Everything About ADAS Calibration After Windshield Replacement
July 26, 2023
When replacing your windshield, you may wonder whether your car requires calibration. Understanding this is essential, especially for modern vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). However, many drivers refrain from looking too deeply into this matter.
Why?
There’s a crucial detail to consider: these systems depend on precise alignment to operate correctly, and even minor misalignments during windshield replacement can disrupt their functionality.
In this guide, you will learn everything about ADAS calibration, why it is an essential follow-up to windshield replacement, and how to identify when your vehicle requires it.
What Is ADAS Calibration?
ADAS calibration is the process of fine-tuning and calibrating your car’s cameras and sensors to make sure they operate correctly. These systems power the following safety features:
- Lane departure warnings
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
These feature sensors are often located on or close to your windshield. Even the smallest misalignment during windshield replacement can interfere with them and reduce their efficiency. Calibration guarantees that they function properly, preserving your car’s safety and functionality.
Why is Calibration Necessary After Windshield Replacement?
Let us look at why calibration is so important:
1. Safety First
ADAS systems are designed to prevent accidents and keep you safe. Misaligned sensors can fail to detect hazards, delaying crucial responses like automatic braking or lane-keeping assistance.
2. System Accuracy
Calibration ensures the accuracy of your ADAS. It enables the sensors to identify objects, cars, and road markers precisely. Without it, you could miss alerts or receive false alarms.
3. Legal Compliance
In certain states, it is mandatory to have a working ADAS. If your system is not calibrated, you may incur fines or penalties, adding stress and negatively impacting your overall car experience.
4. Protecting Your Investment
A properly calibrated ADAS enhances your vehicle’s value and longevity. It also ensures you get the most out of your safety features, so you know you are safe.
Signs That Your Vehicle Needs ADAS Calibration
Analysing and understanding the early signs can help you understand if your car needs ADAS calibration. Here are some warning signs you should look out for:
1. Dashboard Warning Lights
If you see that the safety system indicators are on when driving, it’s a clear sign something isn’t right. This is one of the earliest signs that makes you alert that you need to look for what is wrong.
2. Unusual Sensor Behaviour
Does your car fail to detect objects or provide inaccurate warnings? Misalignment could be the culprit.
3. Changes in Driving Performance
Calibration is probably required if your adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance seems odd.
Ignoring these signs could compromise your safety and lead to costly repairs down the line.
Professional Calibration vs. DIY: Why Experts Are Essential
While it may be tempting to handle ADAS calibration on your own, professional services are the safest and most reliable option. Here’s why:
1. Expertise Matters
Trained technicians have the knowledge and experience to calibrate your car correctly. ADAS systems are complex, and small errors can cause them to fail.
2. Specialized Equipment
Calibration requires specialized tools, which most car owners do not have access to. Technicians use these tools to ensure that calibration is done according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Warranty Considerations
Performing DIY calibration will void your car or windshield warranty. Professional service will protect such warranties and prove that the standards of the manufacturers are met.
Cost of ADAS Calibration After Windshield Replacement
The cost of ADAS calibration after windshield replacement varies depending on factors like your car’s make, model, and the type of calibration required. Here’s an overview of potential costs:
| Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Type of Vehicle | $100 – $400 |
| Calibration Method | $200 – $600 |
| Service Location | $50 – $150 per hour |
While calibration may seem like an added expense, it is a small price to pay for your safety and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Proper ADAS calibration after windshield replacement will ensure that your vehicle remains safe and functional. It will also prompt the correction of any misalignments so that all the advanced systems in your car function as desired, thus saving you and other road users from accidents.
If your vehicle has had its windshield repaired or replaced, don’t delay calibration. Consider NuVision Auto Glass scheduling a professional auto glass repair or replacement and ADAS calibration. Our experts are here to help you drive with confidence and safety.
FAQs
Do I need to recalibrate my ADAS if I replace my windshield?
Yes, after replacing your windshield, recalibration is required to make sure your safety systems are operating properly.
How much does it cost to recalibrate after windshield replacement?
The usual price range is between $100 and $600, depending on the type of car and the calibration technique used.
What happens if ADAS is not calibrated?
If not calibrated, your safety systems may malfunction, increasing the risk of accidents.
