Why ADAS Calibration is Necessary After a Windshield Replacement

Many modern vehicles are equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. This technology is responsible for safety features such as lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. ADAS calibrations are necessary after a windshield replacement to ensure the accuracy of these safety features. Here’s everything you need to know about your vehicle’s ADAS technology.

What is ADAS

ADAS technology is a system of cameras and sensors on the inside and outside of your vehicle, which relay the information your vehicle needs to provide safety features like adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, and blind spot warnings. Many of these features receive information via cameras and sensors attached to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield.

Common ADAS features include:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver if a potential collision with a vehicle or object in front is detected, allowing time to react and avoid impact.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes if a collision appears imminent and the driver hasn’t responded in time.

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Notifies the driver when the vehicle begins to unintentionally drift out of its lane without using a turn signal.

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it detects unintentional drifting, working alongside lane departure warnings.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed like traditional cruise control but also adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts them with visual or audible warnings.

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of cross traffic approaching from the side when backing out of parking spots or driveways.

• Parking Assist (Automatic Parking): Helps steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces, often with minimal driver input.

• Traffic Sign Recognition: Detects and displays road signs such as speed limits or stop signs on the dashboard or head-up display.

• Driver Attention Monitoring: Monitors the driver's behavior (like steering input or eye movement) and provides alerts if signs of drowsiness or distraction are detected.

• High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic or ambient lighting conditions.

ADAS Calibration Basics

After your windshield has been replaced, ADAS calibration begins. The cameras and sensors are properly aligned and calibrated using specialized equipment and computer systems. There are two types of ADAS calibration methods:

• Static Calibration: Static calibration usually takes place in a controlled environment on a flat, level surface. This control helps create a baseline for calibrating your ADAS technology. An auto glass technician will calibrate your ADAS technology using specialized targets and computer systems.

• Dynamic Calibration: Dynamic calibration requires an auto glass technician on the road to expose the cameras and sensors to road markings and signs, calibrating the systems in the process. Some vehicles require only one of these forms of calibration, while others require both.

Why Get an ADAS Calibration After Your Windshield Replacement?

Because ADAS cameras and sensors are mounted to the inside of your vehicle’s windshield, they can become misaligned during the windshield replacement process. Even one degree of misalignment can equate to around 20 feet on the road. This is a major inaccuracy that could put you and your passengers in danger. Opting for an ADAS calibration after your windshield replacement ensures all your ADAS technology is properly aligned and working accurately.

Do You Need an ADAS Calibration in Gainesville, GA?

Getting an ADAS calibration after your windshield replacement ensures the accuracy of your safety features, keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. New York Auto Glass offers in-shop and mobile ADAS calibration, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Our certified auto glass technicians will ensure that your safety features are functioning properly so you can get back on the road safely.

If you need a windshield calibration in the Gainesville, Flowery Branch, or Winder, GA areas, contact New York Auto Glass today for a free quote!