The windshield of a modern car may not look a whole lot different from cars of the past, but today’s windshields contain complex technologies called ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). These driver assistance technologies include safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and collision warnings, to name a few. These systems rely on radar, lidar, cameras, computer imaging, sensors, networking, and other devices to ensure a safe driving experience. The bad news is that these technologies add to the cost of repairs, including windshield replacement because they require calibration. However, it’s well worth the extra money to make sure that your car’s safety features are working properly.
A large percentage of drivers aren’t good drivers; with the rise of cellphones and on-board entertainment systems, distracted driving is a common occurrence. Every year, over 2 million people are injured or disabled in the United States due to traffic accidents. More than 35,000 people are killed. ADAS systems help a lot in preventing accidents. According to some industry professionals, vehicle to vehicle communication could prevent up to 600,000 accidents a year. Combined with ADAS systems, this translates to far safer vehicles and roads.
Why Does the ADAS Need to be Recalibrated?
So, why does the system need to be recalibrated at all? Many windshields have built-in sensors that connect to various features with the ADAS. If the sensors are bumped or moved by even just a millimeter, it can throw off the entire system. More advanced ADAS systems use cameras for lane departure warnings and similar features. These generally have a special area of the windshield that the lens can “see” through. The camera lens is very sensitive and precise, so care must be taken to make sure everything is lined up perfectly. Like sensors, these cameras are sensitive to being moved, so they generally need to be recalibrated as well.
The Reason Behind ADAS Costs
If you don’t have a newer car with ADAS systems now, you most likely will in the future, as these features are becoming the standard for all newer vehicles. Despite being technologically advanced, windshields still break. If you need to replace the windshield on a newer vehicle, it’s important to know that your car’s ADAS system will likely need to be recalibrated. The cost can vary depending on the systems within your model’s windshield. It can be as simple as resetting the car’s computer system by plugging into the computer and driving the vehicle known as a dynamic calibration to as complicated as setting up lasers, taking measurements, and making manual adjustments known as a static calibration. Some vehicles like most Honda’s require both to be done.
ADAS calibrations after windshield replacement require specialized tools and training. The additional costs to windshield replacement can vary depending on the type of recalibration that’s needed, but it can generally range between $149 – $599. While you might not be too happy about the additional cost, proper calibration of your ADAS could mean the difference between avoiding a collision or a catastrophic accident.
If you need your windshield replaced but aren’t sure if you’ll need an ADAS recalibration, give us a call at 253-569-9403. We can tell you whether your windshield is equipped with ADAS features and give you a quote for the replacement and calibration.
What’s Involved in ADAS Recalibration?
Automotive technology is always changing, and windshields are no exception. Today’s windshields may look like a large piece of glass, but they contain quite a bit of sophisticated technology. In cars that are equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), windshields have numerous built-in sensors and cameras that connect to safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring.
What does this mean for you? If you need a windshield replacement and you have a newer vehicle, you’ll likely need to have your ADAS system recalibrated to keep it functioning correctly. If these sensors or cameras get moved or bumped by even a millimeter, it can throw off the entire system. You may not even realize there’s a problem with the systems until you get into an accident. Although it costs more when replacing your windshield, it’s very important to have the system recalibrated to keep all your safety features working the way they should.
How is ADAS Recalibrated?
When a windshield is replaced, all the equipment that’s part of the ADAS like sensors and cameras are removed and reattached. During the calibration process, the sensors and cameras are adjusted and tested to make sure they’re still working properly. Although this may sound simple, the process requires specialized tools, equipment, and training. A custom tool manufactured by Autel is connected to the vehicle, which begins the camera aiming process to optimize the camera’s alignment and restores the manufacturer’s specifications.
How long does ADAS Calibration Take?
Calibration of the system generally takes about 1-2 hours and can be completed at the same time as your windshield replacement. Some vehicles will require dynamic calibration, static calibration, or both which involves driving the vehicle to calibrate the system. The windshield also needs to set for 60 minutes before calibration can be started. If you need to have ADAS calibration, it can take several hours for the entire process.
We have ADAS recalibration training and all the necessary equipment to bring your system back to factory specifications. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle is equipped with ADAS features that would need to be recalibrated with your windshield replacement, give us a call at 253-569-9403. We can look into your model and give you a cost and time estimate.