Windshield Calibration ADAS: An Essential Step for Your Safety

Modern technology has made our vehicles safer with the help of adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. But if you want to count on them to save your life, having an accurate windshield calibration is necessary.

Windshield calibration, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, is a process during which a professional checks the car’s sensors and cameras to make sure they work perfectly if needed. That’s why windshield calibration service is an important one and should only be done by qualified pros.

This article will give you all the info you need to know about the significance of ADAS calibration, when you should calibrate it, what happens during the process, and how to make sure everything is working properly.

Spend a few minutes to read this guide, it may save your life!

Looking for a trustworthy place for your car’s safety equipment calibration in Austin, TX? Well, we are more than happy to help. Call for further information.

Everything You Should Know about Windshield Calibration

Modern cars come with some safety systems, like airbags, adaptive cruise control, ABS, lane departure warning systems, etc., that work together to make driving safer and protect people’s lives.

Now, to work properly, their sensors and cameras must be in their right positions. Some of these sensors and cameras are mounted on the car’s windshield.

So, windshield calibration refers to aligning and fine-tuning these sensors and cameras accurately to make sure they work properly when needed.

 In most modern vehicles, the following advanced driver-assistance systems have cameras and sensors on the windshield.

1. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist

Many accidents happen on roads when cars drift out of their lane and go the wrong way. In these situations, lane departure warning system and lane keep assist help the driver to avoid accidents.

The LDW’s cameras on the windshield constantly monitor the lane markings on the road. Whenever the car starts to drift out of the lane without a turn signal, for example when the driver has fallen asleep, this system warns the driver with an alert.

Besides, if the vehicle is equipped with a lane keep assist, it brings back the car into the lane.

2. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Another important safety system is the AEB. When there’s a risk of collision but the driver doesn’t react in time to stop the car, the automatic emergency braking detects the potential accident with the help of its sensors and cameras on the windshield and applies the brakes automatically. It saves us from crashes.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

In most vehicles, the ACC also has its cameras on the windshield. These sensors constantly monitor the road ahead and the distance from the car ahead of you. So, to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in the front, it helps the driver to adjust the speed of the car.

On the other hand, if the road is clear, it can increase the car’s speed to the pre-set cruising speed.

4. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

If there is any object or obstacle of any kind too close to the car, the radar sensors of the FCW system detect them and alert the driver to avoid a possible crash.

5. Traffic Sign Recognition System

Cameras of the traffic sign recognition system can read the traffic signs and display them on the dashboard to help the driver see them more easily. For example, if for any reason the driver misses the speed limit sign, this system lets him/her know what was written on the sign.

Therefore, a proper windshield calibration is needed to ensure

• Safety systems function accurately and can help the driver and protect the occupants.
• There won’t be any legal consequences after accidents due to malfunctioning safety systems.
• There won’t be any insurance issues after accidents.

But how often ADAS calibration should be performed? Let’s find out.

When Should You Calibrate Your Car’s Windshield?

No one can say exactly how often a vehicle needs windshield calibration. On the one hand, it depends on the vehicle model, the driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. On the other hand, there are a few signs that suggest an ADAS calibration is needed.

• The ADAS warning light on the dashboard may indicate that there’s something wrong with the safety systems’ cameras and sensors.
• While driving, you might notice that the driver assistance systems aren’t functioning as accurately as they used to. For example, the adaptive cruise control fails to keep a safe distance from the cars in front of you.
• You had an accident. You should always go for a windshield calibration after a collision or an accident.
• For any reason, you replaced or repaired the windshield. After any changes in the windscreen of your car, there’s a chance that the cameras are affected as well.

So, except for a routine calibration check recommended by your car’s manufacturer, you should always look out for any sign of malfunctioning of the safety systems. Plus, as the alignment of these sensors can be affected easily, to make sure they still work properly, you need to have them checked after accidents or even minor changes in the windshield.

Windshield Calibration Procedure: How Is It Done?

A windshield calibration service is a process with a few steps. 

Step 1: Pre-Check

In the beginning, the cameras and sensors are inspected thoroughly by the technician to find out the issues that can include

• damage to the sensors and cameras,
• misalignments,
• and obstruction.

Step 2: Setting Up Windshield Calibration Tools

Some equipment helps the technicians to recalibrate accurately. For example, they use a target board or pattern for cameras’ calibration, a laser system for precise alignment, and a diagnostic scan tool to connect to the car’s computer system.

Step 3: Positioning

After making sure the vehicle is on a level surface and the equipment is set up, it’s time to start aligning the sensors and cameras. During this, the technician might need to adjust their position or their components (like the brackets) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Windshield Calibration Software

The technician connects to the vehicle’s computer through a diagnostic port with the windshield calibration software. This helps to initiate the main part of the procedure. This software

• identifies the cameras and sensors and suggests the necessary adjustments for their calibration.
• monitors the process and guides the technician during the calibration.
• detects any issues or errors.
• allows the technician to know when the process is successfully over.

Step 5: Testing

To ensure the proper functioning of the safety systems after recalibration, the technician tests it by driving the car and simulations to see how accurately the driver assistance systems are working.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Finally, the technician addresses the issues identified during the test (if any).

After the calibration check, the technician should document the whole process in detail for future reference.

Where Can You Find Qualified Technicians for ADAS Calibration?

When it comes to calibration checks, many car owners don’t know where to go for a proper recalibration of the safety systems. You have two main options.

• One of the places that you can be sure the ADAS calibration will be done correctly and precisely, is your vehicle’s authorized dealership. Their technicians are perfectly familiar with your car and the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Many certified windshield replacement and repair service centers, like Auto Glass Solutions, and auto glass shops also offer professional windshield calibration services. They have trained staff as well as the right equipment for the recalibration procedure. So, you can trust them.

Just keep in mind that proper calibration needs expertise, experience, and accurate equipment. So, before deciding where to go for a calibration check, it’s a good idea to talk to or read reviews from previous customers, check the certifications, and ask the technicians about how they perform the ADAS calibration. Then you can decide if they’re qualified and reliable or not.

Affordable windshield calibration in Austin by experienced authorized technicians.
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FAQs About Windshield Calibration

When customers come or call for an ADAS calibration, they usually ask the following questions.

Does My Car Need a Windshield Calibration?

First, not all cars are equipped with safety systems with sensors and cameras mounted on the windscreen. So, only if your car has lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking systems, you need to calibrate them every once in a while, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation or when you notice any sign of malfunction.

Plus, windshield calibration after replacement or repair of the windscreen is necessary.

How Much Does a Professional ADAS Calibration Cost in the US in 2024?

Windshield calibration cost depends on a few factors, like what systems need to be calibrated, the complexity of the process, the make and model of the vehicle, etc. But in the United States in 2024, ADAS calibration cost can fall anywhere between $200 to $600.

Can I Calibrate My Car’s Windshield Myself?

A thorough ADAS calibration needs equipment and expertise. So, to ensure the safety equipment is working properly and protects the occupants, a professional calibration is essential.

How Long Does Safety Equipment Calibration Take?

This also depends on the complexity of the process, the equipment, the vehicle, etc. So, it can take only 30 minutes or a couple of hours.

Should Have My Windshield Calibrated After an Accident?

Yes. The sensors and cameras are very sensitive and a crash can impact them.

What Happens If I Don’t Calibrate My Car’s ADAS?

The advanced driver assistance systems make the driving experience safer. So, if they’re not functioning properly,

• You may get false alarms,
• They won’t alarm you when they’re supposed to,
• The risk of accidents and collisions increases.

Affordable Professional Safety Equipment Calibration in Austin, TX

We tried to provide all the information car owners need to know about ADAS calibration to help them make the best decision about when and where to have a calibration check. As this is a complex and sensitive procedure, you should always look for reliable and experienced technicians.

If you’re in Austin, TX, you can count on us for an affordable windshield calibration. We specialize in windshield repair, replacement, and safety equipment calibration. You can also enjoy our mobile services. Just call 512-241-1211 for more information.