Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming standard in most modern vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars. From lane-keeping assistance to automatic emergency braking, these safety systems rely on precise sensors and cameras to work correctly. But what many Merriam drivers don’t realize is that these systems often need calibration after certain repairs, alignments, or even a minor fender-bender.
At Done With Care Auto Repair in Merriam, KS, we help ensure your ADAS systems are performing exactly as intended. Whether it’s restoring adaptive cruise control accuracy on a Toyota Prius, aligning the Autopilot cameras on a Tesla Model 3, or keeping lane-keeping assist spot-on for a Kia Niro EV, we have the training and equipment to handle it.
If you drive a hybrid or EV in Merriam, understanding when and why you might need ADAS calibration can save you time, money, and keep your vehicle’s safety systems operating at their best. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
What is ADAS Calibration and Why It Matters for Hybrid and EV Owners
ADAS calibration is the process of precisely aligning and configuring your vehicle’s cameras, sensors, and radar systems so they can accurately monitor the road and your surroundings. Without proper calibration, your car’s safety features may not function as intended, which can increase the risk of accidents.
For hybrid and electric vehicles, accurate ADAS calibration is even more critical. Many of these vehicles integrate ADAS features directly into their advanced powertrain and braking systems. If something is even slightly out of alignment, it could affect both safety and performance.
We use a state-of-the-art John Bean Tru-Point ADAS system to ensure your vehicle meets exact factory specifications. This is the same level of precision you’d expect from the dealership, but with our friendly, transparent service, you won’t find anywhere else in Merriam.
When Does Your Hybrid or EV Need ADAS Calibration?
ADAS calibration isn’t just a “once in a while” service; it’s required more often than most drivers realize. Here are common situations where calibration is necessary:
After a Windshield Replacement
Many ADAS systems have cameras mounted near or behind the windshield. When the glass is replaced, those cameras must be recalibrated to keep lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning features accurate.
After Suspension or Alignment Work
If your wheels or suspension geometry changes, your sensors and cameras need to be realigned to match. Even a slight shift can cause driver-assist features, like a Ford Mustang Mach-E’s Co-Pilot360, to perform inconsistently.
After a Collision or Body Repair
Even low-speed impacts can jolt ADAS sensors out of place. A small bumper repair on a Hyundai Kona Electric, for example, can still require recalibration to restore full safety system function.
After Replacing ADAS-Related Parts
New cameras, radar modules, or other ADAS components need to be configured so they communicate correctly with your vehicle’s onboard systems.
When ADAS Warning Lights Appear
If your dashboard shows an ADAS-related warning light or message, calibration may be necessary to get your systems working properly again.
If you’re unsure whether your last repair or service might have affected your ADAS systems, give us a call at (913) 722-3466 or book an appointment online.
Why Hybrids and EVs Require Specialized ADAS Service
Hybrid and electric vehicles are packed with advanced electronics, many of which work hand-in-hand with ADAS features. For example:
- Regenerative braking systems often connect with adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems.
- Electric steering systems, like those in the Tesla Model Y, can be controlled by lane-keeping assist.
- Battery cooling systems may interact with thermal sensors that ADAS also uses.
This makes calibration more complex than on traditional gas-powered vehicles. Our technicians are factory-trained, and we stay up to date with the latest hybrid and EV technology. Modern vehicles require precise calibrations after certain repairs. We use factory software to ensure those systems are set correctly, every time.
How ADAS Calibration Works at Done With Care Auto Repair
When you bring your hybrid or EV to our Merriam shop for ADAS calibration, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial inspection – We verify your vehicle’s current ADAS settings, check for diagnostic trouble codes, and confirm that no hardware is damaged.
- Precise setup – Using our John Bean Tru-Point system, we measure your vehicle’s position down to the millimeter to ensure perfect sensor alignment.
- OE software integration – We load your vehicle’s manufacturer-specific calibration procedures to ensure full compliance with factory standards.
- Testing and verification – After calibration, we road test and run additional scans to make sure every ADAS feature is functioning correctly.
- Full documentation – You’ll receive a detailed report of the calibration for your records and warranty protection.
This process ensures your vehicle’s safety systems are not only operational but working exactly as the manufacturer intended.
Local Expertise You Can Trust
Here in Merriam, we have built a reputation for honesty, transparency, and integrity. We don’t work on commission, which means there’s never any incentive to upsell you on services you don’t need. When we recommend an ADAS calibration, it’s because it’s necessary for your safety and your vehicle’s performance.
We also make service as convenient as possible:
- Free loaner cars and Uber rides within 7 miles
- Early bird drop-off and late pickup
- Credit card payment over the phone
- Three-year, 36,000-mile nationwide warranty
Schedule your ADAS calibration now and experience why so many Merriam drivers trust us with their hybrid and EV repairs.
The Risks of Skipping ADAS Calibration
It’s easy to assume that if your dashboard warning lights are off, your advanced driver-assistance systems are functioning properly. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Even a slight misalignment in the sensors or cameras can cause a ripple effect in system performance, leading to issues such as:
- Slower or inaccurate collision alerts may not give you enough time to react in critical situations, for example, if the front radar on a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is even slightly off.
- Lane departure warnings that trigger too early or too late, which could happen if the cameras on a Ford Escape Hybrid aren’t perfectly aligned.
- Inconsistent adaptive cruise control behavior, like a Hyundai Ioniq not maintaining proper following distance.
- Reduced emergency braking responsiveness, making it harder for the system to prevent or lessen the impact of a collision.
These issues can quietly compromise your safety without any clear warning until a critical moment. Skipping or delaying recalibration after certain repairs or maintenance could also jeopardize warranty coverage, which most automakers clearly outline in their service guidelines.
ADAS and Tesla, Hybrid, and EV Repair in Merriam
While many dealerships claim they’re the only ones who can handle Tesla, hybrid, or EV ADAS calibration, that’s simply not true. At Done With Care Auto Repair, we’ve invested in the same and in some cases, more advanced calibration equipment used by the dealer. Our team has completed ADAS recalibrations for a wide variety of makes and models, including:
- Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y
- Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid
- Hyundai Ioniq and Kona Electric
- Kia Niro EV and Hybrid
- Ford Mustang Mach-E, Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and other models with EyeSight technology
No matter what you drive, we approach every calibration with the same precision, attention to detail, and commitment to safety.
How to Know if Your ADAS Needs Attention
Sometimes the signs of an ADAS problem are clear, and other times they’re barely noticeable until you start to rely on the feature. Here are a few indicators that your system may need recalibration or inspection:
- ADAS warning lights or error messages: Any alerts on your dashboard related to driver-assistance features should be addressed promptly, even if the vehicle feels fine to drive.
- Lane-keeping assist pulling unevenly: If your steering assist nudges you when you’re centered in the lane or fails to correct when you drift, the cameras may be misaligned.
- Adaptive cruise control is not maintaining proper distance: Your vehicle should automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance. If it’s braking too late or closing in on traffic, calibration may be off.
- Automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly or too late: Sudden, unnecessary braking or a lack of response in an emergency can signal that radar or camera sensors aren’t reading the road correctly.
- Driver-assist features behaving inconsistently after repairs: If you’ve recently had a windshield replaced, suspension work done, or been involved in even a minor collision, it’s worth having the system checked, as issues can arise without triggering a warning light.
If you experience any of these problems, it’s best to have your vehicle evaluated by a shop with ADAS expertise. Early detection can prevent safety risks and help you avoid more expensive repairs later.
FAQs About ADAS Calibration for Hybrid and EVs
How long does it take to calibrate ADAS on a hybrid or EV?
Most ADAS recalibrations take 30 minutes to several hours. Vehicles with complex driver-assist systems or multiple camera and radar modules may take longer, especially if adjustments are needed after collision repairs or suspension work.
Will my insurance pay for ADAS recalibration?
In many cases, yes. If the calibration is needed after an insured event such as a windshield replacement, accident, or body repair, insurance will often cover it. Check with your provider to confirm your specific policy terms.
Is it safe to drive before getting ADAS recalibrated?
It’s not recommended. Misaligned sensors can cause features like lane-keeping assist, collision warnings, or adaptive cruise control to react incorrectly, reducing your vehicle’s ability to help avoid accidents.
Are ADAS calibrations more expensive for electric and hybrid vehicles?
Not necessarily. The cost depends on the number and type of safety sensors, not just the vehicle’s powertrain. Some EVs and hybrids require extra steps due to integrated braking or steering systems, which can affect labor time.
Keep Your Advanced Safety Systems Accurate. Book Your Calibration Today!
ADAS technology makes driving safer, but only when it’s calibrated correctly. For Merriam drivers who own hybrids, EVs, or other modern vehicles, this service isn’t optional—it’s essential.
At Done With Care Auto Repair, we pair dealership-grade calibration tools with a local shop’s commitment to honesty, transparency, and truly caring service. When you trust us with your vehicle, we make sure every safety system is performing exactly the way it should.
Book your ADAS calibration today by calling (913) 722-3466 or schedule online at your convenience. Visit us at 5810 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS 66203, centrally located to serve drivers throughout Merriam and the surrounding areas.