Why is ADAS Calibration Necessary After a Windshield is Replaced?

There’s no denying that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have transformed what safety means when it comes to our vehicles. Under this general term of ADAS fall features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. These systems are sophisticated and rely heavily on a complex network of cameras, radar, sensors, and lidar. Much of this technology is embedded in and around your windshield.

We have safety features because we want to feel safe. However, if any of that technology fails to work or sends out false warnings, it can have quite the opposite effect. In this blog, we will cover calibration and its importance after your windshield is replaced.

Why Do You Need ADAS Calibration After a Windshield Replacement?

The reason ADAS may malfunction or underperform after a windshield replacement is that the cameras and sensors can become misaligned. These sensors are calibrated to specific positions relative to your car’s chassis, and the windshield plays a significant role in maintaining that alignment.

After replacing a windshield, this technology needs to be recalibrated; otherwise, any number of problematic scenarios can occur. Calibration ensures that the cameras and sensors are positioned correctly and aligned according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Safety systems only work if the technology is precisely placed and able to function as intended.

How Does the Windshield Affect My ADAS Technology?

When a windshield is replaced, the new glass must be installed in a way that maintains the original positions of the sensors and cameras. They require a clear view to function correctly. Features such as rain sensors, lane departure cameras, and windshield-mounted radars are often embedded within the glass.

During the replacement process, the technology is repositioned, so calibration is essential. There are even situations when the sensor wasn’t physically moved, but the new windshield causes a shift or distortion. This can affect the technology’s field of view or accuracy. Skipping ADAS calibration can lead to malfunctions or false alerts.

Windshield Replacement and Its Impact on ADAS

Windshields are not just glass panels—they’re an integral part of your vehicle’s safety features, which function via sensors and cameras. During a windshield replacement, technicians must remove and replace the glass while ensuring all sensors are correctly repositioned or recalibrated. If the replacement isn’t performed meticulously, the sensors and cameras may become misaligned, leading to inaccurate readings, false alerts, or system failures.



Furthermore, modern windshields often contain embedded sensors, rain sensors, or cameras that need precise calibration after installation. Failure to calibrate these components properly can compromise the system’s ability to function as intended, thereby putting the driver and passengers at risk.

Legal and Safety Implications

Many manufacturers and regulatory bodies mandate calibration after windshield replacements involving ADAS components. Neglecting this step can result in the vehicle failing safety inspections or voiding the warranty. Moreover, insurance companies may deny claims if proper calibration procedures weren’t followed after a windshield replacement.

From a safety perspective, improperly calibrated ADAS not only diminishes the system’s effectiveness but also increases the risk of dangerous situations. For example, a misaligned camera may fail to detect a stopped vehicle ahead, preventing automatic braking. Similarly, lane departure warning systems may become unreliable, increasing the risk of accidents.

The Importance of Professional Calibration

Calibration is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Professional calibration, performed at authorized service centers or dealerships, ensures that all sensors and cameras are correctly aligned. Technicians use state-of-the-art tools, reference targets, and manufacturer-specific procedures to perform precise calibration.

Does Your ADAS Need Calibration in Orange & San Diego County?

If you live or work in Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Margarita, Del Mar, or Orange, CA, and you’ve noticed your ADAS is out of whack—or if you've discovered windshield damage that needs repair or replacement—contact us at 911 Windshield Repair & Replacement. Our technicians are fully certified to properly recalibrate your ADAS, and we back our auto glass replacements with a lifetime warranty against air and water leaks.