Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are no longer limited to high-end or luxury vehicles — they’re now standard in many new and late-model cars, utes, SUVs, trucks, and even light commercial vehicles.
If you're repairing modern vehicles, chances are you're working on something with ADAS.
But how do you know which ones require recalibration?
Common ADAS-Equipped Vehicle Brands
Many manufacturers now include ADAS as a standard or optional feature in their vehicles. Some of the most common brands you’ll see in NZ workshops include:
Toyota – Safety Sense (standard in many models)
Mazda – i-Activsense system
Ford – Co-Pilot360
Hyundai / Kia – SmartSense features
Volkswagen – IQ.DRIVE and Travel Assist
Subaru – EyeSight driver assist
Mercedes-Benz / BMW / Audi – High-end camera + radar systems
Tesla – Full self-driving package (includes multiple sensors)
LDV / Mitsubishi / Nissan / Honda – Increasing ADAS presence across models
Even entry-level models are now being fitted with features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
To see what kind of tools are required to work on these vehicles, read our equipment guide.
When Does a Vehicle Require ADAS Recalibration?
ADAS systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar units — all of which can be thrown off by even minor repairs or adjustments.
Your workshop should consider recalibration when performing any of the following:
Windscreen replacements
Bumper or grille repairs
Suspension or wheel alignment
Steering or ride height changes
Headlight or camera-related work
Crash repairs involving structural or panel shift
If a sensor is even slightly misaligned, it could lead to:
Braking too early or too late
Poor lane detection
Failure to detect hazards
Invalidated insurance claims
What About Commercial or Heavy-Duty Vehicles?
It’s not just passenger cars — trucks, buses, and ag machinery are increasingly fitted with ADAS features too.
Systems like forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and pedestrian detection are now common in many late-model commercial fleets.
AECS offers tools like Launch ADAS HD and Jaltest ADAS to help workshops and fleet service centres handle these vehicle types.
Find out how long it takes to calibrate these systems in our ADAS calibration timing guide.
Not Sure If a Vehicle Has ADAS?
Most scan tools will detect the presence of ADAS modules and stored faults, but common signs include:
Cameras behind the rear-view mirror
Radar sensors on the grille or bumper
Lidar or ultrasonic sensors near lights or panels
Driver assistance alerts or dashboard messages
If in doubt, scanning the vehicle and checking OE documentation is the safest approach.
Conclusion
Today’s vehicles are smarter than ever — and recalibrating ADAS is no longer optional.
Whether you’re working on passenger cars or commercial trucks, having the right tools and knowledge is essential to ensure these safety systems perform as intended.
Need help setting up ADAS calibration in your workshop? Contact AECS today for expert advice.
sales@aecs.co.nz | 0800 673 034
