How a Minor Fender Bender Can Impact Tesla’s Autopilot and Sensor Calibration
Posted on March 14, 2025
Tesla's advanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features make driving safer and simpler. These technologies, however, rely on a network of precision sensors, including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar (on older models). Even the slightest fender bump will disturb these sensitive pieces, and this will affect your vehicle's ability to drive and react. If your Tesla has been in an accident, professional Tesla collision repair is required to restore it to a safe and operating condition. At Modern Automotive, we are a certified body shop in Vaughan, ensuring all sensors are properly aligned so your vehicle operates as intended.
Here is what you need to know about how autopilot on your Tesla can be affected by even a small collision.
How Sensors Work for Teslas
Tesla vehicles use a sophisticated set of cameras and sensors to scan environments and make real-time driving decisions.
The autopilot system receives input from:
- Cameras: Provide a 360-degree view to help with lane-keeping and object detection.
- Ultrasonic sensors: Help with parking and the detection of obstacles near by.
- Radar (older cars): Monitors distance and speed of cars.
When these sensors become out of calibration due to an accident, they can provide false information, which can result in unsafe driving behaviours.
Why a Collision Can Mess Up Sensor Calibration
Even a light crash, such as a fender bump at a parking lot, can affect Tesla's safety features and Autopilot. Some of the most frequent issues that arise after an accident include:
- Camera alignment: The cameras must be accurately aligned to perform lane detection properly.
- Damage to ultrasonic sensors: Parking aid and proximity alert will not function.
- Radar interference: Earlier models may be unable to pick up cars at the correct distance.
- Software misinterpretation: A displaced sensor can cause the car to react unpredictably.
That is why it's critical to take your car to a body shop in Vaughan that has experience working on Teslas. Proper recalibration keeps your vehicle safe and fully functional.
Detecting Calibration Issues Following a Crash
In case your Tesla was recently in a minor crash, look for these signs of sensor issues:
- Dashboard notifications: Tesla's system will alert you to sensor faults.
- Autopilot system defects: Lane assist, and adaptive cruise control may fail to work.
- Unpredictable braking or acceleration: The vehicle could misjudge distances or obstacles.
If you find yourself with any of these issues, contact Modern Automotive for professional, certified, and trusted Tesla collision repair near you.
How to Reactivate the Autopilot Function
Tesla's system can attempt to self-realign, but in most cases, a professional service is necessary. A professional body shop in Vaughan, such as Modern Automotive, will calibrate sensors correctly and update the software as needed. The process typically consists of:
- Physical inspection: Examining for out-of-alignment or damaged sensors.
- Recalibration: Reframing the position of the sensors and testing for accuracy.
- Test drive and diagnostics: Ensuring Autopilot functions appropriately before releasing the vehicle.
Get Expert Tesla Collision Auto Body Repair in Vaughan
A minor fender bender might be insignificant at the moment, but it can be significant to Tesla's advanced driving systems. Sensors that are out-of-alignment compromise safety.
Our skilled technicians at Modern Automotive will have your Tesla in showroom condition, with Autopilot and every safety feature functioning flawlessly. Contact us now for expert Tesla repair services!