← Back to TEC AcademyLevelAdvanced Duration2 days FormatIn person AreaWheel alignment
AdvancedIn person
Wheel alignment · SS-EU-WA-ADAS-02Wheel Alignment & ADAS Calibration
A two-day professional course for service technicians, mechanics and diagnosticians — theoretical and hands-on competence in wheel alignment and ADAS calibration, with 15 modules and a 40% theory / 60% practice ratio.
Training objective
A two-day professional course designed for service technicians, mechanics, diagnostic specialists, service advisers and trainers who want to gain theoretical and practical competence in wheel alignment and ADAS calibration. Participants first build a solid understanding of suspension geometry and correct vehicle positioning, then learn how wheel geometry, vehicle ride height, steering-wheel position and suspension condition directly affect the accuracy of cameras, radars and other ADAS sensors.
Who it is for
- service technicians and automotive mechanics
- diagnostic and wheel-alignment technicians
- windscreen replacement technicians
- body, collision and tyre service workshops
- service advisers and workshop managers
- SmartSafe partner trainers and ADAS specialists
Prerequisites
- basic knowledge of vehicle construction
- basic knowledge of steering and suspension systems
- basic experience with workshop and diagnostic equipment
- understanding of diagnostic functions and DTCs
- previous ADAS experience is not required
Course facts
Theory40%
Practice60%
Learning objectives and outcomes
- understand fundamental and advanced wheel-alignment parameters
- prepare a vehicle correctly and identify mechanical faults that affect measurement
- operate a SmartSafe 3D alignment system and analyse manufacturer specifications
- perform basic alignment adjustments and document the results
- understand major ADAS functions and when calibration is mandatory
- prepare the workspace, frame, panels, reflectors and diagnostic equipment
- perform static and dynamic ADAS calibration
- identify errors caused by geometry, positioning or unstable voltage
- prepare and explain the final report to the customer
Professional workflow
- Vehicle reception and inspection
- System diagnostics
- Tyre and suspension checks
- Wheel measurement and adjustment
- Workspace preparation
- ADAS equipment positioning
- Static or dynamic calibration
- Verification and report
Program by day
Day 1 — Wheel Alignment
Day one connects alignment theory with the complete practical process of measurement, adjustment and reporting.
Introduction to modern wheel alignment45 min
Core wheel-alignment parameters75 min
Vehicle preparation for measurement75 min
SmartSafe Wheel Alignment system60 min
Practical wheel-alignment measurement75 min
Wheel-alignment adjustment60 min
Report and day-one review30 min
Module 1 — Introduction to modern alignment
- course introduction and learning goals
- development of wheel-alignment measuring systems
- differences between conventional, CCD and 3D systems
- role of alignment in safety, stability, handling and tyre wear
- relationship between wheel alignment and ADAS systems
- importance of the vehicle centreline and geometric travel axis
Module 2 — Core parameters
- wheel camber
- caster angle
- toe-in and toe-out
- steering axis inclination — SAI/KPI
- included angle
- setback
- thrust angle
- toe-out on turns
- maximum steering angle
- vehicle centreline and geometric travel axis
- rear-axle position relative to the body
- individual and total toe values
- analysis of correct and incorrect results
- causes of vehicle pull and irregular tyre wear
- effect of ride height and vehicle load on measurement
Module 3 — Vehicle preparation
- correct vehicle reception and customer interview
- check tyre pressure, condition, sizes and wheel rims
- check mismatched tyres on the same axle
- check ride height and vehicle loading
- inspect steering play, joints, tie rods, bearings and bushings
- inspect dampers, springs, chassis and evidence of previous damage
- position the vehicle correctly on the platform
- fit brake-pedal and steering-wheel locks
- identify conditions in which measurement should not begin
- group visual and mechanical vehicle inspection
Module 4 — Working with the SmartSafe Wheel Alignment system
- SmartSafe system components: cameras, targets, clamps and communication modules
- correct clamp installation and alloy-wheel protection
- vehicle selection, data entry and suspension variant selection
- manufacturer specifications and workplace checks
- platform and equipment levelling
- runout compensation and rolling compensation
- interpret results, colour coding, warnings and graphics
- store customer and vehicle records
Module 5 — Practical measurement
- drive in and position the vehicle
- select the vehicle in the database
- install targets and wheel clamps
- perform runout compensation
- measure initial condition and steering angles
- analyse front and rear axles
- identify parameters outside tolerance
- determine the correct adjustment sequence
- create the initial report
- each participant takes part in equipment setup and result analysis
Module 6 — Alignment adjustment
- correct adjustment sequence and why the rear axle is usually adjusted first
- centre the steering wheel
- adjust toe
- camber and caster adjustment possibilities
- use special tools
- procedure for vehicles with limited manufacturer adjustment provisions
- check steering-wheel position, remeasure and verify
- difference between manufacturer tolerance and optimum value
- identify deformed components and situations where specifications cannot be achieved
- hands-on adjustment and before/after comparison
Module 7 — Reporting and final review
- produce before-and-after reports
- explain results to the customer
- archive results
- common operator errors
- questions and answers
- short knowledge check
Day-one key message: the work sequence is as important as measurement precision.
Day 2 — ADAS Systems and Calibration
Day two progresses from ADAS system understanding to complete static or dynamic calibration and troubleshooting.
Introduction to ADAS systems60 min
Key ADAS functions60 min
When calibration is required45 min
Static and dynamic calibration60 min
Workspace and vehicle preparation45 min
Working with SmartSafe ADAS60 min
Complete practical calibration60 min
Troubleshooting and common errors30 min
Module 8 — Introduction to ADAS
- definition of ADAS and its role in active safety
- automation levels and development of driver-assistance systems
- role of cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR
- communication with ABS, ESP, steering and engine systems
- relationship with wheel alignment
- effect of steering-wheel position and thrust angle
Module 9 — Key ADAS functions
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Night Vision
- Intelligent Headlight Control
- Driver Monitoring System
- Around View Monitor
- Parking Assist
- pedestrian and cyclist detection
- for each system: operating principle, sensor type and location, operating conditions, typical faults and consequences of incorrect calibration
Module 10 — When calibration is required
- windscreen or front-camera replacement
- radar-sensor replacement or movement
- front/rear body or chassis repair
- bumper or radar-bracket replacement
- steering repair and suspension-component replacement
- wheel-alignment adjustment
- ride-height change, spring or damper replacement
- collision damage or relevant DTCs
- manufacturer requirement or control-unit software update
- determine whether camera, radar or steering-angle calibration is required after alignment
Module 11 — Static and dynamic calibration
- Static calibration: workshop, ADAS frame, panels and targets
- positioning relative to the vehicle axis, specified distances and heights
- lighting conditions and floor level, elimination of reflections and obstacles
- Dynamic calibration: calibration while driving
- required speed and road type, lane markings and visibility
- weather conditions, test-drive distance and duration
- safety measures and diagnostic status monitoring
- Combined procedure: vehicles requiring both static and dynamic calibration
- correct sequence of operations and verification of successful completion
Module 12 — Workspace and vehicle preparation
- minimum workspace dimensions and floor level
- correct lighting and removal of objects that affect radar
- vehicle position, distances and heights, safe movement around the frame
- storage and maintenance of panels
- vehicle preparation: tyre pressure, wheel sizes and ride height
- correct vehicle loading and fuel level, closed doors and luggage compartment
- steering wheel centred, DTC and battery-voltage checks
- use a regulated power supply
- condition of camera, glass, brackets and radar surface
Module 13 — Working with SmartSafe ADAS
- SmartSafe ADAS equipment components
- assemble and position the frame
- select the panel and use the database
- search by make, model and year
- select camera, radar or other sensor
- read manufacturer instructions
- position relative to centreline, rear axle and thrust line
- set panel height and distance
- use laser and mechanical measuring systems
- connect the diagnostic tool
- start and monitor the procedure
Module 14 — Complete practical calibration
- vehicle identification
- diagnostic scan
- check alignment and steering-wheel position
- prepare the vehicle
- select the procedure and target
- position and centre the ADAS frame
- set height and distance
- start and monitor calibration
- clear and recheck DTCs
- verify success and issue final report
Module 15 — Troubleshooting
- calibration does not start or the system is not recognised
- incorrect vehicle variant, panel or target
- incorrect distance, height or frame centring
- steering wheel not centred or alignment incorrect
- faulty steering-angle sensor
- insufficient battery voltage
- poor lighting or reflections
- displaced camera or radar bracket
- procedure completes but a fault remains
- difference between completed procedure and a genuinely correct system
Practical exercises
- vehicle inspection before measurement
- vehicle, clamp and target setup
- vehicle selection and runout compensation
- wheel-alignment measurement and analysis
- toe adjustment and steering-wheel centring
- before-and-after alignment report
- complete ADAS system scan
- procedure and target selection
- frame and target positioning
- static camera or radar calibration
- result verification and final report
Training equipment
- SmartSafe 3D Wheel Alignment system
- SmartSafe ADAS system, frame, panels and targets
- wheel clamps and targets
- diagnostic tablet and OBD communication module
- regulated power supply
- distance and height measuring tools
- steering-wheel and brake-pedal locks
- alignment platform or lift
- vehicle with supported ADAS system
- special alignment-adjustment tools
Training methodology
- theory presentations
- trainer demonstrations
- participant hands-on practice
- analysis of real workshop cases
- group work and typical-problem solving
- questions and answers
- final theory and practical test
Assessment and certification
Theory
- core wheel-alignment parameters
- vehicle preparation
- relationship between alignment and ADAS
- conditions for static and dynamic calibration
- situations when calibration is mandatory
- safety procedures
Practical exercises
- prepare vehicle and equipment
- measure geometry and analyse results
- prepare the ADAS system
- position the calibration target
- start calibration
- verify results and produce the report
Completion criteria
- attendance on both training days
- minimum 70% score on the theory test
- successful completion of the practical task
- compliance with work sequence and safety procedures
SmartSafe certificate
TitleWheel Alignment & ADAS Calibration — Professional Training
Topics
- measurement and basic wheel-alignment adjustment
- vehicle preparation for ADAS calibration
- operation of SmartSafe Wheel Alignment equipment
- operation of SmartSafe ADAS equipment
- basic static and dynamic calibration procedures
Final training outcome
TextParticipants understand that ADAS calibration is not an isolated service operation, but part of an integrated process combining mechanical condition, wheel geometry, electronic diagnostics and precise positioning. The main objective is for each participant to perform wheel-alignment measurement and basic ADAS calibration independently, safely and in accordance with manufacturer procedures, using SmartSafe professional equipment.
Key points
- correct tyre condition
- sound suspension
- correct wheel alignment
- centred steering wheel
- functional ADAS sensors
- correctly positioned calibration equipment
- appropriate diagnostic procedure
- final verification of the complete system
Key messageCorrect geometry. Accurate calibration. Safer driving.
Register your team
Ready to prepare your team for this training?
Send an enquiry and we will arrange training tailored to your team, equipment and schedule — live at the SmartSafe Europe TEC Centre in Croatia.
