YOUR SAFETY - ADAS
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What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System
These are the cameras, sensors, and safety technologies built into modern vehicles that help drivers avoid collisions and stay aware of their surroundings. ADAS calibration (or recalibration) is the process of precisely aligning, testing, and electronically aiming these systems to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications and operate as intended. Not every vehicle requires calibration after windshield replacement, but when it is required, it is an essential step in restoring the safe and proper operation of your vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems.
Why ADAS Recalibration Matters
Many modern vehicles have forward-facing cameras and sensors mounted directly to the windshield or attached to brackets behind the glass. During a windshield replacement, these components are removed, transferred, or otherwise affected as part of the installation process.
Even the slightest change in camera position can impact the performance of critical safety systems. To restore proper operation, manufacturers require recalibration after windshield replacement. Without proper calibration, safety features may not function correctly, warning lights may appear, or certain systems may become disabled until calibration is completed. Convenience features such as adaptive cruise control may also be affected.
Why Windshield Replacement Can Affect ADAS
Physical Reinstallation
Many windshield-mounted cameras must be removed and reinstalled during the replacement process.
Precise Alignment Requirements
A shift as small as a fraction of a degree or a few millimeters can alter the camera's field of view and affect system performance.
Glass Differences
Variations in windshield thickness, curvature, optical properties, or mounting position can influence how cameras and sensors interpret their surroundings.
Benefits of Proper Calibration
Safety
Helps ensure driver-assistance features perform according to manufacturer specifications.
Performance
Restores the intended operation of cameras, sensors, and vehicle safety technologies.
Compliance
Meets manufacturer requirements and recommended repair procedures.
Peace of Mind
Provides confidence that your vehicle's advanced safety systems are functioning properly after windshield replacement.
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Potential Risks of Skipping Calibration
Driving with a camera or sensor that is out of specification may reduce the effectiveness of certain driver-assistance features. Examples may include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking may not respond as intended
- Lane Departure Warning or Lane Keep Assist may provide inaccurate alerts or steering corrections
- Adaptive Cruise Control may not accurately judge following distances
- Driver-assistance systems may display fault messages or become temporarily disabled until calibration is completed.
Beyond warning lights, drivers may notice changes in how their safety features behave. Common symptoms include:
- Lane departure warnings that trigger when the vehicle is still centered in its lane, or fail to activate during actual lane drift
- Adaptive cruise control that maintains inconsistent following distances, brakes unexpectedly, or accelerates later than it should
- Automatic emergency braking that activates in situations without a real hazard, or fails to respond to obvious obstacles
- Lane keep assist that pulls the steering wheel slightly to one side even on straight roads
- Forward collision warnings that appear during normal traffic flow
How the Calibration Process Works
We use specialized calibration equipment and manufacturer-approved procedures to restore your vehicle's ADAS systems to factory specifications. Depending on the make and model, one or both of the following methods may be required:
Static Calibration
Performed indoors in a controlled environment using specialized targets, measurement equipment, and vehicle positioning procedures. This process typically requires a level floor, proper lighting, and carefully controlled conditions.
Dynamic Calibration
Performed while driving the vehicle under specific conditions outlined by the manufacturer. This process may require clearly visible lane markings, suitable weather conditions, and diagnostic equipment connected to the vehicle throughout the procedure.
Our team can determine whether your vehicle requires recalibration and identify the specific procedure recommended by the manufacturer. In many cases, comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the cost of required ADAS recalibration when performed as part of a windshield replacement claim.
If you’re vehicle has any of these features, then you may need a professional to confirm if a calibration is necessary.
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Adaptive high beam
- Glare-free high beam
- Adaptive light control: swivelling curve lights
- Automatic parking
- Automotive navigation system providing up-to-date traffic information.
- Automotive night vision
- Blind spot monitor
- Collision avoidance system
- Crosswind stabilization
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Driver Monitoring System
- Electric vehicle warning sounds used in hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles
- Emergency driver assistant
- Forward Collision Warning
- Intersection assistant
- Hill descent control
- Intelligent speed adaptation or intelligent speed advice (ISA)
- Lane departure warning system
- Lane change assistance
- Pedestrian protection system
- Traffic sign recognition
- Turning assistant
- Vehicular communication systems
- Wrong-way driving warning
