What Is ADAS Calibration and Why Does Your Auto Glass Company Recommend It?

You may have heard of something called ADAS calibration, and you might wonder, “What is that, and why is it so important?” Many modern vehicles come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a suite of safety features that rely heavily on precise sensor and camera calibration.

When your windshield is replaced or repaired, these systems often require calibration to function correctly and ensure your safety on the road. Here’s what you need to know about ADAS calibration, why reputable auto glass companies insist on it, and the vital safety implications involved.

What Is ADAS and Why Does It Matter?

ADAS includes various electronic safety features designed to help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radars mounted on your vehicle, most often integrated into or near the windshield. When the windshield is replaced or damaged, the calibration of these sensors is usually disrupted, which can impair their operation or lead to false alerts. Proper calibration ensures that all safety systems work accurately and reliably.

Why Do Reputable Auto Glass Companies Require ADAS Calibration?

A professional, trustworthy auto glass company emphasizes ADAS calibration because the vehicle’s safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a legal and moral obligation. Manufacturers specify that any time the windshield is replaced or work is done near sensor locations, the ADAS must be calibrated to restore its correct functionality. Skipping this step not only puts you at risk but also leaves the vehicle non-compliant with safety standards.

Insurance companies are aware of the importance of ADAS calibration, and many now cover these procedures because they are mandated by vehicle manufacturers for safety reasons. Your vehicle’s comprehensive safety depends on it, and reputable auto glass repair shops follow these manufacturer guidelines to give you peace of mind.

The Most Critical ADAS Functions and Why Calibration Matters

Here are some of the most critical safety-related functions that depend on precise calibration:

1. Crash Warnings and Emergency Braking

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems scan the road ahead using cameras and radar sensors. If the sensors aren’t aligned correctly, these systems might either fail to detect obstacles or malfunction by triggering false alarms. Proper calibration ensures that your vehicle can recognize hazards promptly, providing vital seconds for you to react or preventing a collision altogether.

2. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Adaptive Cruise Control uses sensors to maintain a safe following distance by automatically adjusting your vehicle’s speed. Improper calibration can cause ACC to misjudge distances or activate at inappropriate times, leading to potential safety hazards. A correctly calibrated system keeps your vehicle at the right following distance and ensures smooth operation.

3. Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist

Lane departure warnings monitor your position in the lane and alert you if you drift unintentionally. Lane keep assist can gently steer your vehicle back into the lane. If sensors are misaligned after a windshield replacement, these systems may give false warnings or fail to activate, risking unintentional lane drift or accidents.

Why Is ADAS Calibration Critical?

Manufacturers specify that ADAS calibration is a required part of vehicle repairs involving windshield work because these sensors are calibrated to the vehicle’s original specifications. An improperly calibrated system can fail to provide the safety benefits you expect, potentially leading to accidents or violations that could have been avoided.

Furthermore, safety is the primary reason insurance companies now cover ADAS calibration. If an accident occurs and ADAS was not properly calibrated after windshield repair, your insurance claim could be affected, and your safety could be compromised.

Do You Have a Damaged Windshield With ADAS Technology in Raleigh or the Research Triangle Area?

If you live, work, or are visiting Garner, Raleigh, Cary, or Durham, NC, and you’ve discovered damage to your vehicle’s windshield, contact us at Transparency Auto Glass. We offer both mobile and in-shop auto glass services. Plus, we have employees to help with your insurance claim, and we give a lifetime warranty on workmanship.