ADAS in the Auto Repair Shop: What You Need to Know

Autosphere » Mechanical » ADAS in the Auto Repair Shop: What You Need to Know
Starting with the QuickLink ribbon on the very first screen of ProDemand, you’ll find vehicle-specific ADAS information such as this 2015 Audi. Source: Mitchell 1

If you’ve worked on a newer vehicle lately, there’s a good chance you’ve already come face to face with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—even if you didn’t realize it.

ADAS is the technology behind features like lane keeping, blind spot alerts, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and automatic emergency braking. Basically, it’s a network of cameras, radar and sensors that act like a second set of eyes for the driver.

And while it’s great for safety on the road, it adds a whole new challenge for auto repair shops.

ProDemand lets you know at a glance if the components associated with the vehicle’s ADAS feature will require calibration, special tools like targets, or a scan tool to complete the job. Source: Mitchell 1

 

Why should auto repair shops care about ADAS?

Here’s the deal: These sensors and cameras are mounted in places like the windshield, bumpers, mirror, and grille—all areas you touch during everyday repairs. Something as simple as a wheel alignment, windshield replacement or bumper job can knock an ADAS component out of alignment.

And the kicker? The car won’t always throw a warning light if something’s off. But if that front-facing camera is tilted just a few degrees, the vehicle might think a road sign is a hazard and hit the brakes out of nowhere. Or the lane assist might start nudging the car when it doesn’t need to.

That’s why recalibrating ADAS systems after certain repairs isn’t optional —t’s critical.

Recalibration: Static, dynamic, or both

Once an ADAS component is moved—even slightly—you need to get it back in spec. That means recalibrating it to OEM requirements. There are two main types:

  • Static Calibration – Done in the shop with targets and special tools. It requires clear space and accurate measurements.
  • Dynamic Calibration – Done out on the road while the vehicle drives under specific conditions, so the system can re-learn its surroundings.

Some vehicles require one or the other. Many require both.

Either way, you need access to precise instructions and procedures to get vehicles back on the road safely.

What Eectly Is in an ADAS system?

ADAS isn’t one piece of technology—it’s a network of safety systems, often working together. A few common components include:

  • Cameras – Detects lane lines, traffic signs and pedestrians.
  • Radar – Measures how far away other vehicles are (great for adaptive cruise control).
  • Ultrasonic sensors – Helps with parking and low-speed manoeuvers.
  • LiDAR (on some vehicles) – Uses lasers for detailed, real-time mapping of the surroundings.

When one part of the system is off, it can throw off everything else it talks to. That’s why it’s important to know how each piece fits into the bigger picture.

How ProDemand makes it easier to service ADAS

This is where Mitchell 1’s ProDemand auto repair information comes in—specifically, the ADAS Quick Link feature that consolidates vehicle-specific information in one place.

Right from the 1Search home screen, it gives you everything you need to handle ADAS on any vehicle. Once you select a vehicle, a single click on the ADAS Quick Link gives you immediate access to a detailed table that lists all the ADAS features on that vehicle—along with the specific components involved in each system.

You’ll see some “common” components like cruise control module, park assist sensor and outside view camera. Or you might come across “unusual” ones like yaw/acceleration sensor, object detection sensor or forward-looking radar module.

ProDemand clearly indicates if any of these components require calibration, special tools or a scan tool to complete the repair properly. And instead of jumping between multiple tabs or documents, all relevant ADAS information is pulled together in one easy-to-read table. This format gives you a complete understanding of the ADAS system at a glance—no extra searching required.

From that table, you can select any component to launch 1Search Plus, which delivers OEM repair and calibration procedures in a clean, card-style layout. If you need to dig deeper, just open a card to find everything you need—whether it’s system descriptions, step-by-step instructions, or safety precautions.

With ProDemand’s ADAS features, there’s no hunting for details, no endless scrolling—just clear, accurate information right when you need it, helping you complete the job safely, efficiently and with total confidence.

Here’s the bottom line

If your shop is doing alignments, windshield replacements, bumper repairs or suspension work—you’re already working with ADAS, whether you realize it or not.

These systems aren’t going away. In fact, they’re becoming standard on more vehicles every year. The shops that stay informed, invest in training, and rely on accurate repair information will be the ones that stay ahead of the curve.

With ProDemand’s ADAS Quick Links, you’ll have the details you need—fast. From calibration requirements to component locations and OEM procedures, everything is right at your fingertips. That means safer, more accurate, and more profitable repairs for your shop.

About ProDemand

ProDemand® provides complete OEM repair, estimating and maintenance information and exclusive real-world industry insights in a single lookup to help automotive technicians repair vehicles more efficiently.  Key features include expert-based Real Fixes, ADAS quick reference, interactive colour wiring diagrams, the latest TSBs, common replaced parts graphs, and integrated estimating with the Mitchell 1 Manager™ SE shop management system.

Interested in learning more?
Schedule a free demo at https://get.mitchell1.com/adas_autosphere

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