20 Jul The Step-by-Step Process of ADAS Calibration After a Collision at B&J Body Shop

When a collision happens, the visible damage often takes center stage, but what many drivers don’t realize is that today’s vehicles rely on sensitive technology that needs just as much attention. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are embedded in nearly every modern car, and even a minor impact can knock these systems out of alignment. At B&J  Body Shop, we’ve built a reputation in Rancho Cordova for delivering collision repair services that go beyond the surface. From structural repairs to essential ADAS recalibrations, we take every step necessary to make sure that your vehicle is restored to both pre-accident appearance and safe functionality. In this blog, we’ll walk through our step-by-step process for ADAS calibration after a collision and explain why cutting corners isn’t an option when it comes to your safety.

Key Takeaways

• ADAS systems must be recalibrated after a collision to provide proper sensor function and driver safety.

• At B&J  Body Shop, collision repairs include OEM-compliant scanning and ADAS calibrations. 

• Some insurance carriers may not cover essential procedures, placing drivers at risk if skipped. 

• We advocate for our customers, coordinate with trusted calibration specialists, and maintain full transparency throughout the process.

• As a trusted provider of collision repair services in Rancho Cordova since 1961, our shop is known for safety-first repairs, excellent customer service, and deep roots in the community.

Why ADAS Calibration Is Critical After Any Collision

As vehicle technology advances, safety systems have become more complex and sensitive. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, rely on a network of sensors, cameras, and radars positioned throughout the vehicle. Even a small impact can shift or damage these components, compromising their accuracy.

At B&J  Body Shop, we understand the risks of overlooking these recalibrations. That’s why every vehicle that comes into our shop for auto collision repairs undergoes thorough scanning and a careful evaluation of its ADAS systems. These systems aren’t just luxury features; they’re essential for keeping you and your passengers safe. Failure to calibrate them properly can lead to delays in sensor response or complete system failure, potentially leading to another collision.

When we provide professional collision repairs, our goal is not just to restore your vehicle cosmetically, but to make sure that it performs just as safely and reliably as it did before the accident.

Understanding Vehicle Scans and Their Role in Calibration

Before any calibration can begin, it’s important to understand what Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are and how they impact repair decisions. Modern vehicles generate DTCs when something in the vehicle’s system is not functioning correctly or when sensors detect anomalies. These codes are identified through pre- and post-repair scans, both of which play a critical role in our repair workflow.

Pre-Repair Scanning to Establish a Baseline

When your vehicle first arrives at B&J  Body Shop, we initiate a thorough pre-repair scan. This diagnostic scan allows us to identify any issues that the collision may have triggered. The data we collect at this stage forms a vital foundation for the entire repair plan. Pre-repair scans help isolate existing problems from those that may arise later during the repair process. More importantly, this step makes sure that nothing is overlooked, especially ADAS-related issues that may not be immediately visible. These early detections influence how we approach each step in the repair, including the decision to recalibrate systems. As a collision repair shop that values precision and reliability, we never cut corners, even during the assessment phase.

Post-Repair Scanning to Confirm Full System Function

After completing structural and cosmetic repairs, we conduct a post-repair scan to verify that all vehicle systems are operational. This final scan is important for confirming that previously identified DTCs have been resolved and to check for any new codes that may have emerged during the repair process. In many cases, these codes indicate that ADAS systems require recalibration. Sometimes, a basic reset is sufficient; other times, the sensors and cameras need a full calibration cycle. At B&J  Body Shop, we take every code seriously. We make sure that no system is left unchecked and no warning goes ignored. This level of diligence is part of what sets our collision repair services in Rancho Cordova apart from shops that prioritize speed over safety.

Our Step-by-Step Approach to ADAS Calibration

Each vehicle we repair receives a structured, meticulous calibration workflow based on manufacturer specifications. Because ADAS features differ widely by make and model, no two repair jobs are exactly alike. Our team combines decades of experience with the latest diagnostic technology to deliver reliable collision body repairs backed by safety and accuracy.

Step 1 – Thorough Vehicle Inspection

We begin with a hands-on, visual inspection paired with digital diagnostics to assess both visible damage and potential issues affecting vehicle sensors. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about identifying which areas of the vehicle may have impacted radar units, cameras, or ultrasonic sensors. From windshield cracks to minor bumper dents, we evaluate every element that might compromise your ADAS functionality. This inspection allows us to plan for any recalibrations or component replacements early in the process. Our attention to detail at this stage makes sure that no safety system is missed.

Step 2 – Insurance Management and Customer Support

Dealing with insurance claims can be frustrating, especially when it comes to collision repair services involving scans and calibrations. Many insurance providers either cap coverage or outright deny payment for necessary OEM-required procedures. We act as your advocate from the start, helping you secure a claim number, coordinating with your insurance representative, and pushing back when vital procedures are challenged or rejected. We also assist with rental car coordination and provide shuttle services when needed. Our support goes beyond repairs; it’s about making the process manageable for you during a stressful time.

Step 3 – Structural and Cosmetic Auto Collision Repairs

With approvals in place, we carry out body and frame repairs based on manufacturer guidelines. This includes realigning frames, replacing panels, painting, and addressing any elements that could impact sensor functionality. For example, radar sensors often sit behind bumpers, and recalibrating them requires exact panel alignment. Windshield replacements also trigger camera recalibrations. Our technicians consider all of this during the repair phase to prevent issues later in the process. By combining structural precision with sensor-aware repairs, we make sure that collision repairs are thorough and safe, not just visually appealing.

Step 4 – Post-Repair Scans and Calibration Recommendations

After the repairs are complete, a final diagnostic scan is performed. The system may flag lingering DTCs that weren’t present during the initial scan or that have surfaced due to repairs. At this point, we determine which calibrations are required. This might include radar alignment, camera recalibration, or steering angle sensor adjustments. At B&J  Body Shop, we use this data to build a custom calibration plan for your vehicle based on the manufacturer’s technical specifications. Whether the system requires a dynamic calibration (driving under specific conditions) or a static one (done in-shop with targets), we coordinate every step with precision.

Step 5 – Calibration Execution (On-Site and Sublet Coordination)

Most of our ADAS calibrations are completed at our facility through trusted sublet partnerships. We work closely with certified professionals who follow OEM procedures for accuracy. A small percentage of vehicles, especially those requiring an alignment rack or specialized equipment, are calibrated off-site. Regardless of location, we handle logistics, maintain full quality control, and make sure that everything is completed to industry standards. These relationships allow us to offer advanced calibrations without sacrificing efficiency. As a shop known for professional collision repairs in Rancho Cordova, we know how critical this step is, and we make sure it’s done right.

Step 6 – Final Verification and Quality Assurance

Before delivering the vehicle, we conduct a final round of testing and visual verification. This includes a follow-up scan and a detailed inspection of ADAS features to confirm that sensors, radars, and cameras are functioning within OEM-specified parameters. Nothing leaves our shop unless it passes all quality assurance checks. This commitment to thorough, reliable collision body repairs is why so many of our customers return to us, generation after generation.

The Complex Nature of ADAS Calibration

Calibrating ADAS systems is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each vehicle may require different tools, settings, and procedures based on its unique combination of features. Some calibrations are static and must be done with precise target boards in a controlled shop environment. Others require dynamic driving conditions to complete the procedure.

ADAS Systems and Calibration Requirements Vary by Vehicle

Some cars may have six sensors and three cameras; others may rely on one radar and two ultrasonic sensors. Depending on where the damage occurs, we may need to calibrate one or all of these systems. This complexity is one reason we follow each manufacturer’s repair guidelines to the letter. Skipping calibration because a system “seems fine” is not acceptable in our shop. Features like adaptive headlights or emergency braking are designed to act within fractions of a second, and even the slightest misalignment can cause failure. Our technicians recognize this risk and take every calibration seriously.

Challenges With Insurance Coverage for Calibration

One of the biggest hurdles for consumers during a collision repair is dealing with insurers who don’t always approve full calibration procedures. Despite clear documentation from OEMs, many insurance carriers push back against scan charges, calibration labor, or required equipment fees.

Why Insurer Denials Are a Safety Concern

When insurance companies decline to pay for necessary calibrations, they shift that burden onto the consumer. Unfortunately, some shops accept this decision and skip the procedure entirely, without informing the customer. This compromises safety and can create serious liability issues. 

At B&J  Body Shop, we don’t take that risk. We always inform our customers of what’s needed, explain when insurers won’t pay, and give honest guidance about the implications of skipping vital procedures. We believe in full transparency and customer education because your safety should never be compromised for cost savings.

Why B&J  Body Shop Is Trusted for Professional Collision Repairs

We’ve been serving Rancho Cordova and surrounding communities since 1961. Our reputation wasn’t built on marketing gimmicks; it was built on decades of word-of-mouth, repeat customers, and consistent, quality repairs. Many of our clients are third- and fourth-generation families who won’t take their vehicles anywhere else.

What Sets Our Collision Repair Services Apart

We combine old-school values with modern repair techniques. As an active member of the California Autobody Association, we stay current with the latest standards while keeping our focus on personalized service. Our team is always available for free advice, repair referrals, and assistance with related services. We handle everything from insurance coordination to rental support, so you can focus on getting back to normal. Our collision body repairs aren’t just about fixing metal; they’re about restoring your trust in your vehicle and your repair provider.

The Hidden Risks of Skipping Calibration

Ignoring ADAS calibration doesn’t just affect driver safety; it can also leave you legally vulnerable. If a system fails and contributes to another accident, and it’s discovered that calibration was skipped post-collision, liability may fall on the driver or the shop. Unfortunately, many consumers don’t even know these procedures were skipped.

At B&J  Body Shop, we educate every customer on the role of calibration in safe vehicle performance. We don’t perform partial repairs or leave essential systems unchecked just because a budget is tight. Every vehicle deserves a complete, safe repair, and that’s what we deliver.

Contact B&J Body Shop For Professional Calibration 

ADAS calibration is a necessary part of modern collision repair. Without it, even a fully repaired vehicle may behave unpredictably, putting lives at risk. At B&J  Body Shop, our responsibility doesn’t end with bodywork; it includes making sure your vehicle performs as it was designed to.

For reliable, thorough collision repair services in Rancho Cordova, trust the professionals who put safety, transparency, and community first. That’s what we’ve done since 1961, and what we’ll continue to do every day. Contact us today at contact@bjbody.com or (916) 635-4400 to learn more.