CAPA Creates Standard For Vehicle Sensors

The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), a non-profit standard-setting and certification organisation for automotive collision repair parts, has announced its new Standard 703 for automotive sensors.

The standard contains requirements for function, performance, durability, ingress protection, electrical, mechanical, climate, electromagnetic compatibility, fit, dimensionality, appearance and materials. CAPA says it’s applicable to ultrasonic park distance control sensors but may also be expanded to include other types of sensors in the future.

The association believes the growing trend of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) means that more vehicles use sensors to assist with parking and low speed manoeuvring. CAPA estimates that rear parking sensors will be present in nearly 40 per cent of registered vehicles in 2021 and will increase up to 95 per cent over the next two decades.

CAPA says it created Standard 703 because of feedback from the collision repair industry and includes demonstrated compliance to applicable sections of ISO 17386 and ISO 22840 for function and performance, as well as ADAS-related requirements not addressed by ISO standards. The association says all CAPA-certified sensors undergo extensive testing to demonstrate comparability to OEM service parts.

“CAPA’s goal is to provide the auto repair industry with a reliable, trusted means for identifying replacement parts comparable to parts from the original equipment manufacturer,” said Clark Plucinski, Chairman at CAPA. “As parking sensors become more prevalent in automobiles, the collision repair industry, insurers and consumers require peace of mind in having access to quality, safe and affordable replacement sensors. We are thrilled to offer our new standard to fit this need.”