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Mechanical Workshops Across The Country Must Redouble Attention When Performing Maintenance on Vehicles with ADAS, which use sensors, cameras, and radars for automated safety functions. The recalibration of these devices after repairs to steering, suspension, or brakes is essential to avoid serious driving failures. The warning was issued by specialists from DRiV, a global reference in automotive components.
With the popularization of advanced driver assistance systems, ADAS have become standard in many modern vehicles. They operate in tasks such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and stability control. All of these features depend on sensors positioned with millimeter precision.
These sensors are highly sensitive to structural changes. Any exchange of shock absorber, control arm, ball joint, steering rack, or brake disc may modify the vehicle’s geometry and, consequently, affect data readings. Without recalibration, ADAS systems may misinterpret trajectory, position, or speed, resulting in incorrect commands.
Juliano Caretta, technical supervisor at DRiV, explains that even simple alignment or balancing can compromise the reading of the steering angle sensor. “If the vehicle is not perfectly straight, the system may understand there is a risk, triggering unnecessary automatic responses,” he warns.
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Lack of Equipment Can Compromise Safety
To ensure the proper functioning of the sensors, it is necessary to use static and dynamic calibration equipment, with specific software that compares data with the original factory standards. The process may involve targets positioned in front of the vehicle or simulations in motion with a scanner.
Workshops lacking this infrastructure must inform customers about the need for specialized services, directing vehicles to calibration centers. Ignoring this step can lead to unexpected automatic braking, loss of control in curves, or failures in lane reading, putting drivers and pedestrians at risk.
Among the systems most sensitive to alterations are the lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and emergency braking, all highly dependent on the accurate reading of the surroundings of the vehicle.
Worn Parts Can Cause Critical Failures in Sensors
According to Caretta, worn suspension and steering parts alter the operating angle of the sensors. This causes a discrepancy between what the vehicle “thinks” it is doing and reality. For example, he cites that a badly installed steering bar can alter convergence, interfering with the trajectory without the driver noticing.
A one-degree error in alignment can cause excessive tire wear and compromise the automated braking system, directly affecting safety. Therefore, the integrity of these components must be checked alongside a complete recalibration of the sensors.
The lack of alignment between mechanical parts and electronic modules compromises the performance of ADAS, making the car less efficient and potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to follow manufacturers’ recommendations and carry out maintenance with technical precision.
Steering Angle Sensor Must Be 100% Accurate
Among all sensors, the steering angle sensor is one of the most sensitive to post-mechanical errors. It identifies the position of the steering wheel in relation to the actual direction of the car, which is vital for the system to react correctly in emergencies. If the reading is incorrect, the system may apply inappropriate commands, such as an unnecessary route correction.
This type of error can occur even after simple maintenance, such as replacing a steering linkage or shock absorber, and requires reprogramming with an appropriate scanner. With the car going straight, the sensor must be calibrated again to ensure symmetry between the steering wheel and trajectory.
Recalibration is Key to the Proper Functioning of ADAS
According to Caretta, any mechanical intervention on wheels, suspension, steering, or brakes requires subsequent verification and adjustment of the sensors. This procedure ensures that electronic readings are consistent with the new structural configuration of the vehicle.
This information was released by an article from Balcão Automotivo, based on an interview with the technical supervisor from DRiV. The content emphasizes that simple negligence in calibration can deactivate partially or totally crucial driving assistance functions.
Experts Recommend Heightened Attention in Workshops
Workshops that wish to stay updated and ensure safety for their customers must invest in modern calibration equipment for ADAS systems, train their teams, and include this service in post-mechanical care. This practice is still neglected in many regions, which can put the lives of vehicle occupants at risk.
The era of smart cars demands smart diagnostics. With the growth of embedded technologies, the integration between traditional mechanics and automotive electronics is irreversible. Understanding and properly applying calibration techniques is a crucial step to keep up with the evolution of the automotive sector.
And you, did you know that a simple part replacement can affect your car’s sensors? Have you ever experienced a situation where the embedded technology acted unexpectedly?
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