What Affects the Price of ADAS Calibration? A Guide for UK Motorists
Modern vehicles are packed with technology designed to keep you safer on the road. At the heart of this innovation is ADAS — Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — a suite of features like lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. But these safety systems only work effectively if they’re correctly calibrated.
So how much does ADAS calibration actually cost? And when should you get it done? Let’s break it down.
The Real Cost of ADAS Calibration
At Elite Garages, the cost of ADAS calibration varies depending on the complexity of your vehicle’s system, but on average, you can expect to pay from £190 plus VAT.
Some vehicles require dynamic calibration (on-road testing), others require static calibration (done in the workshop with specialist tools) — and many require a combination of both. The final price will reflect the technology used in your car and the time required to complete the process accurately.
Our ADAS calibrations include a 4-wheel alignment check/adjustment and a full diagnostic to ensure accuracy and compliance according to manufacturer specifications. if any work is needed, our technicians will advise you beforehand.
Factors Affecting the Price of Your ADAS Calibration
A few factors influence the price:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and newer models tend to have more complex systems.
- Sensor type: Camera-based systems are usually less involved than radar or lidar setups.
- Calibration method: Dynamic, static, or combined procedures affect labour time and equipment use.
- Whether alignment or diagnostics are needed first: Wheel alignment is often required prior to calibration.
- Recent repairs: If you’ve had a windscreen or bumper replaced, recalibration may be necessary.
Why Is ADAS Calibration Important?
ADAS features rely on precisely positioned sensors and cameras to function correctly. When they’re even slightly out of alignment, they can fail to detect hazards or, worse, interfere with your vehicle’s handling.
Failing to calibrate these systems after relevant repairs or changes can:
- Cause false warnings or missed alerts
- Affect your braking or steering systems
- Lead to MOT failures due to warning lights
- Jeopardise your insurance coverage
These systems aren’t just convenient. They’re part of your car’s core safety infrastructure.
Visual Checklist: When Does ADAS Need Calibrating?
You may need ADAS calibration if any of the following apply:
- After a windscreen replacement
- Following a collision or minor accident
- After suspension work or wheel alignment
- After replacing an ADAS camera or sensor
- When you experience false alerts or malfunctioning ADAS features
Common ADAS Features That Require Calibration
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Parking Assistance & Reverse Cameras
Each of these relies on sensors that must be correctly aligned for your car to function as intended.
What Happens If The Advanced Systems Are Not Calibrated?
Ignoring calibration doesn’t just mean annoying false beeps and warnings — it could lead to real danger. Poorly calibrated systems might not react to a car cutting into your lane, fail to engage emergency braking, or interfere with your steering unexpectedly. This could lead to avoidable accidents or failed MOTs, especially if warning lights are triggered as a result.
Recommended: Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them
The Role of Vehicle Diagnostics and Regular Maintenance
Modern cars are complex machines, and ADAS is only one part of the bigger picture. At Elite Garages, our vehicle diagnostics service helps uncover issues that might not trigger a warning light but still affect your safety systems.
We recommend incorporating an ADAS calibration check into your regular car service, especially if you’ve recently had suspension or alignment work done. Our expert technicians can detect early signs of misalignment or electronic malfunctions that might impact your vehicle’s ADAS performance.
Why Is Regular Servicing So Important?
A well-maintained car is a safer car. By keeping up with your scheduled maintenance, including MOTs, you reduce the risk of unexpected issues that could affect your car’s advanced driver assistance features. And with more MOT test centres now looking at ADAS-related faults and dashboard warning lights, it pays to be ahead of the curve.
At Elite Garages, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle’s ADAS features. Our expert technicians are trained to handle all types of ADAS technology, ensuring that your car is running at peak performance and safety.
In addition to regular maintenance, it’s also important to stay informed about the latest advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance System technology.
Why Choose Elite Garages for ADAS Calibration?
Elite Garages has invested heavily in state-of-the-art ADAS calibration equipment across its network of branches. Our experienced technicians undergo ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest vehicle technology.
We pride ourselves on clear pricing, expert service, and the kind of transparent, no-nonsense advice that’s earned us Best Regional Garage two years in a row. See the award here.
From diagnostic checks to advanced calibration, we make sure your vehicle’s safety systems are working exactly as they should.
Final Word: Don’t Wait for a Problem to Appear
ADAS is designed to prevent accidents before they happen. But for it to work, everything needs to be in perfect sync. If you’ve recently had bodywork done, replaced a windscreen, or just want to be sure your car’s technology is keeping you as safe as possible, speak to Elite Garages.
Book your ADAS check or calibration today and drive away knowing your car’s most advanced safety systems are fully functional.
FAQs
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Category:
ADAS Cost
The ADAS calibration process typically takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your vehicle’s technology and whether a static, dynamic, or combined calibration is needed. Your car must remain stationary during parts of the process to allow precise sensor alignment. At Elite Garages, we aim to complete calibrations efficiently without compromising accuracy or safety.
Category:
ADAS Cost
At Elite Garages, ADAS calibration starts from £190 plus VAT. The final cost depends on your vehicle’s make and model, the type of ADAS system it uses (camera, radar, or both), and whether a static or dynamic calibration is required. We’ll always explain the process and pricing up front—no surprises, just honest, expert advice.
Category:
ADAS Cost
Yes, you do. ADAS sensors and cameras are often mounted behind the windscreen or near suspension components. Even a simple windscreen replacement or wheel alignment can shift the position of these sensors slightly, making the system unreliable. To ensure your safety features work correctly—such as lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, or adaptive cruise control—an ADAS calibration should be performed any time those components are adjusted or replaced.
