SCRS Quick Tip: Flat & Level

Static calibrations demand precision, and one of the most critical and misunderstood requirements is having a floor that is flat and level. In this video from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, Josh McFarlin of AirPro Diagnostics and Andy Tylka of TAG Autobody Group break down what those terms mean and why they matter so much when setting up a calibration environment.

Learn how flat refers to keeping the vehicle and target on the same plane, ensuring measurements and target heights are accurate, and how level addresses the absence of slopes as caused by floor drains or uneven surfaces. The discussion explains why calibrations performed on sloped shop floors - or worse, in parking lots - can lead to incorrect setups and failed or inaccurate calibrations.

By measuring the space, understanding OEM tolerances, and establishing a consistent calibration environment, repairers can demonstrate compliance with manufacturer requirements. When the space doesn’t meet those standards, they can know when to send the vehicle to a facility that does is just as important.

This video was filmed at the I-CAR Training Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.