“I've spent 2 decades working on the tools, when ADAS first appeared, I’ll admit,  I thought it was something only the main dealers had to worry about. But these days, almost every car that rolls into the workshop has it. And if you’re not offering calibration in-house, you’re probably sending away profit, and risking customer safety.”

- Matthew Perry, Office Sales Manager at JHM Butt & Co

What Is ADAS Calibration?

Cars have come a long way since the days when “safety tech” meant a decent set of brakes. Now they practically drive themselves, keeping you in lane, adjusting speed, even hitting the brakes before you do. That’s all thanks to ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

It’s brilliant technology, but it only works if everything behind the scenes is perfectly aligned. Each of these systems relies on radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, all working together with millimetre precision.

When a car’s suspension, windscreen, or wheel alignment is adjusted, those sensors can shift ever so slightly, enough to cause false readings or delayed reactions. That’s why ADAS calibration is crucial: it ensures every sensor and camera is reset to manufacturer specifications, so the system performs exactly as intended.

Why It’s Essential for Garages Today

When I first started, the most complex system on a car was a carburettor. Today, even the smallest city cars can “see” the road. That means garages need the right tools to make sure those systems see straight.

Here’s why calibration is so important:

• Safety: A small misalignment  can make a huge difference. A radar that’s 2 degrees out can delay braking by several meters, and that’s the difference between a close call and a claim 

• Customer confidence: Being able to show a printout or on-screen report that proves calibration was completed correctly builds strong trust. Customers are becoming more aware of ADAS, they’ll choose garages that prove the job’s done right.

• Compliance: Insurers and the DVSA increasingly require proof of calibration after any work that might affect ADAS.

• Revenue: Even three calibrations a week cover the cost of a digital ADAS Calibration system within months. And as you’re keeping the job in-house, you’re not sending customers to a dealership.
  
  

Analog vs. Digital: Choosing Your Calibration System

If you’re not sure whether to go analog or digital, we’ve covered the pros and cons of both in our article ADAS Systems: Comparison of Analog and Digital Options.

In short:

• Analog systems use printed targets and manual measuring, affordable but time-consuming.

• Digital systems use cameras, laser alignment, and automatic vehicle recognition, faster, more accurate, and more scalable.

For most workshops, digital is the smarter investment.

It not only speeds up calibration, but also reduces technician error and provides validation data that customers (and insurers) love to see.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

When garages ask me what they need to start offering calibration, here’s the checklist I always give:

1. A level, well-lit workspace - you don’t need a huge amount of space, just a flat bay with good lighting.

2. Reliable calibration equipment -  Systems such as Texa or Ravaglioli handle a wide range of makes and models.

3. A diagnostic tablet with the correct vehicle data.

4. Trained technicians who understand both static and dynamic calibration. 

Start small, pick the types of vehicles you see most often. Once your team gets confident, expand from there. It’s better to perform a few calibrations perfectly than ten halfway.

Recommended ADAS Calibration Equipment

At JHM Butt & Co, we’ve supplied, installed, and trained workshops on the best ADAS equipment available. Here are a few proven systems I’ve personally worked with and trust:

Supalign Standalone Texa Digital ADAS Master Kit

The Texa Digital ADAS Master Kit system removes the trial-and-error from calibration. Its fully digital interface guides your techs step-by-step, covering radar, lidar, and camera systems. It’s fast, consistent, and saves around 30% of technician time compared to manual setups.

Product code: SRCCS3EVO
Ideal for multi-brand garages that want a future-proof solution.

Ravaglioli & Texa Digital ADAS System

If your workshop already uses Ravaglioli alignment equipment, the Ravaglioli & Texa Digital ADAS System integrates seamlessly. You get pinpoint accuracy for both static and dynamic calibrations, perfect for MOT stations and high-volume workshops.

Product code: STDARCCS3/MON
Reliable and workshop-friendly for busy MOT stations.

Texa ADAS Accessories & Add-Ons

Want to expand your coverage? From calibration panels to laser alignment tools, these add-ons let your technicians handle everything from hatchbacks to heavy-duty vans.

Browse our full ADAS range

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with good equipment, there are a few things that can trip you up:

• Poor floor conditions - even slight unevenness affects readings.

• Lighting issues - harsh shadows or bright reflections confuse cameras.

• Skipping pre-checks - tyre pressures, suspension height, and alignment should all be spot-on first.

• Outdated software - always run the latest updates before starting calibration.
  
  

If you’re new to ADAS, start with the vehicles you see most. Build confidence, then expand your coverage. That’s how you develop consistency and trust. 

The Future of ADAS Calibration

This isn’t a passing trend. Within the next two years, almost every new vehicle sold in the UK will include at least one ADAS feature. As semi-autonomous technology grows, accurate calibration will only become more critical.

I’ve seen workshops that invested early become local specialists, taking on work from others who weren’t ready. Those who delay often find themselves playing catch up.

That’s why I always recommend choosing a digital, updatable system. It keeps your workshop ready for whatever tech the next generation of cars bring.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about keeping your workshop relevant, ADAS calibration should be on your radar…literally.

I’ve watched the industry change a lot over the years, and this is one of those shifts that separates forward-thinking garages from the rest. The good news is: with the right setup, it’s simpler than it looks.

Don’t wait until your competitors do it first. Whether you’re just getting started, or looking to upgrade a full digital setup, our team can help you choose, install, and train your technicians on the right ADAS calibration system for your workshop.

Explore the full ADAS Equipment range.

Or book a consultation/demo with one of our specialists, we’ll walk you through setup, costs, and how quickly your investment can pay off.