When it comes to windshield replacement, many drivers assume that the work is done once it is replaced. However, for drivers with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), an additional step is needed to ensure your and your passengers’ safety.
ADAS recalibration should not be ignored after a windshield replacement; it is important to ensure your ADAS systems are working properly to remain safe while on the road.
This blog post will discuss why an accurate ADAS calibration is needed and why you should never ignore it after a windshield replacement.
What Is ADAS?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, are electronic systems that are designed to help enhance the safety and performance of vehicles. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control.
These systems use sophisticated sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards on the road and provide drivers with a better understanding of their surroundings. These systems can drastically reduce the risk of accidents by providing assistance in identifying potential hazards and helping drivers better respond to them.
Additionally, ADAS can provide drivers with improved navigation and smoother driving experiences, making them an invaluable part of modern vehicles.
What Happens During a Windshield Replacement?
The first step a professional windshield repair technician will take is to remove the old windshield. This involves removing broken glass and carefully lifting the windshield out of the frame. Next, a bead of urethane will be placed around the rim of the frame. The new windshield will be placed in the frame and secured by the technician. Finally, all the trim around the windshield’s edges will be reinstalled.
Once the new windshield is in place, it’s time to consider how it affects your vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). ADAS is a suite of safety features that help you stay aware and safe while driving. These features may include collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and more.
These systems rely on a set of sensors built into your car’s windshield. During a windshield replacement, these sensors can become misaligned or disconnected from the computer system. If this occurs, the ADAS system can no longer provide you with the same level of protection. A professional recalibration of your ADAS system must be performed to restore proper functionality.
Why Is ADAS Recalibration Important?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly common in vehicles today, offering features like automated lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking. While these features provide great convenience and safety, they can be severely impaired if a vehicle’s windshield is replaced. This is because the sensors and cameras that power these systems are usually calibrated to be centered on the windshield.
Windshield replacement can cause misalignments in the ADAS system, which may cause it to malfunction or not work. This means that even if the driver turns on an incorrectly calibrated ADAS system, it may need to be fixed. Without recalibration after a windshield replacement, the driver could be putting themselves and other drivers on the road at risk of an accident due to the reduced safety benefits of the ADAS system.
In addition to safety concerns, there are financial considerations as well. Some insurers would not cover damages resulting from an ADAS system malfunction if it was not recalibrated after a windshield replacement. That means you could be stuck paying for any repairs or medical bills out of pocket.
Recalibrating your ADAS system after a windshield replacement is essential to ensure that it works properly and that you have this technology’s full protection and safety benefits.
What Are the Consequences of Not Recalibrating?
If you do not have your ADAS system recalibrated after a windshield replacement, it can cause some serious safety issues. With the proper recalibration, the system should accurately detect objects in its field of view, including vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Not recalibrating could lead to inaccurate readings and false alarms, which could lead to collisions or other dangerous situations.
Also, if your car is equipped with driver assistance features such as lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking, these systems may only work properly once the ADAS system is recalibrated. That means you can only rely on these safety features if you get your ADAS system recalibrated after a windshield replacement.
Finally, if you don’t get your ADAS system recalibrated after a windshield replacement, you could violate the terms of your car’s warranty. Many car manufacturers require that the ADAS system be recalibrated after a windshield replacement, and if you comply with this requirement, you could avoid voiding your warranty.
Ignoring the importance of ADAS recalibration after a windshield replacement could have serious consequences for your safety and the integrity of your car’s systems. So, ensure your ADAS system is properly recalibrated so your car’s systems can function correctly and safely.
How Can I Get My ADAS System Recalibrated?
The first step to getting your ADAS system recalibrated is to find an experienced auto glass specialist who can properly recalibrate your system. The process typically requires specialized equipment, and the technician should have experience with this job.
Many Glass.com shops that offer windshield replacement services also offer calibration services. To avoid surprises, make sure to ask if your vehicle needs calibrating after the windshield is replaced and whether they provide this service. If the independent shop doesn’t offer calibration services, you may have to take your vehicle to the dealership for calibration.
Calibration options may also depend on the make and model of your vehicle, and the compatibility of recalibration devices available. If your vehicle is incompatible, you may need to take it to the dealership to get it calibrated.
Regardless of where you choose to have your ADAS system recalibrated, it’s essential to make sure that the job is done correctly to ensure that your vehicle’s safety systems are operating at peak performance.
Use Glass.com’s auto glass replacement service locator service to obtain free and easy windshield replacement estimates from local shops in your area.urethane
2 Responses
Is calibration necessary if the car is a 2013 Accord when the windshield is replaced?
No, only certain cars 2016 and newer require calibration 🙂
These include vehicles with features such as lane keep assist, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and other semi-autonomous features.