Tire Shops & ADAS Calibrations
ADAS is here to stay. Is your tire shop ready to meet the growing demands of ADAS calibrations?
Tire Shops & ADAS
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Tires are the backbone of safety & ADAS
ADAS (or Advanced Driver Assistance System) is an increasingly common feature on almost all new vehicles and is a big opportunity for tire dealers looking to grow their business and provide the best customer service. ADAS calibration is usually required whenever suspension work or wheel alignment occurs, making it an ideal service offering for tire shops. By including ADAS services, tire dealers can capture this profitable work while the vehicles are right there in the shop.
What is ADAS?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) employ radar, sensors and cameras to assess a vehicle's speed, tendencies and environment. This information is used to assist or alert drivers. This may help reduce the driver's recognition and response time, or the systems may take corrective action of their own in some instances.
What are ADAS Calibrations?
ADAS calibration is the precise placement, alignment, testing, and resetting of electronic sensors, cameras or other components on vehicles. ADAS reset or calibration ensures these components have correct data input to respond accurately and effectively to the car’s surroundings. Miscalibrated ADAS components can have a serious impact on vehicle safety.
Ready for ADAS?
How to get started doing ADAS calibrations
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Step 1: Learn about the market opportunity
More than 60 million vehicles have ADAS components, and that number continues to rise. The massive increase in ADAS systems means there is a growing need for ADAS resets and calibrations.
ADAS calibrations can be required by OEMs after common services like wheel alignment, windshield repair, and suspension repair. Tire dealers are a natural fit for ADAS resets and calibrations since they are already providing alignments and suspension work.
Many shops are currently outsourcing ADAS work or customers are relying on car dealerships to provide resets. Tire dealers are uniquely positioned to quickly get into the ADAS reset and calibration space and offer a rapidly growing service, that is here to stay.
ADAS reset and calibration market by the numbers:
1.5 million vehicles required ADAS service in an aftermarket shop in 2023.
60% of vehicles registered in the USA have ADAS components that need calibration if touched, moved or replaced.
$283 million in calibration work outsourced by shops in 2023.
90% of ADAS Calibrations are outsourced by mechanical shops.
$4 billion in projected revenue generated across the industry from ADAS calibrations in 2030.
ADAS calibrations are a great service to offer with alignments and many forward-facing calibrations can be done within the space already alotted for alignments. Many OEMs have models that require ADAS calibrations after alignment.
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Step 2: Understand how much space is needed, or more often, not needed
Space requirements depend on the make and the model being serviced and is determined by the OEM.
However, many calibrations that tire shops should be providing can be done without additional space needed.
Wheel alignment is the gateway to ADAS and is already being performed in tire shops. Alignment bays are also a great place to start with ADAS resets because the space they provide can support ~93% of alignment related ADAS calibration needs.
Steering resets are already routinely being performed by shops doing alignments and can be considered the first step in ADAS calibrations. These resets do not require any additional space from the alignment bay. Steering resets also represent a large opportunity for tire shops because they can be performed with alignment systems like the HawkEye Elite® right now. Tools like CodeLink® and ADASLink® allow shops to perform steering resets as part of the alignment process.
Dynamic calibrations are performed by plugging a scan tool into the vehicle and then driving the vehicle on the road to calibrate the system. No additional space is required. When using a scan tool like ADASLink® paired with a Hunter HawkEye Elite® tire shops can cover ~93% of steering resets and alignment related ADAS calibrations.
Here is a breakdown of that ~93% coverage; On average ~44% of the vehicles you align will just need the alignment to be completed and nothing else. ~49% of the vehicles getting alignments will require or recommend some ADAS calibration in conjunction with doing the alignment. Those ADAS resets and steering resets can be performed with the space you already have in your alignment bay, or by driving the vehicle for a dynamic calibration using ADASLink®. The remaining ~7% typically require placing static fixtures, often times only in the front of the vehicle for forward facing cameras or radars, or the vehicle was just released and the reset procedure has not yet been accounted for in the specification database of the alignment system.
Static calibrations are performed by placing targets around the vehicle for the systems to use as reference when performing the calibration. The space needed is determined by the OEM, but many forward-facing camera and forward-facing radar calibrations can be performed within your existing alignment bay using tools like Hunter’s Ultimate ADAS® or the DAS 3000 fixture paired with ADASLink®. Ultimate ADAS® can account for surface mount lifts and uneven floors and uses laser gimbals and easy on-screen instructions to guide technicians to precise target placement.
Calibrations that need more space can often times work in existing space by getting creative with vehicle placement, i.e. backing the vehicle up on the lift rack to create more space in front of the vehicle, backing the vehicle into the bay to use the drive-up space for target placement, or moving the system to a flat bay. Vehicles may also be moved around side to side or back to front within the bay itself to complete calibrations.
Having a trusted partner you can call for support goes a long way with making your space work. Reach out to your local Hunter team to learn more: www.hunter.com/contact. -
Step 3: Grow your business with the right tools for your shop
There are many approaches to getting started with ADAS calibrations, but the easiest place to start is to build on the alignment work that you are already doing by investing in a scan-tool such as the Hunter ADASLink® that can handle steering resets and dynamic calibrations.
From there, when you are ready to expand into forward facing static calibrations, you can build on your alignment business by adding a fixture like the DAS 3000 Static Calibration Fixture.
When you're ready to fully own ADAS work at your shop, Hunter Ultimate ADAS® will allow you to do alignments and ADAS with ease.
Contact your local Hunter team to start growing your business.
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Step 4: Get expert training and support for your technicians
Even before you purchase ADAS calibration equipment, you and your technicians can get up to speed on ADAS calibrations by utilizing resources like Hunter University, which offers free, easily digestible online courses that can lay the groundwork for better understanding of ADAS concepts.
When you're ready to purchase ADAS calibration equipment, your local Hunter team can help you find the right equipment for your shop. This includes installation, maintenance, and on-site equipment training. For more in-depth, hands-on experience, you can visit one of our 50+ training centers across the United States and Canada for guidance from one of our dedicated field trainers.
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Step 5: Establish what you will charge for ADAS calibrations
New revenue can be substantial with ADAS calibrations. But, it can be challenging to know what to charge for the service. When referencing insurance pay and OEM book times there is a range of charges depending on the system being calibrated. According to CCC Crash Course 2020, averages for ADAS calibration services range from $100 to $450+ per individual system calibration.
Using a mid-range charge, if you calibrate 5 cars per week x 51 working weeks in a year x ~ $232 (price of ADAS calibration) x 70% profit margin per ADAS calibration = $41,412 of Unrealized Annual Gross Profit
(Note: Varies from $100 to $450+ per; CCC Crash Course 2020 Average)
See below for our breakdown of calibration profits per ADAS systems and visit our ROI calculators to see how our equipment can increase your shop's profitability.
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Step 6: Communicate ADAS needs with your customers
Educating and talking to your customers about ADAS should be easy. Especially if you have something you can use at your fingertips.
Hunter Engineering already has the resources available to communicate the basics. There are many tools available to you right now.
Video Education — available for display in your shop waiting areas:
ADAS requires wheel alignment to work properly: What vehicle owners should know
Interactive touch tool — installed on a localized tablet or touchscreen:
ADAS Learning Tool | Hunter Engineering Company ®
What is ADAS? web page — displayed on your interactive device:
Hunter® Industry Insights | What is ADAS?
Counter mat — a printed reminder right at your counter top or point of sale:
Maintaining the Safety Systems in your car - download
Printed take-away brochure template — to customize and print with your logo:
What is ADAS? Counter Sales Brochure
More — there's always more!
Contact your local Hunter representative.
Keep ADAS Work In-House
Discover the top reasons why tire shops should be performing in-house ADAS calibrations.
Tap into Growing Market
Complement Existing Services
Provide OEM required service
Enhance Vehicle Safety
New Revenue Opportunity
Customer Loyalty
Future Proofing your shop
Stay Ahead of Competition
Calibration Revenue Opportunities
Explore what your shop can charge for ADAS Calibrations.
(All prices are based on estimates and are subject to shop discretion)
1 added Alignment per day
$119 per alignment at 5 workdays per week
= Additional $31,000 per year
1 ADAS reset per day
$232 per ADAS Reset
5 workdays per week
= +$41,412 per year
Windshield Camera Sensors
Labor Hours: 3.3 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $363
Rear Radar Sensors
Labor Hours: 1.6 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $176
Front Radar Sensors
Labor House: 1.6 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $176
Ultrasonic Sensors
Labor Hours: 1.6 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $176
Side Mirror Sensors
Labor Hours: 3.3 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $363
Rear Cameras
Labor Hours: 3.3 + Labor Cost: $110
= ~ $363
Sources: NewsRoom.AAA.com, 2019 AAA Driving Costs Study, 2020 CCC Intelligent Solutions Study
25+ million vehicles with static or dynamic calibration procedures
Performing ADAS Calibrations
Static adas Calibration
This type of calibration is specifically tailored for a workshop environment.
Static Calibration Procedure Requirements
One of this biggest popular misconception about ADAS Calibration is that it requires huge floor space.
Floor space
It's a popular misconception that ADAS calibration tools require huge floor space. Most vehicles will not need all ADAS functions adjusted at the same time, so simultaneous front, side and rear views are rarely necessary.
In fact, many forward-facing ADAS calibrations can be performed in less than 16.5 feet of space in front of the vehicle, while some can be done in less than 10. For shops with tight space constraints, back the vehicle off of the front turn plates on the alignment lift rack for the forward facing reset. This can provide up to 3+ feet of additional space.
Moderate lighting
This can be one of the more challenging constraints to perform ADAS calibration resets because every shop is different and direct sun light will impact performing certain camera procedures. All OEMs generally require even, diffused lighting when performing resets. So, this will need to be taken into consideration when you begin offering ADAS services.
The good news is, you do not have to be a lighting expert to solve this problem. You just need to have an equipment partner that has representatives local to you, that can visit your shop in person to help ensure your unique situation accounts for the lighting requirements needed to successfully perform ADAS resets.
Flat floor
Each OEM has different requirements for what is acceptable for floor levelness, but flush mount alignment lift racks are a great option to provide flat working area.
Flush mount alignment racks are not your only option. Surface mount lift racks can work for many forward facing procedures, so long as your ADAS system can account for the height difference.
Other than alignment lifts, flat bays are also a great option, but they'll need to be free of major slopes. It is okay if they are somewhat unlevel or uneven if your ADAS system can automatically compensate for unlevel floor
Solid, neutral wall color
For most procedures, OEMs say there should be no geometic patterns within the working area and walls and floors should be be solid, neutral colors.
This means you may have to move tool boxes or work benches out of the space for some procedures. ADAS systems that can quickly and clearly show where targets will need to be placed will make identifying space requirements easy for any technician to see.
Recommended Hunter equipment for static ADAS calibrations
Hunter Ultimate ADAS®
Perform wheel alignment and all static ADAS calibrations in the same bay, with the same equipment.
ADASLink® + DAS3000
Another option for your shop is to integrate the ADASLink Scan Tool in combination with the DAS3000 that allows your shop to complete static calibrations, enabling you to perform all calibration needs.
Dynamic adas Calibration
Dynamic calibration refers to calibrations performed when the vehicle is driving, or in motion.
Dynamic Calibration Procedure Requirements
ADAS calibration tool
The most basic requirement for dynamic ADAS calibrations is having a reliable scan tool to perform the calibrations. Your scan tool should have easy to follow on-screen guidance, great documentation, and regular updates to ensure you can quickly and efficiently perform dynamic calibrations for your customers.
Nearby highway
A nearby highway with clear lane markings and little traffic so vehicles can reach speed without obstructions will be most convenient.
ADASLink® Scan Tool
The simplest way to get started is with the ADASLink scan tool. The scan tool plugs directly into the vehicle to enable technicians to complete dynamic calibrations.
Integrating ADAS Calibration Services
Wheel Alignments
ADAS calibrations are a natural add on to your alignment business. You can utilize the same space for over 90% of forward-facing calibrations and often times they are required or recommended by the OEM following a wheel alignment.
Tire Replacements
Tire replacements are a great opportunity for customers to protect their investment with an alignment and ADAS system elvaluation. Additionally, any time the overall fitmit size changes, it's a good time to offer an ADAS calibration to ensure systems are working as intended.
Tire Rotations
Tire rotations are a great preventative maintenance offering to protect your customer's investment in tires. It's also a great time to talk to your customer about their ADAS systems and the maintenance those systems require.
You're already doing the work, just add the calibration! No extra Space needed
Most vehicles will not need all ADAS functions adjusted at the same time, so simultaneous front, side and rear views are rarely necessary. When multiple systems do require service, the vehicle can be repositioned within the existing space for each individual calibration.
The Proof is in the Printout
Provide your customers with solid evidence that they are getting the best service possible.
Coming Soon!
Talk to your Customers about ADAS
Learn how to inform and educate your customers about the necessity of ADAS calibrations.
Coming Soon!
Hunter ADAS Video Hub
From ADAS explainer videos to operation videos to customer testimonials, learn what you need to know about ADAS for your shop.
ADAS Training
Prepare your techs to become ADAS experts through Hunter University.
ADAS Learning Tool
Branded ADAS Systems
Use Hunter's new fully interactive ADAS Learning Tool to better understand ADAS.
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Explore Hunter ADAS Products
Ultimate ADAS®
Generate fully-documented confirmation of wheel alignment and ADAS calibrations in one easy-to-use, error-proof machine.
ADAS Calibration Tools
Calibrate ADAS using aftermarket or OEM solutions. Hunter offers quality ADAS Calibration tools and equipment for any shop.
ADAS Accessories
Shop for ADAS accessories online and find the right tools for you and your shop.
ADAS for Other Shop Types
