ultrasonic Sensors
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AI and Machine Learning Algorithms
Why does ADAS need calibration?
ADAS needs calibration to ensure its sensors and cameras provide accurate data, which is essential for the system to function correctly and safely. Calibration aligns the physical sensors (like cameras, radar, and lidar) with the vehicle’s geometric center and orientation, so the system can accurately interpret the vehicle’s surroundings.
Reasons ADAS Requires Calibration:
Sensor Alignment Sensitivity:
ADAS components are often mounted on windshields, bumpers, grilles, and mirrors. Even a small misalignment (a few millimeters or degrees) can cause major errors in system behavior.
Post-Repair Adjustments:
After windshield replacement, bumper repairs, suspension work, or collision damage, sensors may shift and need recalibration.
Accurate Functioning of Safety Features:
Features like Lane Keep Assist or Automatic Emergency Braking depend on precise data. A misaligned camera could incorrectly interpret lane positions or distance to objects.
Software and Firmware Updates:
Updates to the vehicle’s systems may require recalibration to re-optimize sensor performance.
Tire or Suspension Changes:
Changes in ride height or wheel alignment can affect sensor angles and distances, requiring recalibration.
When should ADAS be calibrated?
ADAS does not be calibrated on a routine schedule like oil changes; instead, it must be calibrated whenever certain events occur that could affect sensor alignment or accuracy.
Calibration is required when:
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Collision repairs, even if minor, especially near sensor mounting points.
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Windshield replacement (for vehicles with forward-facing cameras).
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Bumper / Grille repair or replacement (especially front or rear bumpers with radar/lidar sensors).
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Suspension or ride height modification (e.g., lifting/lowering the vehicle).
Changes in suspension angles from accessories (eg. heavy bullbar with winch or a canopy)
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Tire size change or ride height modification (e.g., lifting/lowering the vehicle).
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Wheel alignment changes to your alignment, particularly thrust angle
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ADAS warning lights or error messages appear on the dashboard.
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Camera, Radar or sensor replacement.
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Software updates involving the ADAS system.
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Calibration is essential after any of the above events, to maintain the safety and performance of ADAS.
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Skipping calibration when needed can lead to misreading lanes, vehicles, or pedestrians, which compromises safety. It may also void your insurance, so speak with your provider!
What types of Calibration are there?
Static Calibration: Performed using targets and alignment tools, in a controlled environment with our modern workshop.
Dynamic Calibration: Requires driving the vehicle under specific conditions so the system can self-calibrate using real-world data.
This usually cannot be carried out if it is raining, which is important in Cairns, as it seems to rain for 6 months at at time. In these scenarios, we need to wait for a break in the rain before attempting calibration.
In some cases, like some Subaru’s… a static calibration is required, followed by a dynamic calibration.
Why is ADAS calibration important after a collision or windscreen replacement?
Even a minor accident or simple windscreen replacement can slightly misalign your vehicle’s cameras or radar sensors—throwing your safety systems off by several feet. This can cause your car to either miss hazards entirely or brake unexpectedly. Calibration ensures those systems are realigned to factory specifications so they perform reliably when it matters most.
My dash doesn’t show any warning lights—does that mean my ADAS is working properly?
Not necessarily. Many ADAS misalignments don’t trigger warning lights. Your vehicle could silently lose key safety features like lane departure alerts or automatic braking. A professional calibration check is the only way to confirm your systems are functioning as intended.
Do I really need calibration if it was “just a small bump”?
Yes. Research shows even low-speed impacts can shift ADAS sensors out of alignment. Many systems rely on perfect angles and positions—so what seems like a minor bump could lead to major safety issues if calibration isn’t checked.
How precise does ADAS calibration need to be?
Extremely. A sensor that’s just 1 degree off can cause your car to misjudge distances by several metres. That kind of error can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and having one. That’s why we use millimetre-accurate equipment and OEM-level targets to ensure absolute precision.
Can any workshop perform ADAS calibration?
No. ADAS calibration requires specialised equipment, precise environmental conditions, and trained technicians. At ADAS Calibration Centre Cairns, we’re fully equipped with OEM-compliant tools and procedures—ensuring every calibration meets or exceeds manufacturer requirements.
Can you calibrate EV or Hybrid vehicles?
Absolutely!
Our team of qualified auto-electricians and mechanics are also trained in HV/EV and have the skills and qualifications to safely and accurately repair all manner of hybrid vehicles including plug-in as well as fully electric vehicles.
How can you help my business?
Our services are tailored to support collision repair centers, windscreen replacement businesses, automotive workshops and insurers alike, delivering the same high level of accuracy and adherence to industry standards as dealerships. We handle the problem vehicles so that your business can focus on what you do best.
Why choose us over the dealership?
Simple, five main reasons:
- Our combination of dealership and aftermarket tooling means we have the best coverage across the Australian carpark.
- Highly skilled, trained and multi-skilled staff ensure that no job is tool difficult to be done in house.
- Superior service and reduced turn-around times help make dealing with us hassle free.
- Reduced cost compared to the dealership
- We’re a local family run business, focused on helping other local businesses.
