Insurer established requirements bring much needed clarity to the safe repair of vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
A set of ‘insurance industry requirements’ (IIR) for the safe repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles has been released by Thatcham Research.
The IIR confirms that inspection, realignment and calibration must be considered in all situations where parts likely to affect the operation and functionality of ADAS and the vehicle’s geometry is included within the repair, service or maintenance procedure carried out by a workshop.
The requirements come as the number of ADAS-enabled vehicles on UK roads reaches 4.5 million, a figure that is set to grow exponentially as carmakers increasingly fit the latest driver assistance technology to new models.
Richard Billyeald, chief technical officer, Thatcham Research said: “The correct procedures for the safe repair of vehicles with ADAS, and in what scenarios calibration of the systems themselves is required, is a well-established challenge for the automotive repair industry.
“Today the IIR brings clarity to repairers and enables the long-term sustainability of ADAS-equipped vehicles.
“Sensor calibration requirements vary greatly from one vehicle to another.
“But no matter what model is being fixed, it’s essential that manufacturers’ technical specifications are met to reinstate ADAS features safely, without compromising performance.”
New workshop requirements
Thatcham’s new requirements establish the key steps repairers must follow to ensure that ADAS continue to function.
Workshops should identify the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and ensuring this is recorded.
Thatcham requires technicians to complete all relevant inspection, realignment and calibration activities as detailed within the repair procedures.
In addition, repair procedures should clearly identify if inspection, realignment and calibration are required and why; repairs must be carried out by a ‘currently competent person’; and fully verifiable and auditable records should be produced, with a copy provided to the asset owner or work provider.
“It is of paramount importance”
Steve Nash, chief executive officer at The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) said: “Both the ADAS guidance and insurance industry requirements for ADAS align to the IMI belief that, it is of paramount importance to enable the sector to deliver on its obligation for safe repair and in addition to build trust with consumers.
“Furthermore, both initiatives align to the IMI campaigns for change and TechSafe initiatives, which provide clarity for all stakeholders with an interest in ensuring competence during vehicle maintenance and repair activities, including ADAS.”
Neil Hilton, head of HGS, Hella Gutman said: “Following the rapid increase in vehicle ADAS fitment it is paramount that the automotive industry has a unilateral approach to the repair and calibration of these vehicles, as pioneers of aftermarket ADAS calibration equipment and a long-standing relationship working with Thatcham Research in this area, it is great news that we finally have the IIR to facilitate safe and accurate working practices on ADAS vehicles.”
