Many modern vehicles come equipped with advanced computer systems that enhance the driving experience and protect passengers during a crash. One vital system that keeps drivers safe is the ADAS—an Advanced Driver Assistance System. The ADAS combines sophisticated sensors, cameras, and radar to build a “protective bubble” around the vehicle. Should the system notice anything dangerous, it will warn the driver with a notification – and, in some advanced models, even take over control of the vehicle to keep you safe. If you ever need repairs after a collision, make sure to visit a reliable auto body shop like Atlanta Auto Collision that understands these advanced systems.
So what happens when your ADAS system is damaged or needs repair? How do you even know if the ADAS needs repair? As a leading auto body shop in the Metro Atlanta GA area, Atlanta Auto Collision Center works with vehicles equipped with ADAS features every day. We’ve learned the top ways to know if your ADAS needs some attention.
Plus, we can give you tips and pointers on how to protect your vehicle from a variety of things that can interfere with or damage the ADAS system, saving you time and money down the road. Let’s take a bit of a closer look at the ADAS system – what it is, how it works, and how an auto body shop may be able to help repair your ADAS.
What Is An ADAS System?
Think of ADAS as your vehicle’s guardian angel – a sophisticated network of safety features working together to prevent accidents before they happen. Our auto body paint shop sees these systems as more than just fancy technology – they’re essential safety equipment that needs proper care and maintenance.
An ADAS system typically includes several key components:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts you when you’re approaching another vehicle too quickly
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Takes control of the brakes if it detects an imminent collision
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Notifies you if you’re drifting out of your lane without signaling
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Keeps an eye on areas you can’t easily see while driving
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance
Each of these features relies on different sensors and cameras positioned strategically around your vehicle.
For example, the small camera behind your windshield isn’t just for show—it’s constantly scanning the road ahead for potential hazards. The radar sensors hidden in your bumpers monitor traffic around you, while ultrasonic sensors help with parking and low-speed maneuvering.
As a trusted body shop for Atlanta drivers, we understand that these systems aren’t just convenient features – they’re sophisticated safety equipment that requires expert care and attention when damaged.
How Do I Know If My ADAS System Needs Repair?
When drivers visit our body shop in Smyrna, they often ask how they can tell if their ADAS system isn’t working properly. After all, you can often tell when something cosmetic isn’t working properly, or when the check engine light is on unexpectedly. But the ADAS can be a bit more technical, and often, the issues don’t present themselves until you’re really in trouble. Here are some of the best ways to know your ADAS system is in need of some attention from your local auto body repair shop:
1) You’re Seeing Warning Lights on Your Dashboard
One of the most obvious signs that your ADAS needs attention is when warning lights appear on your dashboard. There are tons of lights on your vehicle’s dashboard, so knowing which to watch for is key:
- A forward collision warning system light
- Lane departure system warnings
- Blind spot monitoring system alerts
- General malfunction indicators
If any of these warning lights stay on or flash intermittently, it’s time to visit a professional auto body shop for diagnostics. You may also find that they light up when they shouldn’t – letting you know something is wrong.
2) You Hear Unusual Beeping or Receive False Alerts
Your ADAS system should only alert you to genuine hazards. Similar to the warning lights on your dash, you’ll want to get into your local collision repair company if you start to notice:
- Random beeping when there’s no apparent danger
- False collision warnings on empty roads
- Parking sensors activating unnecessarily
- Lane departure warnings on clear, well-marked roads
These false alarms often indicate that your sensors need recalibration or repair. In some cases, they could point to your ADAS needing recalibration or potentially another issue triggering your ADAS.
3) You’re Getting Inconsistent Feature Performance
Have you noticed your ADAS features working inconsistently? This can take a variety of forms:
- Adaptive cruise control suddenly disengaging
- Lane-keeping assist working intermittently
- Parking assistance failing to activate
- Blind spot monitoring missing obvious vehicles
As a leading paint and body shop in Atlanta, we know these inconsistencies often signal underlying system issues that require professional attention. Wouldn’t you rather do the upfront work to fix your ADAS than end up in a complete collision repair situation?
4) You’re ADAS Is Acting Up After Physical Damage or Repairs
Even minor body work can affect your ADAS system. Anytime you get your vehicle repaired, make sure to have your ADAS checked and calibrated, as small changes in the car’s system during time in the auto body shop can impact its performance. This can include:
- Windshield replacement or repair
- Bumper damage, no matter how slight
- Side mirror replacements
- Any collision repair, such as paintless dent repair
- Suspension work or wheel alignment
At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we recommend ADAS calibration after any of these repairs to ensure your safety systems continue working properly.
5) You’re Seeing Camera or Sensor Obstructions
Sometimes, what seems like a system failure might be due to physical obstructions (always the best news!) For example, we often find that what may appear to be a major ADAS failure actually turns out to be something obstructing the system on the vehicle’s appearance:
- Dirt or debris covering sensors
- Snow or ice buildup in winter
- Damaged or misaligned cameras
- Loose or damaged sensor housings
While cleaning external sensors is something you can do yourself, any physical damage to these components requires professional repair at a qualified car body shop. Quality service and quality repairs will always give you peace of mind.
6) You Experience Changes In Your Vehicle’s Performance
While not always a sign of ADAS issues, your ADAS system might need attention if you notice any of the following happen during routine driving:
- The steering wheel pulling to one side
- Difficulty maintaining lane position
- Unexpected braking or acceleration
- Changes in how your vehicle handles
These symptoms could indicate that your ADAS system is misaligned or needs recalibration. Often, you’ll need to bring your vehicle to a specialized dealership or repair shop to have the system checked and adjusted.
Can An Auto Body Shop Repair The ADAS System In Your Car?
The short answer is yes – but not just any body shop. At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we’ve invested heavily in the specialized equipment and training needed to properly repair and calibrate ADAS systems. Here’s what you need to know about professional ADAS repair at our auto body shop.
As a specialized paint and body shop serving Metro Atlanta, we can handle all aspects of ADAS repair and maintenance:
- Complete system diagnostics
- Sensor replacement and repair
- Camera alignments and calibrations
- Software updates and resets
- Full system testing and verification
- Integration with body repairs
The ADAS Repair Process
When you bring your vehicle to our body shop in Smyrna, your vehicle will go through a variety of diagnostic and repair steps to make sure that your vehicle is not only operating perfectly – but is set up for success down the road:
Step 1: Initial Diagnostics
Every collision repair begins with an overall diagnostic – making sure that we know exactly what needs to be done and how.
- We perform a comprehensive scan of all ADAS systems
- Identify any damaged sensors or cameras
- Check for software issues or calibration needs
- Document all findings for insurance purposes
Step 2: Physical Repairs
Next, we work with you to determine which repairs are necessary. With your approval, we’ll begin repairing the ADAS is working properly.
- Replace damaged sensors and cameras with OEM parts
- Repair or replace sensor mounting brackets
- Fix any body damage affecting ADAS components
- Ensure proper positioning of all components
Step 3: Calibration
Our auto body paint shop uses two types of calibration, each of which can help ensure that all repairs have been done properly:
Static Calibration
- Performed in our controlled shop environment
- Uses specialized targets and precise measurements
- Takes 1-3 hours, depending on vehicle requirements
- Essential for forward-facing cameras and radar systems
Dynamic Calibration
- Performed during actual driving conditions
- Requires specific road conditions and speeds
- Usually takes 30-60 minutes
- Necessary for certain lane departure and blind spot systems
Step 4: Quality Control
We take pride in our rigorous quality control process for every ADAS repair. Our comprehensive approach ensures your safety systems function exactly as the manufacturer intended.
- Comprehensive System Testing – Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we perform a complete scan of all ADAS components to verify proper communication between sensors, cameras, and your vehicle’s computer system. This thorough testing helps identify any potential issues before they become problems on the road.
- Road Testing Under Various Conditions – Our technicians test your vehicle’s ADAS systems, checking everything from lane departure warnings to adaptive cruise control in actual driving conditions.
- Final Computer Diagnostics – Before your vehicle leaves our auto body shop, we perform a final diagnostic scan to verify all systems are operating within manufacturer specifications. This helps ensure the precision and accuracy of all calibrations.
- Documentation and Reporting – Every test and adjustment is thoroughly documented, providing complete records of all work performed. This includes calibration verifications, test results, and any recommendations for future maintenance – everything you need for your records and insurance purposes.
Why Choose a Specialized Body Shop For ADAS Repair?
Not all auto body shops are equipped to handle ADAS repairs. When searching for the “best body shops near me” in Atlanta, choosing one with specific qualifications and capabilities is crucial. At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we work hard to earn your satisfaction with our full repair process.
- Continuous Professional Training – Our commitment to excellence goes beyond basic auto body repair. Every technician at our paint and body shop undergoes regular, comprehensive training on ADAS technology. This includes manufacturer-specific certifications, hands-on workshops with the latest systems, and continuous education to stay current with vehicle safety technology.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment – As your trusted car body shop near me, we’ve invested significantly in advanced diagnostic and repair equipment that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications. Our facility has the latest calibration tools, alignment systems, and diagnostic platforms to handle everything from simple sensor alignments to complex system calibrations with absolute precision.
- Professional Calibration Environment – Unlike a standard auto body shop, our facility is designed to meet the exact requirements for ADAS calibration. We maintain a controlled environment with level floors, precise measurement capabilities, and optimal lighting conditions – all essential for accurate ADAS calibration.
- Multi-Brand Expertise – When you’re looking for a body shop near me that can handle any vehicle’s ADAS system, experience matters. Our team has worked extensively with virtually every major vehicle brand’s ADAS technology, from domestic to luxury imports.
- Safety-First Philosophy – We understand that ADAS isn’t just another vehicle system – it’s a crucial safety feature that protects you and your loved ones. Every repair we perform is documented, verified, and tested under various conditions before your vehicle leaves our shop. Plus, we’ll take the time to explain all work performed and provide ongoing support.
Trust Atlanta Auto Collision Center For Collision Repair & More
Don’t trust your ADAS repairs to just any body shop you find on Google. Whether you’ve been in a collision, replaced your windshield, or noticed warning signs from your safety systems, our expert technicians are ready to help.
We proudly serve customers throughout Smyrna and the greater Atlanta area with professional, reliable service that puts your safety first. Contact our auto body repair shop today to schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s ADAS systems. Our team will provide a comprehensive evaluation and detailed repair plan to keep you safe on Atlanta’s busy roads. Remember, when it comes to your vehicle’s safety systems, expertise matters – and that’s exactly what you’ll find at our car body shop.
