If you sent your laptop off for repair and it came back in perfect working order except that its antivirus software was not functioning, you would rightly be annoyed. Yet this is the type of scenario that motorists are increasingly faced with because garages and bodyshops who carry out work on their cars are not recalibrating accident avoidance systems to restore full functionality. It is a problem not just restricted to more major accident impacts, as calibration can also be affected by something as minor as a new tyre or kerb bump. It is also something that means in many instances independent bodyshops will have to work in closer cooperation with dealers.

ŠKODA has placed significant emphasis on driver assistance technology in recent years. For example its latest Superb and Kodiaq models have an array of systems fitted as standard, while these are also available as options on other models. These include; Blind Spot Detection, Lane Assist, Fatigue Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Multi Collision Brake, Dynamic Light Assist, Pedestrian Protection Systems and several other assistance functions.

These systems have an important role to play as An Garda Síochána collision reports show that driver error contributes to some 87% of fatal crashes, while in Germany driver assist systems have been credited with helping to prevent up to 50% of serious accidents.

These advanced systems require specialist equipment and expertise to ensure they are working to full capacity and Keith Colton of ŠKODA Ireland says that the 31 strong ŠKODA dealer network has made very significant equipment investment to cope. He says, "All dealers now have the equipment required to work on Drive Assist Systems, including; Manufacturers Diagnostics, Four Wheel Alignment, Camera Calibration Instruments and Laser and Radar Adjusting Tools.”

Keith explains that ŠKODA has also placed a lot of focus on ensuring that their technicians are fully skilled to work on these systems which form a central part of training and development. As each new model is introduced each dealership receives a tailored programme from a ŠKODA Technical Service Coach backed up by a Technical Support Team. 

Keith also points out, "There are many instances that would require assistance systems to be recalibrated in addition to the obvious accident damage. For example fitting a towing systems, even changing tyres or having Four Wheel alignment carried out can affect them.”

The consequences of a Driver Assist System not functioning correctly may range from a simple inconvenience, to a vehicle failing to perform correctly in a potential crash situation. In an increasingly litigious society this can bring repairer culpability into focus. This is something that means accident repairers who are not trained or equipped to restore these systems need to call on the services of the ŠKODA network to ensure that driver assistance systems are working correctly and that the vehicle is safe.