ADAS Myths That Could Cost You After a Crash | Auto Body Repair, Johnson City

Local Auto Body Shop Warns Drivers: ADAS Safety Systems May Fail After a Crash Without Proper Calibration

Johnson City, United States – May 14, 2026 / Automan Collision & Repair LLC /

Johnson City, TN, April 7, 2026 – Industry repair data released through Q2 2025 shows that 65% of collision repairs now require ADAS recalibration, up from 53% just two quarters earlier, and Automan Collision & Repair, LLC, a family-owned auto body repair shop serving Johnson City and surrounding communities for over 30 years, is urging local drivers not to assume their vehicles are roadworthy based on appearance alone.

The spike in calibration-required repairs reflects how rapidly advanced safety technology has become standard in everyday vehicles. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) encompasses the cameras, radar sensors, and software responsible for features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind spot monitoring. These systems depend on precise physical alignment, and a single collision, even a minor one, can knock them out of spec without triggering any dashboard warning.

Technicians performing ADAS calibration on vehicles at Automan Collision & Repair to restore advanced safety features after repair

Most Collision Repairs Now Require ADAS Calibration

The numbers make the case clearly. As of Q2 2025, 65% of collision repairs required ADAS calibration, up from 53% just two quarters earlier. That figure applies to everyday fender benders, not just severe crashes.

A windshield replacement, bumper repair, or front-end collision can all shift sensors out of alignment. In many cases, no warning light appears. The system seems fine. But it may not respond correctly when a driver needs it most.

Automan Collision & Repair performs pre- and post-repair scans as part of its repair process. This allows technicians to identify which systems were affected and confirm they are working to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standards before the vehicle leaves the shop.

ADAS Myths: Why Drivers Often Miss the Problem

Many drivers believe that if their car looks repaired and no dashboard lights are on, the vehicle is safe to drive. That assumption is not always correct. Finding a body shop near you that verifies ADAS calibration after every repair is the only way to confirm your vehicle is actually safe.

Industry experts conducted tests on the 2024 Nissan Altima under different calibration conditions. When the lane departure warning was not calibrated after simulated collision repairs, the system failed completely. Poor calibration led to inconsistent braking distances and unpredictable system behavior, with no visible alert to the driver.

Drivers also commonly believe that only dealerships can perform ADAS calibration. In fact, a certified auto body repair shop with the right training and equipment can perform these procedures. Automan Collision & Repair holds I-CAR Gold Class Certification, the collision repair industry’s highest training standard.

“Most people think their car is fixed once the dents are gone and the paint is right,” said James Gorman, owner of Automan Collision & Repair. “But ADAS sensors don’t operate on appearances, they rely on precise alignment that can shift by millimeters in a collision. That’s exactly what we verify before any vehicle leaves this shop.”

Insurance Typically Covers Calibration

When ADAS calibration is required as part of a covered collision claim, most insurance providers cover the cost. Local auto body shops like Automan Collision & Repair work with all major insurance providers and handle the paperwork for you.

ADAS-related lawsuits grew from 3 cases in 2018 to 61 cases in 2024, according to repair specialists. Proper calibration after a collision repair reduces safety risk and helps protect drivers from liability down the road.

Technician using a diagnostic scan tool inside a vehicle at Automan Collision & Repair for pre- and post-repair system checks and sensor verification

About Automan Collision & Repair, LLC

Automan Collision & Repair LLC is a family-owned and operated auto body shop located at 114 Industrial Road in Johnson City, Tennessee, founded on the belief that every vehicle deserves expert care and precision. With more than three decades of service to drivers across the Tri-Cities region, the shop has grown into a full-service collision repair facility equipped with modern diagnostic tools and advanced repair technology. Key milestones include I-CAR Gold-Class certification and recognition as a Reader’s Choice Award Winner. Services span collision repair, auto body repair, windshield and window replacement, headlight restoration, and vehicle detailing, with post-repair ADAS diagnostic scanning conducted as a standard step in the repair process. Automan is not tied to any direct repair programs with insurance companies, allowing the shop to advocate exclusively for the vehicle owner. Free, no-obligation estimates are available, and the shop coordinates directly with all major insurance carriers on claims and documentation.