Aftermarket April 2022

48 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2022 ADAS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT www.aftermarketonline.net “For these scenarios, the tests measured at what point the driver assistance system detected a situation and when and with what intensity the emergency braking system was deployed. “During the maneuvers, every movement and response of the Audi was monitored via GPS, and the results documented and analysed. The engineers then recalibrated the vehicle’s front camera and front radar with TechPRO Digital ADAA, first on the front axle, then on the rear axle. After both calibrations, the Audi underwent the same driving tests again. The engineers then made another change by misaligning the vehicle’s rear axle (worst driving condition) before recalibrating it and performing new tests.” Andy added: “Calibration with TechPRO Digital ADAS always ensures the correct functioning of the ADAS systems in line with OE equipment regulations. While the calibration on the rear axle is correct, it is more complicated and requires more time. The calibration on the front axle, possible with TechPRO Digital ADAS, improves the performance of the driver assistance systems, and the whole calibration process is simpler and faster, even in the event of a misaligned vehicle axle.” Super Centre ADAS is a major opportunity right across the sector, and with this firmly in mind, during April, National Windscreens will throw the doors open on its first Super Centre, in Slough, which will provide a calibration and fitting hub for the south of England. National Windscreens already has one of the largest ADAS calibration networks, run through its 100 existing windscreen centres, along with 800 mobile technicians, but according to Regional Managing Director Mark Payne, the opening of the Super Centre increases their reach: “We will be the first organisation in this sector to offer a bespoke fitting and calibration centre with customer hot desks plus eight fitting bays with dedicated ADAS hardware. One of the first initiatives to be trialled is fully electric courtesy vehicles.” He continued: “We chose Slough as the location for our first UK super centre as it is a densely populated area and in close proximity to the UK's largest airport.” The Slough Super Centre is part of a new approach, as Terry Liddard, Regional Director for the South, observed: “Traditionally, 80% of the jobs completed by our technicians have been done through mobile fitting vans, with 20% done in the workshops. However, as the number of vehicles using ADAS technology increases, these percentages are predicted to change significantly with the majority being done in workshops.” He continued: “A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone into creating and implementing the strategy that led to the flagship fitting centre in Slough. Windscreens are an integral part of the safety system for vehicles with ADAS, and the implications of vehicle calibration on the customer experience is increasing. This new Super Centre mirrors the shift in the automotive aftermarket.” Shannon Dempsey, Project Manager for the Slough Super Centre, added: “The team have worked incredibly hard to ensure that the centre provides a fantastic experience for both our customers and our technicians. We have invested heavily in the latest ADAS calibration technology in a much larger facility than that usually associated with the automotive glass repair and replacement sector.” Mark Payne concluded: “National Windscreens operates a continual improvement programme that is committed to understanding the fast-developing ADAS technology and its implications for all stakeholders. This is a critical feature of any strategy for providing a market-leading one-stop windscreen replacement and calibration service.” Accuracy As we have seen, ADAS calibration typically is required after a change to the steering and suspension systems, or crucially after a wheel alignment procedure. Technology has improved the safety of vehicles, but for garages the price is the need to work to an even more precise standard. Accurate wheel and body alignment is now an absolute necessity so that a host of systems function correctly. Properly marketed wheel and body alignment can also be a great profit centre too. With this in mind, ADAS is also an issue for crash repairers, as Tri-Sphere Director Jim Masterson observed: “There’s often concern at bodyshop level about the implications for tackling collision repairs if a vehicle is equipped with ADAS. If anything, ADAS represents an opportunity for the bodyshop with the right kind of equipment.” Stafford-based Tri-Sphere is the UK and Ireland’s sole distributor of the Italian-made Globaljig Systems range of vehicle pulling and measuring systems, as well as electronic measuring systems manufactured by Chief Automotive. Jim continued: “When it comes to vehicle alignment, accuracy is everything but ADAS just takes that requirement to a different level, where equipment needs to have different capabilities. A front-end impact is always likely to disturb the bracket that accommodates the ADAS, as well as any sensors that are increasingly hidden in bumpers and body panels. Moving to an OE panel replacement strategy won’t solve the issues if the level of Above: ADAS calibration kit from Delphi Technologies