A Hella Gutmann Solutions diagnostic tool commonly used to recalibrate ADAS on European models.
United Kingdom-based Thatcham Research has released a voluntary code of practice that offers guidance on recalibrating an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) after a windshield replacement.
A U.K.-based ADAS Repair Group was created to develop the guidance. The group includes the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Belron International, NSG Pilkington Auto, Insurer Engineers Technical Committee (Thatcham), National Windscreens, Hella Gutmann Solutions, Robert Bosch Ltd., Auto Body Professionals (ABP), Auto Glazing Academy and Nationwide Crash Repair Centres (NCRC).
The code covers the initial identification of different ADAS technologies; best practice for ensuring full and transparent communication with the customer; and a guide to calibration options, scheduling and pricing.
“ADAS systems have become an integral feature on cars, with motorists increasingly putting their trust in the additional layer of safety that this technology provides. It’s therefore of vital importance that drivers can retain that confidence following any sort of repair,” according to Andrew Miller, chief technology officer at Thatcham Research.
“This will be something companies can refer to and have in place to help cover liability issues,” Maria Charlton, director of Essex Glass and Windscreens and the Auto Glazing Academy, said when the code was in development. (See page 18 of AGRR™ magazine’s May/June issue by clicking here.) “Our advice is for people to use it, but they don’t need to. However, if they don’t use it, they could be held liable. By following this code of practice to the letter, it helps to ensure you are following safe procedures. And as long as you have the calibration certificate or explain to the customer you can’t recalibrate and the car must go to the dealership, you are not guilty of doing anything wrong.”
Vehicle manufacturers either require ADAS cameras to be reset by a dynamic (in motion) or static recalibration technique. There is not a universal solution, Charlton notes.
According to the code, vehicles that require static calibration will need to be booked into an appropriate facility.
“For in-house calibration you will need to invest in the appropriate diagnostic tools and calibration tools to calibrate the typical range of vehicles serviced by your business,” the code reads.
An aftermarket diagnostic tool from Hella Gutmann Solutions works on most European models, Charlton said.
“It is the only aftermarket solution created to recalibrate vehicles after a windscreen is replaced,” she noted. “It does not work on cars that have just debuted. The industry has to wait until the software is available. It usually works on vehicles 12 months old or older. Anything newer has to go to a dealer for recalibration. Technicians need to recognize this.”
Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass®, adds: “It’s very clear that calibrating ADAS after a windscreen replacement is vital. ADAS systems can save lives, but may not work correctly unless maintained as intended.“
To read the code of practice, click here.
