Easy Visualization of Brake Pad Wear Without Tire Removal: 'BRAKEPAD SCAN powered by ADVICS' Launched for Automotive Maintenance

SmartDrive Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Retsu Kitagawa; hereinafter 'the Company'), a provider of services utilizing mobility data, has announced the launch of 'BRAKEPAD SCAN powered by ADVICS' on June 1, 2026. This brake pad wear visualization service for automotive sales and maintenance professionals was co-developed with ADVICS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kariya-shi, Aichi; President: Akira Akiyama; hereinafter 'ADVICS').

In conjunction with the launch, the company has begun accepting applications for a 'one-week free trial,' allowing users to experience the production version of the device and application firsthand in their workshops.

## Background of 'BRAKEPAD SCAN powered by ADVICS'

In the automotive industry, which faces technological complexity and labor shortages due to a declining working-age population, businesses involved in sales, maintenance, car rentals, and leasing are under urgent pressure to achieve both operational efficiency and improved customer satisfaction (repeat business and profit improvement). Leveraging its track record of providing the cloud-based fleet management system 'SmartDrive Fleet' to over 2,400 companies, the Company has been engaged in business co-creation utilizing its self-developed mobility data platform, 'Mobility Data Platform' (now 'AI Mobility OS'). Utilizing this technology and expertise, the Company is developing specialized solutions for automotive professionals under the 'SmartDrive ProAuto' series.

'BRAKEPAD SCAN powered by ADVICS' is the first product in the 'SmartDrive ProAuto' series. It integrates the high-level brake technology and knowledge of ADVICS, a leading company in the brake system field, with the Company's service development technology. Following its exhibition at the '23rd International Auto Aftermarket EXPO 2026 (IAAE 2026)' in February 2026, the service received significant feedback from many business operators and was featured in various media outlets even before its launch.

## Three Benefits of Introducing the Service

'BRAKEPAD SCAN powered by ADVICS' is a service that quantifies and visualizes brake pad wear quickly using proprietary image analysis technology simply by connecting a dedicated handheld camera to a smartphone or tablet and photographing the brake pads through the gaps in the wheel. There are three major benefits:

- **Preventing Lost Sales Opportunities**: Improving Quote Accuracy Before Inspection
Traditional inspection methods that do not remove tires have sometimes led to cases where brake pad replacement was not included in quotes, based only on mileage. Even when it was discovered during inspection that brake pad wear was low, it was often difficult to convince customers on the spot to accept additional costs not included in the preliminary quote, resulting in lost sales opportunities. By using this product, it becomes easy to check the condition of not only brake pads but also difficult-to-see areas like dust boot cracks, making it easier to propose replacements to customers.

- **Simplifying Follow-up Proposals**: Capturing Business Opportunities Outside of Periodic Inspections
Even if brake pads are not added to the inspection items during regular vehicle inspections, it becomes easier to carry out follow-ups. Some customers, especially those sensitive to costs during inspections, may defer brake pad replacement even when wear is low. By using this product later, such as during an oil change, follow-up proposals for brake pad replacement can be easily made, ensuring that business opportunities are not missed during routine maintenance.

- **Improving Customer Satisfaction**: Realizing High-Quality Service Without Extra Effort
This service allows for high-quality service to be provided to customers while reducing the burden on maintenance staff. The approach of 'visualizing unseen parts of the vehicle through photos and numbers' leads to peace of mind and satisfaction for car owners, ultimately contributing to higher customer satisfaction.

## Specific Examples of Use From Early Adoption

During the early implementation phase prior to the official launch, improvements in on-site operations and effects as a communication tool have already begun to emerge:

- **Significant Reduction in Time for In-Person Estimates Through Visual Representation**
Items confirmed during in-person estimates are photographed and turned into reports according to each company's operating procedures. Replacing the physical on-site vehicle inspection by the customer with easy-to-understand reports has led to shorter inspection times.