Page 49 - Australasian Paint & Panel May-June 2021

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• When making any body geome- try changes or changes to the ve- hicle’s wheel alignment, suspen- sion geometry or ride height
• When carrying out any other repair, servicing or maintenance tasks which may affect the function of the ADAS sensors on the vehicle
A REPAIRER SHALL IN ALL CASES:
• Identify the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and ensure this is recorded.
• Where ADAS are present, ensure re- pair procedures clearly identify if in- spection, realignment and calibration are required and why.
• Complete all relevant inspection, rea- lignment and calibration activities as detailed within the repair procedures.
• Inspection, calibration, realignment and road tests shall be carried out by a currently competent person.
• Ensure the calibration results confirm that the sensors are functioning with- in the OEM’s technical specification.
• Produce fully verifiable and audita- ble records and provide a copy to the asset owner / work provider.
The IIR is intended tohelpassessorsand bodyshops collaborate
to instigate good ADAS practice.”
In addition, we have released guid- ance including a suggested system for identifying ADAS fitment on a damaged vehicle; another common problem with new systems. Beyond simply asking the person providing the vehicle if they know what’s fitted to it, an alternative is to research fitment using manufacturer or third-party data.
Failing all those methods, the best course of action may, of course, be to visu- ally check the vehicle. Inspect the exterior for sensors - many are in plain sight - look for controls on the steering wheel and use diagnostics to determine what’s fitted.
FUTURE-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS
It’s worth pointing out that the IIR does not set out how businesses should carry out repairs. The exact nature of action
taken is discretionary for individual op- erations. They must make their own ar- rangements for meeting the require- ments, but they are obliged to do so in all cases to satisfy insurers, based on IIR. In the UK at least, this is not optional.
Thatcham Research and our partners recognise the investment needed for ADAS repair training and equipment is not insignificant. But there is consensus that it is critical for the sustainable fu- ture of bodyshop businesses.
Is a work provider more likely to choose a firm fully competent to deal with ADAS- related repair, or turn to a business that has yet to prove itself?
There’s much at stake for the automo- tive sector as we seek to deal with rapid advances in vehicle technology. The onus is on insurers, assessors, and re- pairers to assure motorists that their ve- hicle is fully safe to drive.
ADAS is here to stay, and we must all ensure our methods of managing identi- fication and repair are fit for purpose. Only then will consumers have complete confidence in the technology that will shape their all their driving experiences in the near future.