Windshield replacement and re-calibration of ADAS cameras in Sacramento.
With more and more vehicles making the evolution to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), windshield replacements are becoming more complex and require calibration. To ensure that the technology being used to keep you safe, the car ADAS must be calibrated correctly. When you have a windshield replacement completed, the car’s computer system will likely need to be re-calibrated as well.
Windshield Replacement Calibration
Even though you can’t always see them, there are built-in specially positioned sensors in your windshield linked to ADAS. If the sensors change position, even a fraction of an inch, it will likely result in ADAS problems. This makes re-calibration is essential after a windshield replacement. USA Replacement Auto Glass is a one stop shop for glass replacement and windshield Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration.
What is ADAS?
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are systems developed to automate, adapt and enhance vehicle safety and safer driving. Ever year there is an increasing number of new cars are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). ADAS stands for “Advanced Driver(s) Assistance Systems”. These systems rely upon cameras, lasers, and radar. Most often the ADAS cameras are mounted to the windshield. Any time a new windshield is installed, the camera must be calibrated or re-calibrated to ensure proper functionality and to restore the camera to OEM specifications.
Examples of the more common ADAS applications are:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Parking assist/self-parking
- Adaptive headlights that steer with the vehicle
- Automatic headlight high-beam activation and dimming
What Is ADAS Calibration?
ADAS Calibration is the process using industry specific tools to return a vehicle’s ADAS to OEM specifications. ADAS sensor calibration is required whenever a sensor’s alignment is disturbed in any way. Windshield replacement, suspension repairs or wheel alignment are common reasons for ADAS calibration. Sensors also must be calibrated after a collision or a minor fender bender.
Calibration is also needed whenever a sensor or its mounting bracket is removed and replaced, there is a change in tire size, a front airbag deploys and deflects off the windshield, or repairs are made to a vehicle roof that has a sensor bracket mounted to it. Finally, sensor calibration is necessary when an automaker releases a technical service bulletin (TSB) with instructions that calibration be completed as part of another repair.
Calibration is necessary after a new glass installation to ensure the car ADAS function properly. The most common calibration is a windshield with a camera mounted to it. This ensures that the ADAS features continue to function properly despite having been moved during installation.
USA Replacement Auto Glass confirms that all issues have been resolved, ADAS sensor calibrations are complete, and the vehicle control systems are communicating properly before a car is returned to the customer.
When to Recalibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
If you have an ADAS camera installed on the center of your windshield, there is a chance your camera will need to be recalibrated from time to time. Events that require a recalibration include:
- After a windshield replacement
- The dashboard shows a fault code
- The windshield camera has been disconnected
- Change of vehicle suspension
- Change of vehicle wheel alignment
What Will Happen If the ADAS is Not Calibrated?
If a car’s ADAS is not calibrated to original equipment manufacturer specs (OEM), the system may not function safely. If the cameras, radars or lasers on the vehicle are off by even millimeters, they may not provide accurate data and the system may not function properly.
Failure to calibrate the ADAS sensors can result in incorrect information that will cause ADAS to operate improperly or not at all. A misaligned camera could compromise the functionality of the system and lead to unsafe driving or accidents, so it is crucial that the cameras are aligned perfectly. Faulty sensor inputs may cause:
- An instrument panel warning light
- A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) being stored in the vehicle’s computer memory
- Steering wheel vibration
- Vehicle steering pull
- Increased steering effort
How much does ADAS calibration cost?
ADAS calibrations after a windshield replacement require industry specialized equipment and training. Additional costs vary by complexity of the recalibration and when necessary, this additional labor adds to the cost of repairs. Call to get a quote on your ADAS calibration.
Will insurance pay for ADAS calibration?
Yes. When calibration is required after an insurance-covered windshield replacement, USA Replacement Auto Glass will have the calibration
authorized by the insurer prior to the work being completed.
How long does it take to calibrate a windshield?
Calibrating ADAS sensors requires precision that is frequently complex and time consuming. Some sensors can be calibrated inside the USA Replacement Auto Glass repair shop, others require that a vehicle be driven, and many sensors call for both procedures. The time involved can vary from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the specific calibration requirements.
Due to the wide range of complexity of the recalibration we request to have the vehicle for at least 3 hours.
What is calibration error?
If you are seeing a code for calibration error or instrument error this indicates that the cameras, lasers or radars or not calibrated correctly.
Vehicle Preparation for ADAS Calibration
Before bringing your car in to calibrate your ADAS, your vehicle must be prepared as specified by the automaker. Some of the common requirements include:
- No unnecessary heavy items in car or trunk
- Tires inflated to recommended pressures
- Front and rear vehicle ride height within specifications
- Fuel tank full
- Windshield clean in front of camera sensor (where applicable)
- Protective cover removed from radar sensor (where applicable)
- Four-wheel alignment performed (where specified)
If you have more questions, please call 916-978-3550 or contact us. USA Replacement Auto Glass is a one stop shop for glass replacement and windshield Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration.