What Is ADAS Calibration and Why Does It Matter?

Modern cars are smarter than ever. Many now come equipped with technology that helps prevent accidents, keeps you safely in your lane, and even applies the brakes if a hazard is detected. 

These features are known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and while they're incredibly useful, they only work properly if they're accurately calibrated. 

Here's everything you need to know. 

 

What Is ADAS? 

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These systems use cameras, radar sensors and other technology to monitor what's happening around your vehicle while you drive. 

Depending on your car, ADAS features may include: 

• Lane Keeping Assist  

• Lane Departure Warning  

• Adaptive Cruise Control  

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)  

• Traffic Sign Recognition  

• Blind Spot Monitoring  

• Parking Assist  

• Driver Fatigue Detection  

These features are designed to make driving safer, but only if the cameras and sensors are correctly positioned and calibrated. 

 

What Is ADAS Calibration? 

ADAS calibration is the process of checking and adjusting your vehicle's cameras and sensors, so they accurately detect the road ahead. 

Think of it like wearing glasses with the wrong prescription. Even a slight misalignment can affect what the system "sees", which could cause it to react too early, too late, or not at all. 

Calibration ensures your vehicle's safety systems are working exactly as the manufacturer intended. 

 

When Does ADAS Calibration Need to Be Carried Out? 

Many drivers are surprised by how often ADAS calibration is required. 

You may need it after: 

• Replacing a windscreen  

• Having a wheel alignment  

• Suspension or steering repairs  

• Replacing tyres (on some vehicles)  

• An accident or collision, even a minor one  

• Hitting a large pothole or kerb  

• Repairs involving front or rear bumpers where sensors are located  

Even if your car appears to drive normally, the cameras or radar sensors may have shifted by just enough to affect their accuracy. 

 

Why Is ADAS Calibration So Important? 

Your ADAS systems are there to help protect you, your passengers and other road users. 

If they're not calibrated correctly, they may: 

• Fail to recognise hazards  

• Trigger unnecessary warnings  

• Misjudge distances  

• Incorrectly detect lane markings  

• Reduce the effectiveness of emergency braking systems  

In some situations, this could increase the risk of an accident. 

Keeping these systems correctly calibrated helps ensure your vehicle responds when you most need it to. 

 

Does Wheel Alignment Affect ADAS? 

Yes, it can. 

Many ADAS cameras rely on the vehicle travelling in a perfectly straight line. If your wheel alignment is incorrect, it can affect how the system interprets the road and surrounding traffic. 

That's why manufacturers often recommend checking or recalibrating ADAS after a wheel alignment or steering repair. 

At Merityre, we can advise whether your vehicle requires ADAS calibration following alignment work. 

 

How Long Does ADAS Calibration Take? 

The time required depends on your vehicle and the type of calibration needed. 

Some vehicles can be calibrated in under an hour, while others may take longer if static calibration equipment or a road test is required. 

Our technicians will always explain what's needed before any work begins. 

 

Can I Drive Without ADAS Calibration? 

Your vehicle may still be driveable, but it isn't recommended to ignore calibration if it's required. 

Some vehicles will display warning lights or disable certain safety features until calibration has been completed. 

Even if there are no warning messages, the system may not be operating as accurately as it should. 

 

How Do I Know If My Car Has ADAS? 

If your vehicle has features such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking or traffic sign recognition, it almost certainly uses ADAS. 

Most vehicles manufactured in recent years include at least some form of driver assistance technology. 

If you're unsure, our team can help identify whether your vehicle requires ADAS calibration. 

 

Why Choose Merityre for ADAS Calibration? 

Modern driver assistance systems rely on precise camera and sensor positioning to work correctly. At selected Merityre branches, our trained technicians use specialist ADAS calibration equipment to ensure these systems are accurately aligned following repairs or maintenance. Whether you've had a windscreen replaced, suspension work carried out or your wheel alignment adjusted, we will restore your vehicle's safety systems to manufacturer standards. 

 

Book ADAS Calibration at Merityre 

If your vehicle's driver assistance systems need checking, don't wait until a warning light appears. Book your ADAS calibration at your nearest participating Merityre branch and drive away knowing your vehicle's safety technology is performing exactly as it should.