Modern vehicles are smarter than ever. From lane-keeping assist to adaptive cruise control, today’s cars rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to help keep drivers safe and confident on the road. But what many drivers don’t realize is that even something as routine as a fall tire change can affect those sensitive systems.
As temperatures drop and it’s time to swap to your winter or all-weather tires, it’s important to think beyond just traction and tread. Your tires and sensors are part of the same ecosystem—and when one changes, the other may need attention. This is where ADAS calibration comes in.
At Burt Brothers Tire & Service, our certified technicians understand how to keep both your tires and your technology working perfectly together. Here’s why your fall tire change might require a sensor reset—and how it helps keep you safer this season.
What Is ADAS and Why It Needs Precise Calibration
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and it includes a suite of safety technologies designed to help you avoid collisions and drive more confidently. Depending on your vehicle, these systems may include:
- Lane Departure Warning / Lane Keep Assist – Keeps your car centered within your lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts you if another vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking – Warns you or automatically brakes to prevent a crash.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains a set distance from the car ahead of you.
- Parking Assist or 360° Cameras – Helps with maneuvering in tight spaces.
Each of these systems relies on precisely aligned cameras, sensors, and radar units strategically placed around your vehicle—often behind the windshield, in the front bumper, or near the wheels.
When your vehicle’s ride height, tire diameter, or wheel alignment changes, even slightly, those sensors can become misaligned. And that means your safety systems might not function properly.
Think of it this way: if your ADAS sensors are the “eyes” of your vehicle, calibration is how you make sure those eyes are looking exactly where they’re supposed to.
How Tire Changes Can Trigger Sensor Misalignment
Seasonal tire changes might seem simple, but they can subtly alter your vehicle’s geometry and performance. Here’s how:
- Ride Height & Tire Size:
Winter tires often have deeper tread and slightly different dimensions than your summer or all-season tires. That change in height—even if it’s just a few millimeters—can shift how your ADAS sensors interpret distance and positioning.
- Wheel Alignment & Balancing:
Whenever your tires are replaced, rotated, or balanced, your wheel alignment can shift. Since ADAS sensors are calibrated based on precise alignment angles, any deviation can throw off the system’s accuracy.
- Suspension or Steering Adjustments:
If your technician performs suspension work, replaces control arms, or adjusts toe or camber, your ADAS calibration can also be affected.
Common Signs Your ADAS May Need Recalibration After Service
If your sensors are out of alignment, you might notice:
- Lane departure or collision warnings activating unexpectedly.
- Your steering wheel pulling slightly when lane assist engages.
- Cruise control not maintaining proper distance.
- ADAS warning lights or messages appearing on your dashboard.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your tire change, it’s time to schedule a recalibration.
When to Schedule ADAS Calibration After Tire Service
Here’s a simple guide to help you know when calibration is needed after service:
| Service Type | Calibration Needed? | Notes |
| Seasonal tire change | ✅ Yes | Especially if tire size differs or alignment is performed |
| Wheel alignment or suspension work | ✅ Yes | Alters sensor angles and ride height |
| Windshield replacement | ✅ Yes | Affects forward-facing cameras |
| Routine tire rotation | ❌ Not usually | Safe unless warning lights appear |
If you’re unsure, our team at Burt Brothers can perform a quick check to determine whether recalibration is required. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your safety systems accurate and responsive.
Why Professional Calibration Matters
While some drivers assume ADAS recalibration is something a regular shop can handle, the truth is—it requires specialized tools, technology, and training.
At Burt Brothers, our certified technicians use manufacturer-approved calibration systems to ensure your sensors are aligned exactly to factory standards. This precision is essential because even a few millimeters of misalignment can lead to:
- False alerts or warnings.
- Reduced braking or steering assistance.
- Inaccurate distance readings.
- Potential system failure in emergency situations.
Skipping calibration might not cause immediate problems, but over time, it can create dangerous inconsistencies in how your ADAS responds.
When you choose Burt Brothers, you’re not just getting new tires—you’re getting a complete service experience that protects your investment in your vehicle’s technology and your family’s safety.
ADAS and Wheel Alignment: A Crucial Connection
Many drivers don’t realize how closely ADAS calibration is tied to wheel alignment. If your alignment is even slightly off, your vehicle may “think” it’s centered when it’s actually drifting. That misalignment can confuse your lane assist or collision warning systems.
That’s why Burt Brothers always recommends combining your fall tire change with a professional wheel alignment and ADAS calibration check. Doing everything at once ensures your tires wear evenly, your car tracks straight, and your safety systems work as intended—especially when Utah’s icy and snowy roads arrive.
FAQ: Quick Answers About ADAS Calibration
Does changing tires affect ADAS sensors?
Yes—changing tires can alter your vehicle’s height, geometry, and alignment, all of which impact sensor accuracy. Even small differences in tire size or tread depth can throw off calibration.
How do I know if my ADAS needs recalibration?
If you’ve changed tire size, had your wheels aligned, replaced the windshield, or noticed new dashboard warnings or false alerts, it’s best to schedule an ADAS calibration check.
Can I drive without recalibrating ADAS?
You can—but your safety systems may not function correctly. That could mean delayed braking, incorrect warnings, or lane assist that over- or under-corrects. Recalibration ensures those systems are accurate and dependable.
How long does ADAS calibration take?
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, most calibrations take one to two hours. Our technicians at Burt Brothers perform both static (in-shop) and dynamic (on-road) calibrations to meet manufacturer requirements.
Conclusion: Don’t Overlook ADAS Calibration This Fall
When you’re getting ready for winter driving, it’s easy to focus on tires—and for good reason. But don’t overlook the role your vehicle’s sensors and safety systems play in keeping you secure.
A seasonal tire change might seem simple, but it can subtly alter how your ADAS “sees” the road. Taking the extra step to schedule professional calibration ensures that all those life-saving technologies—lane assist, collision warning, adaptive cruise—work exactly as intended.
At Burt Brothers Tire & Service, we make it easy to stay safe and confident through every season. From winter tire installation to precision ADAS calibration, our certified technicians handle every detail so you can drive with total peace of mind.
Schedule your fall tire change and ADAS calibration at your nearest Burt Brothers location today—and head into winter with safety systems you can trust.
