Do You Need Recalibration After a Windshield Replacement?
If your car was built in the last several years, there is a good chance a camera sits behind the windshield, near the rearview mirror. That camera runs the driver assistance features you use every day. When the windshield is replaced, the camera has to be recalibrated. Here is why, and what to ask your shop.
What the windshield camera does
The forward-facing camera feeds your car's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Depending on the vehicle, that can include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The camera measures where lane lines, vehicles and people are in front of you, so it has to point exactly where the manufacturer designed it to point.
Why a new windshield changes things
The camera mounts to the glass or to a bracket on the glass. Replacing the windshield means removing the camera and reinstalling it on new glass. Small differences in the glass and bracket can change the camera's aim slightly, and a small error at the windshield becomes a large error down the road. Recalibration resets the camera to the manufacturer's specifications. The first calibration was done at the factory before your car shipped.
Does my car need it?
A camera housing behind the rearview mirror is the easiest sign. The exact answer comes from your VIN. That is why our online quoter asks for your VIN or license plate: it matches the exact glass for your vehicle, including camera recalibration if your car needs it, so there are no surprises on install day.
No warning light doesn't mean you're fine
Many cars show no warning after a windshield replacement even when the camera is off. The features may still turn on but react late, early or not at all. If your manufacturer requires recalibration after a windshield replacement, it needs to be done whether or not a light comes on.
Static and dynamic recalibration
- Static recalibration is done with the car parked in a controlled space, using targets set at exact distances in front of the vehicle.
- Dynamic recalibration is done by driving the car at set speeds on well-marked roads while a scan tool guides the process.
The vehicle manufacturer decides which method your car needs. Some cars need both.
Where we do it
At Clear Quality Auto Glass, ADAS recalibration is done in-house at our main shop at 5370 S Decatur Blvd, Suite 3. Your car doesn't get sent to another company. Learn more on our ADAS recalibration page.
Questions to ask any shop
- Does my car need recalibration, and how did you confirm it?
- Is it static, dynamic or both?
- Do you do it yourselves, or send the car somewhere else?
- Is the replacement glass right for my camera?
Will insurance cover it?
When a windshield replacement is covered by your comprehensive coverage, required recalibration is usually handled on the same claim. Coverage depends on your policy. Send us your claim details and we'll open the claim for you.
A new windshield isn't finished until the camera behind it is recalibrated. Enter your VIN or plate and we'll tell you exactly what your car needs.