Detecting the opportunity: ADAS

The growth in the deployment of ADAS systems on vehicles means garages need to work out how to take advantage of this emerging revenue stream

Published: 20 April, 2018

Vehicles are being equipped with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) in increasing numbers. It is predicted that by 2020, more than 40% of new vehicles will have at least two types of ADAS system fitted as standard.

Robin Huish, managing director at Hickleys ltd comments: “This is one of the fastest growing segments in the vehicle diagnostic market. ADAS is now installed as standard to all makes and models of vehicle from high-end, high-spec vehicles right through to small city cars.”

Like any part of a vehicle, ADAS sometimes requires attention: “Due to wear, damage or failure, these systems often need to be repaired and calibrated. This is carried out by means of static target boards, alignment lasers and dynamic test drives.

“For this reason garages are now increasingly seeing more demand and are waking up to the opportunity.” Examples of when you would need to carry out ADAS calibration include:

After the replacement of a windscreen
When the vehicle has been involved in an accident and suffered damage to a radar system
When the system is fallen out of calibration
If the calibration has been altered or the measuring devices moved out of calibration
When new components have been replaced and requires calibration

Commenting on the ADAS offering from Hickleys Ltd, Robin says: “We have invested heavily to ensure that we can provide garages with good advice about the options they can take to benefit from the ADAS opportunity.

“Firstly we are able to offer solutions from three manufacturers; Bosch, Texa and our own brand RCCT. Each system has individual features that mean we can tailor the best solution for your garage and customer needs. We have invested in a demonstration vehicle, demonstration equipment and have trained a specialist to give you the very best technical advice, tailored demonstrations and competitive quotation.”

On the overall opportunity, Robin observes: ”ADAS calibration regularly attract charges of £250 per vehicle and the increase in cameras and radar devices installed all around the vehicles create accident damage work and standard repairs. With these revenue opportunities the pay back on ADAS equipment can be rapid.

“It is now possible to get a comprehensive ADAS calibration system complete with diagnostics for as little as £75 per week, that’s potentially one job per month to cover the lease payments.”

Added complexity
It might provide a new opportunity, but ADAS also adds further complexity from a servicing perspective, according to Paul Beaurain, managing director at Pro-Align:
“The proliferation of ADAS on vehicles and their subsequent servicing and calibration means that
correct wheel alignment is now safety critical, rather than just highly recommended.

“The most important aspect for technicians to understand about ADAS servicing is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to their servicing and calibration. Differences exist between the systems, the manufacturer and vehicle, methodology and hardware requirements.

Static Vs Dynamic
Paul continues: “Calibrating ADAS sensors is a precision process that can be complex and time consuming. Some sensors can be calibrated in the workshop (static), others require that the vehicle is driven on the road (dynamic) and many sensors require both procedures. The time involved can vary massively from as little as just 15 minutes to an hour or more.

“Camera sensors generally require dynamic sensor calibration, whereas radar sensor often require static adjustment followed by dynamic calibration. This varies between vehicles so always check manufacturer instructions. Not only does ADAS servicing require commitment from the workshop from a time perspective, but it also needs to ensure it has the right facilities and tools. Pro-Align has teamed up with TEXA to complement their Hunter wheel alignment systems, offering workshops a comprehensive solution to this challenge which includes scan tools and aiming targets.

“Static (in-workshop) calibrations normally start by establishing the vehicle’s centreline. Next special targets are positioned in precise locations relative to the centreline and sensor. Most target location are 1-10 metres away from the vehicle so adequate workshop space is essential.

“Camera aiming targets, which are usually black and white patterned images, may also be required these are manufacturer specific. Some cars then require the sensor to be mechanically levelled, using a special tool dedicated to that OEM. This procedure requires that the vehicle is on a level surface.

“The final step in static ADAS sensor calibration is to initiate the process using a factory scan tool or aftermarket equivalent. The process occurs automatically and the ECU indicates to the scan tool when the calibration has been successfully and completed.

“Dynamic calibration involves initiating the process with a factory scan tool or aftermarket equivalent, then driving the car on relatively straight roads with clear lane markings for between five and 30 minutes at specified speeds until the scan tool indicates calibration is complete. In some instances, you may need to drive down a road which has lots of signs and other ‘furniture.’“

Paul adds: “Weather and road conditions can disrupt or prevent this process. Again, you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s instructions.”

Added value
There is more than one way to crack ADAS. Rupert Armitage, managing director at Auto Windscreens observes: “The development in ADAS technology has been rapid and there is a real opportunity to give added value to customers by educating them on these systems and the action needed.

“At Auto Windscreens, we have spent the last two years working with vehicle manufacturers, so that we understand the safety implications of replacing a windscreen fitted with ADAS. It is my personal belief that, before-long, direct partnerships with the vehicle manufacturers themselves will be the only compliant method of recalibration, a method that Auto Windscreens has pioneered and has been officially endorsed by Volkswagen Group, Toyota and Mazda to name but three.”

On the technical and logistical challenges, Rupert comments: “As we head towards fully autonomous vehicles, the ADAS systems are going to become more sophisticated and the technology and knowledge needed to recalibrate them back to warranty manufacturer standard will also increase. The technology should improve the safety of the vehicle, but only if it has been recalibrated correctly.

“Our ADAS solution means that we’re the only windscreen provider that has partnered with the vehicle manufacturers themselves. Our solution is investment free for garages and bodyshops as there’s no need to pay for aftermarket equipment, which can cost as much approx. £20,000, and that cannot recalibrate 100% of the market.“

Rupert adds: “Our process also means that we only use manufacturer approved glass, can guarantee that the technology upgrades for each vehicles are up to date and that the vehicle is returned to the customer in the exact condition that the vehicle manufacturer intended.”

Bookmark this

Lighting the way
The introduction of Xenon HID bulbs has been one of the biggest vehicle lighting developments of the last 20 years. As they become more common and are no longer restricted to just premium or luxury cars, many more motorists are now benefiting from the crisper, whiter colour temperatures, helping them see road signs and obstacles more clearly. In addition, legislation was introduced in 2012 so new vehicles produced after then would use D3 and D4 references, which do not contain mercury. Ring stocks a comprehensive range of Xenon HIDs, including the new D5 reference.
Johnson Controls EFB range
90% of all newly produced vehicles have a Stop/Start system, which requires a more comprehensive energy supply than conventional cars with few electrical functions. Stop/Start technology is also used in small and medium-sized passenger cars. You can find the right battery in the new and extended EFB product range for almost all entry level Stop/Start vehicles. The range extension includes three new JIS types for market coverage of vehicles of Asian car manufacturers, one new EN type (H8) for higher coverage of Italian car manufacturers, and 3 upgrades to current EN types (H5, H6 and H7) to optimise cold-cranking performance values.
In the heat of the fault
At the workshop we cover all kinds of vehicles, old, new, big and small but with all these vehicles we need up to date diagnostic equipment to be able locate faults within the electrical system.

In the workshop this summer was a 2009 Volkswagen Golf that had an intermittent issue which meant the car would go into limp mode, the cruise control was disabled and the climate control wouldn’t work. Understandably in the weather we were having the lack of air conditioning was a major concern to the customer. No one wants to be without air conditioning in 30Cº.

I plugged in the trusty diagnostics reader and came up with four faults. These included turbo boost sensor, manifold pressure, throttle pedal position sensor and ‘fuel system
too rich’.

In my experience cars can throw up all kinds of trouble codes even when there is no issue with that part. I wouldn’t say some manufacturers are more troublesome than others but if a light does appear on the dash it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.

Issues
I cleared the fault codes and told the customer to see how it drove and if the issues resolved themselves. The customer had the car for just an hour before they called and said that the problem had reoccurred, as much as this is a pain for the customer I always clear the faults and see if it happens again rather than changing unnecessary sensors. I got the Golf back into the workshop and once again plugged the computer in, which brought up one code. This was the throttle position sensor. A quick call to VW and a discussion with their parts people showed that this particular issue can lead to the cruise and climate control not working.

Next day delivery on the part means the car came back in the following day. One bolt, two plastic clips and an electrical connection later and the pedal was off. Gone are the days of the throttle cable. The throttle response is now done by a sensor on the pedal which works out how far the pedal is being pushed and tells the engine how to respond. It is clever stuff, when it works.

A pedal replacement on the Golf only takes five minutes and another clear of the fault code before taking the car for a road test. On the test drive cruise and climate control were checked as well as making sure no dash lights had appeared.

Modern mechanics have become very computerised. Dash lights appear whether it is indicating an issue with the airbag systems, ABS or engine and diagnostic computers are so important to narrow down what the issue could be. I dislike the reliance that some workshops put on just trusting what appears on the screen of the diagnostics. It is still imperative that mechanics test sensors and look into live data to make sure that unnecessary components are not replaced and the costs put onto the customer, who will have to pay.
IMI launches new international EV training solution
Launching today (Tuesday 11 September) at Automechanika Frankfurt, the IMI is showcasing its new Electric Vehicle eLearning modules designed to transform the way people undertake training within the workplace.
With full-electric car sales in the EU set to reach 200,000 this year, the IMI has connected with Germany’s training academy, Lucas Nülle, to make continual learning convenient and interactive for individuals of all abilities.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “Making sure that an employer and its employees are ready for the increased number of ultra-low emission vehicles is paramount to future-proofing a business. Being able to service and maintain these vehicles safely should be the key focus, especially when the industry is experiencing the biggest growth in automotive technology that we’ve ever seen.
“Advances in new technology are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the world, and individuals working in the industry should be adopting this new training to make themselves leaders in their area of expertise. It’s an exciting time for the motor industry and the IMI is committed to making sure we’re ready to embrace the changes that are set to transform the sector.”
BM Catalysts welcome DPF decision
BM Catalysts has welcomed the Department for Transport (DfT) decision to reiterate the strict requirements for selling catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) into the UK. The firm believes it will help reduce the number of non-compliant products being sold and subsequently fitted in the UK market.The DfT also advises that DPFs cannot be sold for Euro 5 vehicles without the required homologation to meet European standards.