Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - ADAS are present on most modern EVs and are among the most expensive components to repair or recalibrate. During a physical inspection, they deserve specific attention.
Here is what to check and why.
What ADAS components to look for
Front-facing camera typically mounted behind the windscreen at the top centre. The camera housing should be intact, the lens undamaged, and the mounting secure.
Front radar unit usually behind the front grille or bumper badge. Any front-end impact can disturb the radar position.
Rear camera in the boot lid or rear bumper area. Check housing condition and image quality on the reversing camera display.
Parking sensors front and rear bumpers. Check each sensor housing is intact, flush with the bumper surface, and not cracked or missing.
Door mirror cameras present on some models. Check mirror housing condition and camera lens.
What to look for
Cracked or chipped camera lenses. Damaged sensor housings cracks, missing sections, or sensors that sit proud of or behind the bumper surface rather than flush.
Evidence of bumper replacement or repair fresh paint, new fixings, colour mismatch that may have disturbed sensor positions.
Windscreen replacement without documented ADAS recalibration.
Why recalibration matters
ADAS systems depend on precise sensor positioning. Any repair that disturbs a sensor windscreen replacement, bumper repair, mirror replacement requires full recalibration of the affected system.
A sensor that has been moved by even a small amount and not recalibrated will not function correctly affecting lane keeping, emergency braking, parking assistance, and other safety-critical functions.
Ask the seller directly whether any bodywork repairs have been made and whether ADAS recalibration was carried out as part of those repairs. Request documentation.
