Modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), and lane keep assist — help drivers avoid crashes and stay safer on the road. These systems rely on cameras, radars, and sensors working together with precision. After any collision repair, windshield replacement, or suspension alignment, these sensors often need recalibration so they can “see” the road correctly (NHTSA).

If calibration is missed, your car’s safety features could fail to react or could trigger incorrectly. That is why it is vital to know how to recognize whether your ADAS is properly calibrated. Let’s break this down clearly.

Why ADAS Calibration Matters After Repairs

ADAS sensors — cameras, radar, ultrasonic — are extremely precise. Their alignment is measured to millimeters and fractions of a degree. Even a minor bump or part replacement can shift them enough to throw off critical safety systems. Calibration realigns these sensors to factory specifications. That way, features like lane-keeping, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking (AEB) continue to work properly.

For example, a 0.6° camera misalignment can reduce AEB effectiveness by 60%. This changes reaction time from 1.5 to 0.9 seconds, potentially causing a vehicle to miss stopping in time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that misaligned cameras can lead to system failures and dangerous driving situations.

Bottom line: Always confirm ADAS calibration is performed after any repairs to keep your vehicle’s safety features working as designed.

Key Takeaway:
Even a small misalignment — half a degree — can cause the system to miss an obstacle or react at the wrong time.

When is ADAS Calibration Needed?

Here are common situations where recalibration is required:

Windshield replacement (cameras mounted on the glass)
Bumper repairs (radar or ultrasonic sensors are housed here)
Suspension or alignment changes (these shift sensor angles)
Camera or sensor replacement
Any collision — even minor fender-benders can shift sensors (CCC, 2022)

What Should You Ask Your Repair Shop?

When working with a collision or glass repair shop, ask:

“Did you recalibrate my ADAS sensors after this repair?”
“Can you show me a calibration report?”

How is ADAS Calibration Performed?

Now that you know when calibration is needed, let’s explore how shops actually perform it.

Static vs. Dynamic Calibration

Static calibration (in-shop):

Uses calibration targets and patterns
Performed indoors on a level surface
Precise measurements ensure cameras/sensors point perfectly straight

Dynamic calibration (on-road):

Done while driving in real traffic
Sensors learn using lane markings and other vehicles
Usually takes 20–30 minutes on well-marked highways

Some vehicles — like Tesla — require both. Tesla models typically start with static calibration at a service center. Then, you may need to drive 20–25 miles to complete dynamic recalibration. You can track calibration progress on your Tesla touchscreen under Controls > Service > Camera Calibration. If calibration does not finish after about 100 miles, there may be a problem (Tesla Service, 2023).

Other automakers, such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford, often require static calibration in a shop using manufacturer-approved patterns. Always ask which process applies to your vehicle.

5 Signs Your ADAS Might Not Be Calibrated Properly

1️⃣ Dashboard warnings — If you see a warning light for lane assist, collision alert, or other driver-assist features, calibration may have failed.

2️⃣ False or missing alerts — If your car beeps for no reason, or fails to warn you about obstacles, that is a red flag.

3️⃣ Steering feels off — Lane keep assist might steer too much or too little, or pull you out of your lane.

4️⃣ Adaptive cruise control behaving oddly — Hard braking or accelerating for no reason can mean sensors are misaligned.

5️⃣ No calibration report after repairs — If the shop did not mention calibration, double-check. Many shops forget to document it.

Proper vs. Improper Calibration: Safety, Costs, and Insurance

How to Know if Your Vehicle’s ADAS Was Properly Calibrated?

Modern safety features — lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking — rely on precise sensor calibration. After any repair, your vehicle’s ADAS may need recalibration to maintain that precision.

How can you tell if it was done correctly?

✅ Look for warning lights or error messages on your dash after a repair
✅ Watch for false alerts or missed warnings (for example, beeping at nothing, or no beep when there should be)
✅ Pay attention to odd behavior in driver assists (jerky steering, random braking, drifting in lane)
✅ Confirm with the repair shop that calibration was performed, and ask for a printed calibration report
✅ Test your ADAS features in a safe place to see if systems like lane centering and adaptive cruise respond normally
✅ If you have any doubts, have a trusted calibration expert recheck

Missing or incorrect calibration is a serious safety risk. Misaligned sensors can fail to detect hazards or trigger dangerous false alarms. Nearly 88% of needed ADAS recalibrations are missed after repairs (CCC, 2022) — putting drivers at risk without even knowing it.

How Abel Diagnostic Centers Can Help?

At Abel Diagnostic Centers, our certified technicians follow a 16-step, OEM-approved process in a controlled environment. We handle both static and dynamic calibrations for all major brands — including Tesla systems — with documented pre- and post-scan reports so you can trust that your ADAS is working exactly as designed.

👉 If you’re in Thousand Oaks or nearby, trust Abel Diagnostic Centers. Schedule your ADAS calibration now to drive with total confidence.

How to Know If Your Vehicle’s ADAS System Was Properly Calibrated