July/August 2019

ADVERTORIAL If you’re in the vehicle repair trade then you will be familiar with features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist sensors and blind spot indicators. These are just some of the new technologies falling under the category known as ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. If you haven’t yet encountered ADAS then you surely will soon as more and more new vehicles flood into the market and through your workshop’s doors. WHAT IS ADAS? ADAS is a complex system of cameras, radar systems, sensors and control modules, which use different technologies to help interpret signals received in order to deliver the safety features to drivers. As well as some of the examples already given, other systems include forward collision warning, lane keep assist and camera monitors. Many of the components of these systems must be precisely re-calibrated and re-initialised to ensure safe and correct operation. HOW DOES ADAS IMPACT REPAIR JOBS? Even the tasks you see several times a week can now require additional work because of ADAS – let’s take a look at wheel alignment as an example. Runningafour-wheelalignmentcheckand necessary adjustments on many vehicles will now need ADAS re-calibrations in order to be completed rather than just the mechanical corrections to the vehicle. This can easily add a couple of hours on to the time required to complete the job – and this is where you can capitalise on a big opportunity. USING ADAS TO DRIVE BUSINESS Because collision repair is not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, regardless of the age of the vehicle, this is good news for you. It means that the customer isn’t restricted by having to get the corrections done by the dealership so if you’re a body shop you can keep this work in-house by offering ADAS repairs. And if you’re a general repair workshop you can take this opportunity to grow your business by offering your services to collision centres at a better price than a dealership or specialist. WHY ARE ADAS RE-CALIBRATIONS NECESSARY? It’spossiblethattherewillbenoindication of a problem to the driver even if an ADAS system isn’t working as it should be. But if there is an unidentified issue and the vehicle is being driven on the road then there are potentially serious consequences. For example, even a two-degree alteration on a forward-facing radar module can mean that the focus at 60 feet ahead of the vehicle won’t even be in the same lane. This can mean that the ADAS features connected to the radar don’t function correctly – putting the driver, passengers, other road users and pedestrians at potential risk. HOWCAN SNAP-ON HELP? The latest Snap-on upgrade offers comprehensive new and enhanced coverage for many ADAS systems across many manufacturers. And if you’re new to ADAS, don’t worry – we’re not. Our on-board Component Test Meter training and Guided Component Tests walk you through the processes for pinpoint diagnosis. This combinationof coverage and training means you can grow your business and developyour ownknowledge at the same time. WITH SNAP-ON ® DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE The most straightforward way to ensure that you are constantly covered with software upgrades is to take out a Snap-on Software Subscription. The plan brings you a financial saving compared to paying outright for each release individually and gives you continued access to all of the latest content. Visit diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/ software to find out more.