Being able to thoroughly document that necessary calibrations have been performed properly are critical for insurance claims and warranty work. Some shops separate ADAS services from their mechanical services for liability and regulatory reasons.
Specialty ADAS CaliBrations
Making the best of your growing business.
ADAS Calibration Shops
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ADAS calibration a growing specialty
As vehicles equipped with ADAS (or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) age past their factory warranties, they enter a critical phase where calibration, repair, and maintenance responsibilities shift to aftermarket service providers. This transition is reshaping the automotive service landscape.
Because of this, the aftermarket for ADAS reset and calibration has seen explosive growth in recent years, and will continue to grow and create many more opportunities as the industry shifts.
Specialized ADAS calibration centers are carving out a niche in the automotive service world — and they’re doing it with precision, strategy, and a clear understanding of where the industry is headed.
Why Specialize in ADAS Calibration?
Calibration centers are leveraging these insights to fuel business success.
Why specialize in ADAS Calibration?
ADAS is the stepping stone to fully autonomous vehicles. ADAS specialization isn’t just a trend — it’s a full industry shift. It’s redefining what it means to build, maintain, and drive a car.
Calibration centers are leveraging these insights to fuel business success.
- Market growth: ADAS-equipped and calibration demand is projected to hit $4 billion by 2030, it’s a prosperous market.
- High margins: Calibration services command premium pricing due to specialized tools and expertise.
- Low competition: Most general repair shops still outsource ADAS work — creating a gap that specialists can fill.
- Technology collaboration: ADAS calibration pairs well with alignment services, allowing centers to maximize existing space and equipment.
- Safety & liability: Proper calibration reduces risk for both drivers and service providers, making it a critical offering post-repair.
How to get started doing ADAS calibrations
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Step 1: Learn about the market opportunity
More than 70 million vehicles have ADAS components, and that number continues to rise. The massive increase in ADAS systems means there is a growing need for ADAS resets and calibrations. Simply put, there is an opening in the market for ADAS specialists to take over this demand. This is also a great opportunity to become the emerging technology professional with every OEM's ADAS requirements.
ADAS technologies are evolving rapidly with frequent advancements and new functionalities introduced on a yearly basis. Specialists on the calibration of cameras, radar and sensors will be able to dominate the technical field and drive profits.
Partnering with local collision centers, windshield installers and mechanical shops that don't have these calibration capabilities is essential to meet the growing needs. If shops are going to outsource the ADAS work, let it be you that they seek as a resource.ADAS reset and calibration market by the numbers:
Over 2 million vehicles required ADAS service in an aftermarket shop in 2025.
Up to 60% of vehicles registered in the USA have ADAS components that need calibration if touched, moved, or replaced.
$283 million in calibration work outsourced by shops in 2023.
90% of ADAS Calibrations are outsourced by mechanical shops.
$4 Billion in projected revenue generated across the industry from ADAS calibrations in 2030.
Many OEMs have models that require ADAS calibration after alignment . ADAS calibrations are a great service to offer with alignments. Dynamic calibrations require no space at all, only a short road test, and many forward-facing calibrations can be done within the space already allotted for alignments. This allows shops to maximize space by performing forward-facing resets in their existing alignment bays.
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Step 2: Understand how much space is needed, or more often, not needed
Understand how much space is needed, or more often, not needed. Space requirements depend on the make and the model being serviced and is determined by the OEM.
Wheel alignment is the gateway to ADAS and is already being performed in workshops. Alignment bays are also a great place to start with ADAS resets because the space they provide can support ~93% of alignment-related ADAS calibration needs.
Steering resets are already routinely being performed by shops doing alignments and can be considered the first step in ADAS calibrations. These resets do not require any additional space from the alignment bay. Steering resets also represent a large opportunity for workshops because they can be performed with alignment systems like the HawkEye Elite® right now. Tools like CodeLink® and ADASLink® allow shops to perform steering resets as part of the alignment process.
Dynamic calibrations are performed by plugging a scan tool into the vehicle and then driving the vehicle on the road to calibrate the system. No additional space is required. When using a scan tool like ADASLink® paired with a Hunter HawkEye Elite®, workshops can cover ~93% of steering resets and alignment-related ADAS calibrations.
Here is a breakdown of that ~93% coverage: On average ~44% of the vehicles you align will just need the alignment to be completed and nothing else. ~49% of the vehicles getting alignments will require or have some ADAS calibration recommended in conjunction with doing the alignment. Those ADAS resets and steering resets can be performed with the space you already have in your alignment bay, or by driving the vehicle for a dynamic calibration using ADASLink®. The remaining ~7% typically require placing static fixtures, often times only in the front of the vehicle for forward-facing cameras or radars, or the vehicle was just released and the reset procedure has not yet been accounted for in the specification database of the alignment system.
Static calibrations are performed by placing targets around the vehicle for the systems to use as reference when performing the calibration. The space needed is determined by the OEM, but many forward-facing camera and forward-facing radar calibrations can be performed within your existing alignment bay using tools like Hunter’s Ultimate ADAS®. Ultimate ADAS® can account for surface mount lifts and uneven floors and uses laser gimbals and easy on-screen instructions to guide technicians to precise target placement. For maximum efficiency in your workshop, Ultimate ADAS® can be moved from bay-to-bay, helping to minimize disruption in your day-to-day workflow.
Calibrations that need more space can often times work in existing space by getting creative with vehicle placement, i.e. backing the vehicle up on the lift rack to create more space in front of the vehicle, backing the vehicle into the bay to use the drive-up space for target placement, or moving the system to a flat bay. Vehicles may also be moved around side to side or back to front within the bay itself to complete calibrations.
Having a trusted partner you can call for support goes a long way with making your space work. Reach out to your local Hunter team to learn more: www.hunter.com/contact. -
Step 3: Grow your business with the right tools for your shop
There are many approaches to getting started with ADAS calibrations, but the easiest place to start is to build on the alignment work that you are already doing by investing in a scan-tool such as the Hunter ADASLink® that can handle steering resets and dynamic calibrations. ADASLink® compliments your existing OEM scan tool by providing more in-depth, ADAS-specific calibration and diagnostic information.
When you're ready to fully own ADAS work at your shop, Hunter Ultimate ADAS® will allow you to do alignments and ADAS with ease. Ultimate ADAS can be moved from bay-to-bay, which can maximize your efficiency and guarantee fast and accurate calibration from anywhere in your space.
Contact your local Hunter team to start growing your business.
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Step 4: Get expert training and support for your technicians
Even before you purchase ADAS calibration equipment, you and your technicians can get up to speed on ADAS calibrations by utilizing resources like Hunter University, which offers free, easily digestible online courses that can lay the groundwork for better understanding of ADAS concepts.
When you're ready to purchase ADAS calibration equipment, your local Hunter team can help you find the right equipment for your workshop. This includes installation, maintenance, and on-site equipment training. For more in-depth, hands-on experience, you can visit one of our 50+ training centers across the United States and Canada for guidance from one of our dedicated field trainers.
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Step 5: Communicate ADAS needs with your customers
Educating and talking to your customers about ADAS should be easy. Especially if you have something you can use at your fingertips.
Hunter Engineering already has the resources available to communicate the basics. There are many tools available to you right now.
Video Education — available for display in your shop waiting areas:
ADAS requires wheel alignment to work properly: What vehicle owners should know
Interactive touch tool — installed on a localized tablet or touchscreen:
ADAS Learning Tool | Hunter Engineering Company ®
What is ADAS? web page — displayed on your interactive device:
Hunter® Industry Insights | What is ADAS?
Counter mat — a printed reminder right at your counter top or point of sale:
Maintaining the Safety Systems in your car - download
Printed take-away brochure template — to customize and print with your logo:
What is ADAS? Counter Sales Brochure
More — there's always more!
Contact your local Hunter representative.
What do ADAS calibration shops need to be successful?
Importance of documentation
Creating space
Setting up a specialty shop for ADAS calibration means creating a space that meets OEM precision standards while remaining efficient and scalable. OEM-compliant calibration tools are essential, along with an alignment system.
A majority of calibrations can be completed in a minimum space through repositioning the vehicle.
Dedicated ADAS specialty technicians
Most ADAS service shops are built from existing talented techs that already have all the tools and know-how. Trained technicians are highly familiar with calibration procedures across multiple makes and models, so they don’t waste time troubleshooting or second-guessing steps.
Dedicated company resources
Some ADAS service centers involve bringing technicians or team members into a partnership. Others separate ADAS services from the parent shop for liability or business concerns, or so the separate entity can specialize without disrupting core operations.
Process Development
Shops have found that developing clear, uninterrupted ADAS calibration practices and workflows. with all necessary calibration materials at hand is essential to establish protocols for documentation. Speedy calibrations come from a mix of experience, streamlined workflows and dedicated equipment that eases the process.
Clear Billing
Establishing an effective invoicing system that clearly outlines how to charge for each service, along with the specifics and printouts for customers, is essential. Charging for ADAS services in an specialty shop is a balancing act between profitability, transparency, and competitive positioning.
The Proof is in the Printout
Provide your customers with solid evidence that they are getting the best service possible. Printouts can assist in proving warranty work, recording proper vehicle calibration by displaying exact target placement relative to the vehicle, as well as showing that the correct target was used and confirmed. These results can also be accessed online using HunterNet® 2.
Performing ADAS Calibrations
Static adas Calibration
This type of calibration is specifically tailored for a workshop environment.
Requirements
Static Calibration Procedure Requirements
One of this biggest popular misconception about ADAS Calibration is that it requires huge floor space.
Floor space
It's a popular misconception that ADAS calibrations require huge floor space. The majority of forward-facing calibrations can be performed in almost any shop.
- Minimum — 25 ft. x 34 ft.
- Recommended — 30 ft. x 45 ft.
- Optimal — 40 ft. x 60 ft.
Moderate lighting
- The calibration area should be well lit with evenly diffused and distributed light.
- Cover any windows with direct sunlight during calibration.
- Avoid any directional lighting around the vehicle during calibration
Flat floor
- The floor of the calibration space should be level, or ADAS equipment that compensates for non-level floors should be used. Learn more about Ultimate ADAS
- To evaluate a floor, take transit measurements at anticipated wheel footprints.
- The difference between the side-to-side and front-to-back measurements should be no more than 0.4 inches (10 mm).
Solid, neutral wall color
- The area outside of the calibration area should be clear of geometric patterns.
- Floors and walls should be one solid, light neutral color.
- During recalibration, the surroundings should be clear.
Related Tools
Recommended Hunter equipment for static ADAS calibrations
Hunter Ultimate ADAS®
Perform wheel alignment and all static ADAS calibrations in the same bay, with the same equipment.
ADASLink® + DAS3000
Another option for your shop is to integrate the ADASLink Scan Tool in combination with the DAS3000 that allows your shop to complete static calibrations, enabling you to perform all calibration needs.
Dynamic adas Calibration
Dynamic calibration refers to calibrations performed when the vehicle is driving, or in motion.
Requirements
Dynamic Calibration Procedure Requirements
ADAS calibration tool
The most basic requirement for dynamic ADAS calibrations is having a reliable calibration tool.
Nearby highway
A nearby highway with clear lane markings and little traffic so vehicles can reach speed without obstructions will be most convenient.
Related Tools
ADASLink® Scan Tool
The simplest way to get started is with the ADASLink scan tool. The scan tool plugs directly into the vehicle to enable technicians to complete dynamic calibrations.
ADAS Information Hub
Expand your knowledge and awareness on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with articles, videos, interactive tools, and downloads.