Camera Calibration After Windshield Replacement: Why It’s Essential

When replacing your windshield, you might assume that the job is complete once the glass is installed. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), there’s one crucial step left—camera calibration. Properly recalibrating your vehicle’s safety cameras ensures that features like lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control function accurately.

This blog explains why camera calibration after windshield replacement is vital, how the process works, and what happens if you skip it.

Why Is Camera Calibration Necessary After Windshield Replacement?

Many modern vehicles have ADAS cameras mounted behind the windshield, which assist in various safety functions, such as:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  
  
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  
  
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  
  
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
  
  

These cameras rely on precise positioning to detect lane markings, other vehicles, and obstacles. When the windshield is replaced, even a slight misalignment of the camera can compromise safety and lead to incorrect alerts or system failures.

How the Camera Calibration Process Works

There are two primary types of ADAS camera calibration:

1. Static Calibration
   
   
   • Performed in a controlled environment using special calibration tools and target boards.
     
     
   • The vehicle remains stationary while the camera is adjusted.
     
     
2. Dynamic Calibration
   
   
   • Requires driving the vehicle under specific conditions (e.g., at a certain speed on a straight road).
     
     
   • The onboard system recalibrates while collecting real-world data.
     
     

Some vehicles may require a combination of both methods to ensure accurate calibration.

What Happens If You Skip Camera Calibration?

Failing to calibrate your ADAS camera after a windshield replacement can lead to serious safety risks, including:

❌ Inaccurate Warnings – Your vehicle may issue false alarms or fail to detect lane departures properly.
❌ Malfunctioning ADAS Features – Critical systems like adaptive cruise control or automatic braking may not work.
❌ Increased Accident Risk – Misaligned cameras can lead to delayed responses or incorrect system activations.
❌ Legal & Insurance Issues – Some insurance companies require ADAS calibration to validate claims, and ignoring it may result in liability concerns.

How Long Does ADAS Camera Calibration Take?

The calibration process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle model and calibration type. Some vehicles require dealership-specific tools, while others can be calibrated by a qualified auto glass repair service.

Trust GlassFixit for Expert Windshield Replacement & Calibration

At GlassFixit Auto Glass, we ensure that every windshield replacement includes precise ADAS camera calibration to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Our trained technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to recalibrate your cameras accurately, ensuring optimal performance.

Need a windshield replacement? Make sure your safety systems are properly calibrated! Contact GlassFixit Auto Glass today for expert service.

Visit our shop in San Jose or Santa Clara today!

San Jose: 3851 Charter Park Drive, Suite L, San Jose CA 95136

Santa Clara:  1250 Norman Ave, Santa Clara CA 95054