Winter in Michigan. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to address glass issues. This could include windshield calibration.
Automotive technology is constantly evolving and windshields are no exception. In fact, they are a vital component to the safety of your vehicle. That means fixing and replacing them is a more complex process than it once was.
These days, newer model vehicles have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This involves other pieces of equipment that work in conjunction with your windshield.
Cameras, sensors, and additional mounted items can affect how your car functions and must be adjusted (i.e. “calibrated”) whenever your windshield is replaced.
What is a Windshield Calibration?
So, you’re wondering what is calibrating a windshield and how it’s a requirement for replacement. As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have made cars safer over the years, they must be maintained to work efficiently. Features like lane departure warnings and forward collision detection are complicated and delicate technologies.
In order to function safely, an ADAS system relies on sensors, cameras, and other equipment mounted to a car’s windshield. Calibration is a method of adjusting a system and realigning all of the parts.
When a windshield is replaced, the ADAS-related equipment (like cameras and sensors) is removed and then re-attached. A change of just one degree in a camera angle can have a large impact on the vehicle’s viewing area.
The calibration process will adjust and test all of the cameras and sensors on the windshield. This is to ensure everything is functioning properly after windshield replacement.
Does my Windshield need Calibration?
The simple answer is that any modern vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system will require windshield calibration at some point.
Here is a list of the most common ADAS and driver’s assistance features you should know of when you call to schedule a windshield replacement:
- Rain sensing wipers
- Automatic headlights
- Heads-ups displays
- Shade band
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assistance (LKA)
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
- Pedestrian detection (PD)
- Blind-spot monitoring
If you’re unsure of what type of ADAS features your car carries, contact your dealership or the auto shop that currently services your car. You can also check out your vehicle manual.
In general, the calibration process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and done at the same time as your window replacement. Contact your Aitken & Ormond Agent if you have any questions about glass replacement coverage on your policy.