For auto body shops, calibrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) represents a major challenge. For several good reasons, this challenge cannot be met by everyone.
In recent years, auto body technicians have embraced electronic diagnostics, enabling them to detect numerous collision-related problems affecting systems whose condition cannot be evaluated by the naked eye. Vehicle data analysis indicates which electronic or electrical systems need attention, along with their physical components.
When a sensor or camera integrated into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) needs replacement or adjustment, programming or calibration will be necessary. To accomplish this, the shop must rely not only on technician expertise and necessary equipment but also on suitable facilities for the operation. This combination isn’t accessible to everyone.

Jimmy Dorion had tested various ADAS calibration approaches while working in his family business, which operates three body shops in the Quebec City region. “I fell in love with calibration,” he explains. “I centralized operations in one location and quickly realized that beyond the volume from my family’s shops, there was very strong demand from other body shops. Word of mouth had such an effect that in 2022, I officially founded the Capital Calibration Centre.”
The facility we visit with Mr. Dorion appears unremarkable at first glance. In fact, the spaces are open, walls painted white, lighting balanced, and the floor is perfectly level. These are prerequisites for successful calibration–conditions not typically found in all body shops.
In this facility, we find mobile calibration tools, a scanner, and an impressive collection of targets. This combination enables programming or calibration that is considered static, as it’s performed in the shop rather than on the road. A computer workstation coordinates everything. This is where Mr. Dorion finds links to automotive manufacturers’ processes to successfully complete this delicate operation. Any calibration error can have direct consequences on motorist safety.
Moreover, a road test is performed after each calibration to ensure all systems are operational. The entrepreneur then prepares diagnostic and calibration reports so his body shop clients can quickly submit the documentation required by insurers.

According to this expert, it’s normal for body shops to prefer outsourcing calibrations rather than performing them in-house, for the reasons mentioned, but also for purely economic considerations. “How can you make calibrations profitable if, to perform them, the shop must dedicate space that could generate, on average, $400,000 annually in body repairs?”
Mr. Dorion’s team completed 6,500 calibration files over the past year. And this number is set to grow. A branch has opened in Blainville under the supervision of Amir Farrokh, a trainer turned entrepreneur. Additionally, the Eastern Townships and Mauricie regions are served by mobile units. Soon, a location will be found to establish a new operations centre in these regions.
Jimmy Dorion also plans to expand his Quebec City operations by finding a larger facility where he can offer wheel alignment services for vehicles requiring calibration. “For now, I ask them to ensure the vehicle’s wheels are parallel before bringing it to me, as it’s another prerequisite for most calibrations,” he explains. “With the space to do it in my facilities, I could offer them truly complete service.”
With the increasing complexity of driver assistance systems and cars that rely on them to become increasingly autonomous, Mr. Dorion has no concerns about the demand for his services.