Calibrations grew 31.4% in 2025, Mitchell data shows

The percentage of estimates that included a calibration line rose by 31.4% year over year in 2025, according to new data released by Mitchell. The number of calibrations per repair also saw an increase of approximately 10% in 2025.

This information is detailed in Mitchell's Enlyte Envision Trends 2026 Report, which emphasizes the critical importance of repairing vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) components. These systems are highly sensitive to even minor changes in alignment, mounting, or body dimensions.

> "Failure to identify and complete required calibrations can compromise system performance and create financial and liability exposure for insurers and repairers," the release states.

Calibration trends

The report suggests that collision centers investing in technology to identify manufacturer-recommended calibrations and perform them in-house can reduce repair delays, improve scheduling control, generate additional revenue, and maintain tighter oversight of repair quality.

The report also examines shifts in the supply chain that are impacting parts.

> "Part prices began to increase last summer and continue to rise as manufacturers look for ways to claw back tariff losses," the report states.

Parts price increases

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) prices increased by 4.21%, compared to 3.52% in 2024. Aftermarket parts also saw an increase of 3.89% in 2025, up from 3.08% in 2024.

> "While the U.S. Supreme Court nullified tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the tariffs on the auto industry remain in place, including whole vehicles, parts and several key components and raw materials that were imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962," the report states. "As a result, it is likely that costs will continue rising for the foreseeable future, especially when coupled with the threat of growing manufacturing expenses from higher oil prices."

Plastic components, such as bumper covers and headlamps, have also experienced price increases. This reflects a growing reliance by OEMs on globally sourced materials used in plastic parts manufacturing.

> "Although supply chains have shown their resilience over the past 18 months, vehicle manufacturers shifting the geographic footprint of their supplier base is adding complexity and may also create gaps that impact parts availability," the report states.

Supply chain strategies

The report recommends that collision centers and carriers cultivate strong relationships with various suppliers, including OEMs, aftermarket providers, recyclers, and remanufacturers. It also advises maintaining flexible sourcing strategies.

Another suggestion in the report is to prioritize repair over replacement of parts. Mitchell data indicates that "keys-to-keys" cycle times for drivable repairs under $5,000 in total severity were completed 0.8 days quicker when the estimate included at least one "repair" line.

Mitchell data also suggests that collision centers may already be shifting towards more repair decisions, as the percentage of parts repaired increased for the first time in over a decade. Repaired parts rose from 14.8% in 2024 to 15.5% in 2025.

> "The decision to repair or replace a part must first focus on the final quality of the operation," the report says. "However, cost and cycle time should also be considered. When replacement is required, disciplined procurement practices can help manage price volatility and availability constraints."