Aftermarket December/January 2023

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 45 “It’s important that we provide not only the hardware, such as our modular ADAS solution, to complete recalibration work, but the vital IMI-accredited training that is needed to use it. This spans the basics right through to showing delegates why and when recalibrations should take place and hands-on practical tuition in the workshop.” Julian added: “We also use the feedback to these sessions to determine any future upgrades to our offering. For example, one recurring question was that delegates simply didn’t know when a recalibration may be required, so we worked that information into the specification of our latest DS diagnostic tool so it removes any doubt for the user.” Process Also looking to support garages on ADAS is MAHLE Aftermarket UK. According to Rob Hawker, Area Sales Manager UK & Ireland for MAHLE Aftermarket Italy, TechPRO Digital ADAS from MAHLE offers a number of benefits for technicians. “MAHLE’s ADAS solution engages with the presented vehicle and makes the calibration simple via easy-to-follow guided instruction. The digital system can allow garages to make a complete camera calibration from start to finish in five minutes, making the process super quick, meaning technicians can move on to other jobs quicker. Some newer vehicles use multi-stage positioning that requires multiple repositioning of any analogue equipment in use, MAHLE manages this adjustment in seconds thanks to its digital technology.” Successful calibration On working with the system, Rob added: “Technicians must ensure the facility and vehicle being worked on meet various requirements to help achieve a successful calibration. These include the area selected being smooth and level, undercover and out of direct sunlight, and making sure there is room for calibration to be carried out and no obstructions, the vehicle should also be free of all fault codes before starting a calibration. Plus, all connected ADAS system components on-board should be communicating with each other, a battery support unit should be used to ensure vehicle system voltage is maintained during the whole calibration process and finally, a full four-wheel alignment and steering angle sensor calibration need to be done prior to any ADAS calibration to avoid conflictions that may otherwise deliver a poor calibration.” Compatible With ADAS systems so widespread, getting kitted out is essential. As Neil Hilton, Head of Hella Gutmann UK observed though, your kit needs to work together: “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’s original analogue CSC-Tool SE and CSC- Mobile, as well as the most recently introduced, CSC-Tool Digital, show their advantages. “With outstanding vehicle model coverage, the CSC-Tool, in common with the easily transported CSC-Mobile solution, 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. Neil added: “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.” For more information, visit: www.hella-gutmann.co.uk Widely available While ADAS on new vehicles is a fact of life, DENSO’s is looking to make its ADAS available for retrofit on vehicles not originally fitted with it. DENSO Europe, Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich observed: “Reducing traffic accidents is a common goal all over the world. The UN aims to halve the number of global traffic accident fatalities by 2030, whereas the EU and the US have set similar objectives for 2050. DENSO is working on an approach that takes account of both the depth and width of the task. The definition of depth is the full pursuit of cutting-edge technologies that will enable DENSO to make mobility users safer. One example of this is how DENSO is using AI technology to predict potential hazards by, for instance, detecting pedestrians, in a non- distracting way, when visibility conditions are poor. In addition, at junctions with poor visibility and other situations where blind spots pose a threat, V2X and map functions provide infrastructure-related information, which, together with sensor information, can help prevent many accidents. The width means ensuring that products and technologies are used in as many vehicles as possible, including in the aftermarket.” Fatiha added: “Since the 1990s, DENSO has provided advanced safety and various OE ADAS equipment such as LiDAR devices, millimetre-wave radar, and vision sensors. Introducing ADAS to the secondary market not only gives a boost to aftermarket businesses, but it also makes life- saving technology more widely available, empowering confidence and peace of mind at scale.” ADAS is here to stay, and motorists will be keen for local independents to offer a more cost-effective alternative to ADAS recalibration ” Follow us on Facebook @aftermarketmagazine