Replacing a windshield seems like a simple job, right? You take your car to a shop, they swap out the old windshield for a new one, and you’re back on the road. But did you know there’s an important step that follows the replacement? Windshield calibration helps ensure your car’s safety.
But before we dig in, let’s find out what windshield calibration is in-depth, why it’s necessary, and what happens if you skip it.
What is Windshield Calibration?
So, what exactly is windshield calibration? Simply put, it’s the process of adjusting the sensors and cameras that are mounted on or around your windshield, especially those car’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
These systems include things like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking, all of which rely on precise sensor readings.
When a windshield is replaced, the sensors attached to it or nearby may be misaligned, even if it’s just by a small amount. Calibration ensures that these sensors are correctly realigned so they continue to work as they should.
Is Windshield Calibration Necessary?
You might be wondering, “Is windshield calibration necessary for my car?” The short answer is yes; it’s absolutely necessary. But let’s break it down and understand why.
- Safety Features Need to Be Accurate: Your car’s safety features, like departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, depend on the accuracy of sensors around the windshield. A misalignment can affect their performance, leading to false warnings, failure to detect obstacles, or even failure to keep you in your lane. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to an accident.
- Proper Functioning of ADAS: ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and it includes a variety of safety features that are designed to make driving easier and safer. These systems often use cameras and radar sensors located near the windshield to help the car detect road conditions, obstacles, and other vehicles. When a windshield is replaced, these cameras and sensors can shift out of alignment. If this happens, your car may not respond properly to situations where ADAS features are meant to intervene. This is why ADAS windshield calibration is so important after windshield replacement.
- Your Insurance Might Require: Many insurance companies require calibration after windshield replacement as part of the claim process, especially if the vehicle has ADAS features. If calibration isn’t performed, your insurance might not cover the costs of any future damage caused by a malfunctioning system. Ask your insurance provider for vehicle calibration.
- Avoiding Malfunctions: If you skip calibration, you may find that your car’s safety systems begin to malfunction. These malfunctions can be dangerous, especially when driving in high-traffic conditions. Calibration helps ensure that all systems are working as intended.
How Does Windshield Calibration Work?
Now that we know why calibration is necessary, let’s talk about how it’s done. Calibration is performed by trained technicians using specialized equipment. The two main types of calibration are static calibration and dynamic calibration. Here’s how both work.
Static Calibration
Static calibration is performed in a controlled, stationary environment, like a repair shop. During this process, the technician will use specialized equipment to check the alignment of the sensors and cameras. It might need to adjust the sensor to ensure it aligns perfectly. This method is best for cars that don’t require movement during calibration.
Dynamic Mode Calibration
Dynamic calibration, on the other hand, requires the car to be driven. After the technician checks the alignment of the sensors, they will take the car for a test drive. This allows them to make sure that the ADAS systems are functioning correctly while the car is in motion.
Dynamic calibration is often required for vehicles with more complex systems. The technician may also use diagnostic tools to verify that the system is working properly while on the road.
In some cases, a combination of both static and dynamic calibration might be necessary to ensure everything is properly aligned. Knowing the windshield replacement time is a must if you wish to keep it as good as new.
How Do You Know When Calibration is Needed?
You might be wondering, how do you know when calibration is needed? There are a few signs to look out for that might indicate your car’s windshield calibration needs to be checked:
- ADAS Features Aren’t Working Properly: If your lane-departure warning system or adaptive cruise control isn’t responding correctly, it could mean that your sensors are misaligned.
- Warning Lights Appear: If there are warning lights or error messages related to ADAS on your dashboard, it’s a clear sign that your sensors need recalibration.
- Recent Windshield Replacement: ADAS windshield calibration is done even if you’ve had a windshield replaced recently. A professional almost certainly requires calibration. Misalignments can still occur during the installation process.
Windshield replacement aftercare is necessary. You must examine it to see any of these signs. It’s important to have your vehicle inspected and calibrated by a professional as soon as possible.
What Happens if Calibration is Skipped?
Skipping calibration might seem like an easy way to save time or money, but it can have serious repercussions. Let’s take a look at what could happen if you don’t get your windshield calibrated:
- False Warnings: If the sensors are misaligned, you might receive false alerts, such as an unnecessary lane departure warning or a collision warning when there’s no danger. These false alarms can be distracting and annoying while driving.
- Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Features: The purpose of ADAS features is to assist you and keep you safe on the road. If the calibration isn’t done correctly, these features might not work when you need them most. For example, your car might not stop in time if it’s supposed to use automatic emergency braking to avoid a collision.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: You can not extend windshield lifespan if your car’s safety systems aren’t functioning properly. In fact, it might be at a higher risk of getting into an accident. Even though ADAS features can’t prevent every accident, they do play a significant role in reducing the likelihood of collisions.
- Costly Repairs: If you don’t calibrate your windshield after replacement, you might end up with more serious problems down the line. Malfunctions in your car’s safety systems can result in expensive repairs. In some cases, the sensors themselves could get damaged if they’re out of alignment for too long.
How Much Does Calibration Cost?
The cost of windshield calibration can vary depending on your vehicle and location. The cost range is between $150 to $300. While this may seem like an added expense, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your safety systems are working properly.
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of calibration, especially if it’s part of a windshield replacement claim. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer coverage for calibration services.
Wrap Up
Calibration after windshield replacement isn’t just an extra step—it’s a necessary process that ensures your car’s safety systems function as they should. Whether you drive a vehicle with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, or adaptive cruise control, calibration is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of these features.
Skipping this step can lead to false warnings, malfunctioning safety systems, and even increased risk of accidents.
So, after your windshield is replaced, don’t skip calibration—get it done and ensure your car is safe and ready to go. Stay safe on the road, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for calibration services.
