Radar sensor calibration

Radar sensor calibration – accuracy beyond the visible

In today’s cars, vision goes beyond what the eye can see – radar sensors act as invisible road spotters, detecting objects even in fog, rain and darkness. These sensors emit radio waves and, by analysing their reflections, give the car’s systems the ability to “sense” distance, speed and direction. However, this delicate balance requires precise calibration to work perfectly. This ensures that the radar’s perception matches reality – a centimetre offset can change the driving scenario. A calibrated radar sensor means safer manoeuvring, more reliable response and smarter driver support – in all conditions.

The role of the radar sensor – the invisible guard on the road

The radar sensor is like a vehicle’s sixth sense, allowing it to sense its surroundings even when the human eye loses clarity. Its most common feature in modern cars is adaptive cruise control – an intelligent system that maintains a safe distance and adapts speed to the flow of traffic. For this technology to work safely and accurately, the radar sensor needs to be calibrated after any change – collision repair, sensor replacement, car tuning, yaw adjustment or even a windscreen change. It is a reference point for the system to understand where to look and what to do, according to the car manufacturer’s standards.

Radar sensor calibration – precision that drives safety

For intelligent driver assistance systems to be truly safe, their “eyes” – the radar sensors – need to show the truth. With Hella Mega Macs X, we perform precise ADAS calibration to ensure that no “ghosts” are seen on the radar and every object is detected exactly where it really is. Calibration is not only required after crashes or sensor replacements, but also after car body modifications, wheel alignment adjustments and windscreen changes. This includes fine-tuning the sensor angle, checking the operating range and synchronising it with the rest of the car’s systems. The result: a reliable view of the road and a safe response in every situation.

Static radar sensor calibration – accuracy at rest

When accuracy is a priority, static calibration is the choice. This process is carried out in a stationary, controlled environment using Hella’s professional calibration stand and specially designed targets that allow the position of the sensor to be set with the highest precision. It is this method that ensures maximum consistency between the vehicle’s electronics and the real environment. However, it should be noted that not all vehicles and their radar systems support static calibration – in some cases a dynamic approach or a combination of both is required.

Static calibration is like fine-tuning – as silent as it is essential for safety technology to work perfectly.

Dynamic radar sensor calibration – accuracy in motion

Some cars, such as BMW and Volvo, calibrate their ADAS systems in a different way – directly on the road. This approach, called dynamic calibration, allows the sensor to “learn” its environment in real time as the car moves. The calibration process is initiated in the workshop using a Hella Mega Macs X unit connected via an OBD connection. Once the software is activated, all the driver has to do is drive – the system calibrates itself using the surrounding road conditions as a benchmark.

Dynamic calibration is like adaptive training – every metre on the road helps the system see the world with maximum precision.

Accuracy and safety – our calibration promise

We combine precision with reliability to keep your car’s safety systems running smoothly.

Original Hella software and professional test bench

Calibration based on accuracy.

Static and dynamic ADAS calibration

A tailored approach to suit your car’s requirements.

Digital report from Hella Cloud

Clear proof of successful calibration.

Insured liability even during dynamic calibration

Your car is in safe hands.

Full service cycle

We also deal with electronics issues related to ADAS calibration.