ADAS 34 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 Q The IMI warned recently of a critical shortage of UK automotive technicians qualified to work on vehicles equipped with ADAS. What do you think can be done to improve the situation? A. Firstly, I think we have a big job to do in raising awareness of when a vehicle requires ADAS calibration. Many technicians are unaware that working, for example, on the steering rack, suspension, shock absorbers, or simply carrying out wheel alignment, alters the geometry of the vehicle — and therefore the sensors in charge of its safety system. Empowered with that knowledge, most technicians would choose to seek the required qualifications, especially as duty of care and liability issues come into play. Investment into a recognised qualification to help technicians better understand these safety critical systems would be the next step. As a starting point, the IMI offers an online course for as little as £15 (plus VAT). It gives an overview of ADAS systems and how they work and interact with other systems. Once this has been completed, I’d highly recommend training at an IMI centre to gain the AOM230 qualification. What safeguards exist — or should exist — to prevent unqualified technicians or garages conducting work on ADAS systems and how should that be enforced? There are currently no safeguards in place to prevent unqualified technicians working on ADAS systems; ADAS is viewed as being no different to any other service function on a vehicle. However, as vehicles with higher level autonomy filter into the independent aftermarket, this will have to change. I firmly believe regulations should be in force to ensure only qualified technicians can work on ADAS systems. A register like we have for Gas Safe engineers would be a good way forward. What cases are you aware of involving unauthorised or inadequate work carried out on ADAS to the detriment of a motorist? Every week we see and hear horror stories where repairs have been carried out incorrectly and the car has been returned to the customer ‘calibrated’. Although maybe unintentional, that workshop has now put the motorist at risk. If the motorist is subsequently involved in a crash, there will come a point where insurers question whether the ADAS system was at fault. We also hear a lot about work being carried out on vehicles where, even though the manufacturer stipulates a static ADAS calibration will be required in a controlled environment, with proper lighting, level flooring, and the correct amount of space around the vehicle, the reality is the so called ‘calibration’ is being performed outdoors, in car parks, or on customers’ driveways. A ‘successful’ calibration does not necessarily mean an ‘accurate’ calibration. This is something I’m passionate about helping the industry to understand. By doing it right, you’re not just protecting the motorist, you’re also protecting yourself. Interview Pursuit of excellence ‘is my passion’ Iain Molloy, MD of the A1 ADAS Solutions Group, talks to editor John Shepherd about the importance of advanced driver-assistance systems training and expertise — and why new regulations are needed
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=