Aftermarket April 2022

APRIL 2022 AFTERMARKET 47 www.aftermarketonline.net independents then, and what they should look for when contemplating any ADAS recalibration equipment, is to have tools that are complemented with comprehensive training and technical support.” “Delphi Technologies offers such a proposition. Its modular ADAS calibration kit works seamlessly with its existing DS and very latest Bluetech VCI diagnostic equipment, the advanced tools notably removing any doubt as to when a recalibration may be required. Included in the cost of its modular equipment, Delphi Technologies adds an intensive two-day training course, which exceeds IMI-accreditation requirements and enables garages to immediately start the return on their investment. “At the moment, the proportion of independents who can offer ADAS recalibration could be as little as 5%, but that is going to rise significantly as the vehicle parc of cars with ADAS grows and becomes older and garages need to conform to industry regulation. For example, ADAS Insurance Industry Requirements (IRR) now stipulate that those completing ADAS repairs must be competent, IMI accreditation covers this, and recalibrations must be carried out to manufacturers’ specifications with evidence provided, which our diagnostic tools do. “A sure indicator is that our IMI-accredited ADAS course, alongside our electric vehicle training, is now one of our most in-demand modules. Considering we provide automotive training that covers everything from brakes to suspension and fuel injection to steering, that’s quite a trend.” Julian added: “Of course, we’re constantly evolving and refining our ADAS training offering too, as we need to keep on top of calibration changes and legislation revolving around the technology. The Delphi Technologies Academy e-learning platform was also launched late last year with strong ADAS-related content, and it’s already been enhanced with a simple-to-follow video that highlights how the technology links in with a car’s lighting. This, and all the other content, is designed to provide those working in the aftermarket with as much knowledge on ADAS as possible as, without doubt, if they are not working with the technology now, then they will be in the future.” Calibration With ADAS now standard on millions of vehicles, garages need to be able to calibrate such systems. In fact, every time wheel alignment is performed on a vehicle, or steering and suspension systems are replaced, an ADAS camera/radar calibration needs to be performed. As Head of Hella Gutmann UK Neil Hilton observed, a calibration tool will be needed to go with their calibration equipment: “Because the diagnostic device and the calibration tool must be compatible, the investment needs to be well-considered as ultimately, the model coverage of the diagnostic software and the associated calibration device will dictate whether the extent of the calibration work the workshop can undertake, is cost effective. This is where Hella Gutmann Solutions’ original analogue CSC-Tool SE and CSC-Mobile, as well as the recently introduced, CSC- Tool Digital, show their advantages. “With outstanding vehicle model coverage, the CSC-Tool, in common with the easily transported CSC-Mobilesolution, in conjunction with a Hella Gutmann mega macs diagnostic device, has a proven track record in the UK, Ireland and throughout Europe. It is for good reason that the world's leading auto glass networks rely on the German equipment. In addition to the calibration of front cameras, long-range radar and lidar, the comprehensive modular CSC tool system also allows calibration of 360° and rear cameras, as well as 24 GHz radar sensors for detection in the wider environment, and thanks to its ongoing developments, Hella Gutmann’s calibration hardware and software remains close to the vehicle manufacturers' rapid technology advances and short model cycles.” Neil continued: “The CSC-Tool Digital is the latest evolution of the Hella Gutmann calibration offering. Everything that is possible with the analogue CSC-Tool SE and CSC-Mobile, also works with the CSC-Tool Digital, but faster and more efficiently. Furthermore, the digital tool has some additional benefits to offer, for example, there is no need to store and carry around the large- format front camera targets. This saves both time and money because currently many different targets are required for the vehicles that are commonly used in the UK and Ireland.” He added: “With three formats of calibration tool available catering for fixed workshop, mobile and digital applications, Hella Gutmann has a unique offering, which truly covers all the bases and provides the tyre replacement sector with the perfect solution for their needs.” For information, visit: www.hella-gutmann.co.uk Digital ADAS often brings up the issue of the need for many calibration panels, but there are other options. Commenting on MAHLE’s TechPRO Digital ADAS with its digital calibration panel, MAHLE General Manager Andy Lees said: “New approaches always throw up questions; Is an individual digital calibration panel reliable and does it deliver the same results as physical targets? Can the digital calibration tool really be positioned precisely in front of the car using the software? Can the car’s front axle really be used for positioning the calibration tool? At the Automotive Safety Centre in Vairano Italy, the performance and reliability of TechPRO Digital ADAS was tested under the supervision of TÜV Süd as an independent body. Andy observed: “The test subject was a brand-new Audi A4 with the original calibration of the driver assistance systems. It was driven around the test track for a week, covering more than 2,000 kilometers. The test engineers initially checked how the vehicle’s ADAS system behaved with the original calibration for various driving maneuvers and situations. Test scenarios Andy continued: “In order to reconstruct the tests precisely, five scenarios were defined using the driver assistance systems: Pedestrian detection with emergency braking function; Automatic braking if an obstruction is detected in front of the vehicle; Automatic braking and avoidance if an obstruction is detected in front of the vehicle; Automatic braking when approaching a slower vehicle; And, staying on track while driving straight and taking corners (Lane Assist). Independent garages are very quickly waking up to the fact that they need the capability to recalibrate ADAS systems ”