Repair Shops Continue to Navigate ADAS Challenges

Automotive repair shops are grappling with the complexities of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), but data from IMR Inc. reveals that most are managing these challenges effectively without turning away significant business. A recent survey highlights key insights into how shops are adapting to the demands of ADAS-related repairs.

The survey, targeting shops of varying sizes—categorized by the number of service bays (1-3, 4-7, and 8+ bays)—found that 11% of all repairs performed across these shops require consideration of ADAS technologies. Larger shops with 8+ bays report a higher percentage at 15%, compared to 13% for 4-7 bays and 6% for smaller 1-3 bay operations, indicating a correlation between shop size and ADAS repair volume.

However, ADAS repairs present several challenges. Universal issues include calibration steps, specialized tools, and training, with 100% of respondents across all shop sizes acknowledging these as critical hurdles. Space requirements, while still significant, vary by shop size, with 97% of 1-3 bay shops citing it as a challenge, dropping to 67% for shops with 8+ bays. Additionally, 96% of shops report difficulties obtaining ADAS parts from top suppliers, and 85% note unpredictable repair times as a concern, particularly among smaller shops (96% for 1-3 bays).

Despite these obstacles, shops are turning away only 2% of vehicles due to ADAS-related concerns, with larger shops (8+ bays) seeing a slightly higher rate at 3%, compared to 1% for smaller operations. Among the 2% of vehicles that are turned away specifically for ADAS difficulties, 71% are sent on to dealerships, which are considered to be better equipped to handle the technology.

Moreover, 81% of respondents noted an increase in sensors calibrating during road tests after alignments, reducing the need for equipment-based procedures. This trend indicates a shift toward more efficient, less resource-intensive repair processes.

The data underscores that while ADAS repairs pose significant technical and operational challenges, most shops are adapting successfully, maintaining business continuity with minimal disruption. This resilience highlights the industry’s ability to evolve in response to the growing prevalence of advanced vehicle technologies.