Hella Gutmann Solutions urges workshops to be aware of ADAS.
Although to qualify for a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, new passenger cars are required to have a minimum of two advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), there is presently no such mandatory requirement for light commercial vehicles. That said, most nowadays – including the VW Caddy and Mercedes Sprinter – have autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which alongside lane departure warning (LDW) are the two necessary for their automotive cousins, as a standard feature and additional systems will undoubtedly follow.
As a result, according to Hella, it is extremely important that workshops and fleet managers are aware of the requirement to ensure these systems are functioning correctly following LCV service and maintenance. This is because even something as commonplace as adjustment to the vehicle’s steering geometry or wheel alignment, not to mention coil spring or steering component replacement, will require the system to be recalibrated to ensure the ADAS technology is fully functioning.
Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) claims to be an expert for ADAS technology in the aftermarket and says it offers a comprehensive multi-brand solution, covering more than 92% of the UK ADAS equipped vehicle parc. Multiple high profile businesses, including Thatcham Research and Autoglass, are using the HGS CSC (Camera and Sensor Calibration) tool to establish the standards the sector should be meeting in regards to recalibrating ADAS.
Standard practice
With the growth of LCVs fitted with ADAS, Hella says recalibrating after a service should begin to become standard practice in workshops, as well as bodyshops, glass repairers and tyre shops. This requires the correct, high quality equipment to guarantee the vehicle is safe and working properly.
Head of Business Development at HGS, Neil Hilton, explains: “Workshops servicing the LCV sector need to understand just how important recalibration is. If the driver depends on their ADAS technology for safety, they should be able to trust the people working on their vehicle to recalibrate the systems. If the cameras and radars are even marginally misaligned this would certainly impact systems, such as AEB, LDW and blind spot detection, which can easily cause danger on the roads.
“It must also be understood that the vehicle manufacturer’s calibration is final, which is why HGS hardware and VM hardware follow the same calibration process, thus allowing the independent the opportunity to compete at the same level as the franchised dealer.
“The HGS CSC tool, which encompasses calibration panels, panel stand and wheel alignment accessories and works in conjunction with the software installed as a standard feature in every HGS mega macs diagnostic tool, is completed at the touch of a button once the panels are correctly aligned.
“Without this option however, workshops are at risk in terms of their responsibilities as well as their
competitiveness.”
