Windshield ADAS Calibration

State-of-the-Art Windshield Repair

Technology is always evolving and windshield technology is no exception. Your windshield isn't just a piece of glass. In many new vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), cameras, sensors and other equipment mounted on the windshield can affect how your entire car functions. As windshields become more complex, so does the process to repair and replace them.

At Auto One, we are experts when it comes to windshield replacement, including ADAS calibration. Our skilled, experienced and certified technicians have the right tools and technology to get your vehicle safely back on the road. For a FREE estimate, call (734) 421-2100 or fill out our online form.

What is ADAS Calibration?

When a windshield is replaced, all the ADAS equipment, such as cameras, sensors, etc., are removed and re-attached. A change of just one degree in a camera's angle can have a huge impact on its viewing area, which can affect how your vehicle's ADAS features work. The calibration process adjusts and tests all your windshield's cameras and sensors to ensure they are working properly after it is replaced. Without proper calibration, the ADAS features may not function properly, which can be dangerous.

Calibration is a complex process that requires special equipment and training. Our technicians at Auto One are experienced with ADAS calibration using a custom tool called Opti-Aim. Once connected to your vehicle, Opti-Aim begins the camera-aiming process and then works with the vehicle's onboard computer to optimize camera alignment and restore it to the manufacturer's specifications.

How Long Does ADAS Calibration Take?

The Opti-Aim calibration process typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes. It can be completed at the same time as your windshield replacement. We use a process called dynamic calibration, which requires our technician to drive the vehicle to calibrate the camera. Our technician needs to wait at least 30 minutes for the windshield to set before the calibration process begins. You should plan to leave your vehicle with us for a few hours if you need ADAS calibration.

If you're unsure if your vehicle has ADAS features, Consumer Reports offers a tool to show which makes and models of vehicles include ADAS.

What is Changing With ADAS?

ADAS features have made cars much safer in recent years. This includes features such as lane departure warnings or forward collision detection to assist drivers in avoiding an accident. ADAS features rely on cameras, sensors and other equipment mounted to the vehicle's windshield, as well as other locations.

The number of cars with some form of ADAS is expected to increase annually by 24%. Before, ADAS was an optional feature but in response to government regulations, automakers are now making some ADAS safety features standard on all new vehicles.

Common ADAS Features

Here are a few common ADAS and driver's assistance features you may have on your car or truck:

• Rain-sensing wipers: You will know if you have rain-sensing wipers if your windshield wipers automatically turn on when it begins to rain. This feature typically depends on a square sensor panel mounted on your windshield near the rearview mirror.
• Automatic headlights: If your headlights automatically turn on when it gets dark, you likely have light-sensing headlights. The light sensor may be located on your windshield, behind the rearview mirror or next to the rain sensor. It may be located on your dashboard at the base of the windshield instead.
• Heads-up displays: A heads-up display is a safety feature that projects information onto your windshield, such as your speed or engine conditions. This lets you keep your eyes on the road while driving. If you see images on your windshield while driving, you have this feature. If your windshield is replaced, the heads-up display will need to be reconnected and tested.
• Shade band: A shade band is a strip of tinting, usually 3-6" long, at the top of your windshield. This helps minimize sun glare while you are driving. The top portion of your windshield is darker than the rest of the glass when you have a shade band. We can make sure your new windshield also has this feature.

Some Additional ADAS Features

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Pedestrian Detection (PD)
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)