For collision shops considering bringing ADAS calibration in-house, one of the biggest questions is often space. Many assume calibration requires a large, dedicated footprint—but the reality may be more manageable than expected.
What Is Subletting Really Costing Your Shop?
Subletting calibration may seem like the easiest option, but the costs can extend beyond the invoice.
Every vehicle sent off-site can add time to the repair process. Scheduling, transportation and outside-provider availability can all impact cycle time.
There’s also the question of documentation and responsibility. Even when calibration is performed by a third party, the collision shop remains responsible for the completed repair.
And then there’s the lost revenue. Calibration often goes hand-in-hand with services such as pre- and post-scans, alignment verification and sensor resets. When those services are sublet, that revenue leaves the shop, too.
A good starting point is to review your last six months of sublet invoices and consider the additional services associated with those jobs. That number can help determine whether bringing calibration in-house makes financial sense.
Static vs. Dynamic Calibration
Not every ADAS calibration requires a dedicated bay.
Static calibration uses targets and controlled positioning inside the shop. These procedures require specific distances, floor conditions, lighting and clear space.
Dynamic calibration, on the other hand, is completed through a road test. Factors such as traffic, weather and road markings can affect the process.
For shops considering an in-house setup, understanding which calibration procedures are most common among the vehicles you service is an important first step.
How Much Space Do You Really Need?
For many shops, the footprint may be smaller than expected.
Approximately 88% of ADAS systems can be calibrated in a standard 16-foot-by-30-foot bay, assuming the area meets the required conditions and is free of obstructions.
Some OEM procedures require more space, but these are exceptions rather than the norm. Requirements are ultimately determined by the vehicle manufacturer, so shops should research the specifications for the makes and models they see most often.
Make Your Bay Do More
One solution is to create a multi-use bay that handles mechanical work, wheel alignments and ADAS calibration.
With the right lift configuration, a technician can complete an alignment, lower the vehicle and transition directly into calibration—without moving the vehicle to another location.
This approach can help shops:
- Reduce cycle time
- Keep calibration work in-house
- Maintain documentation under one roof
- Capture companion-service revenue
- Make better use of existing space
Start With the Numbers
Going in-house doesn’t have to happen all at once. Shops can start with the calibration procedures they encounter most frequently and expand as volume and experience grow.
Before investing, ask:
- How many ADAS calibrations are you currently subletting?
- What are you spending on sublet calibration each year?
- How much companion-service revenue is leaving with those jobs?
- What space do you already have available?
- Does the equipment include the diagnostic coverage needed to initiate calibrations?
For shops ready to explore the option, equipment providers such as Autel offer solutions designed to combine ADAS calibration, wheel alignment and diagnostics in a single setup.
Source: AutoBody News
This article has been condensed and adapted from an AutoBody News article for informational purposes.