Calibration is the process of returning a vehicle’s ADAS to OEM specifications. Calibration is necessary after a new windshield installation (from a chip or crack) with a camera mount. This ensures your vehicle's ADAS features continue to function properly to keep you and your family safe. There are two types of calibrations – dynamic and static.

Dynamic recalibration take 1-2 hours and can often be done on location with a test drive. Master Auto Calibration's sets the camera in a calibration mode and we will drive the vehicle at a set speed on well-marked roads to calibrate the camera system.

Static recalibration may take up to several hours and require a closed, and controlled environment in order to properly recalibrate. It requires a specific target image (or multiple targets) and a specific location (or multiple locations) in front of the vehicle during the recalibration process.

ADAS stands for “Advanced Driver(s) Assistance Systems”. These systems rely upon cameras, lasers, and radar – often with the camera mounting to the windshield. Any time a new windshield is installed, the camera must be calibrated to ensure proper functionality and to restore the camera to OEM specifications.

Key active safety systems include:

Automatic emergency braking (AEB): Brakes are automatically applied to prevent a collision or reduce collision speed.

Forward-collision warning (FCW): Visual and/or audible warning intended alert the driver and prevent a collision.

Blind-spot warning (BSW): Visual and/or audible notification of vehicle in blind spot. The system may provide an additional warning if you use your turn signal when there is a car next to you in another lane.

Rear cross-traffic warning: Visual, audible, or haptic notification of object or vehicle out of rear camera range, but could be moving into it.

Rear automatic emergency braking (Rear AEB): Brakes are automatically applied to prevent backing into something behind the vehicle. This could be triggered by the rear cross-traffic system, or other sensors on the vehicle.

Lane-departure warning (LDW): Visual, audible, or haptic warning to alert the driver when they are crossing lane markings.

Lane-keeping assist (LKA): Automatic corrective steering input or braking provided by the vehicle when crossing lane markings.

Lane-centering assist: Continuous active steering to stay in between lanes (active steer, auto steer, etc.)

If a car’s ADAS is not properly calibrated, the system may not function promptly. If the cameras/radars/lasers on the vehicle are off by even a few millimeters they may not give accurate readings. A misaligned camera could jeopardize the functionality of the system and lead to dangerous driving or accidents. For the safety of you, your family, and others it is crucial that the cameras are aligned properly.

Calibration guides the vehicle’s computer & ensures these systems are working properly

When a windshield is replaced, the camera should be removed from the bracket & unplugged from the car. After the replacement is completed, the camera needs to be reattached & recalibrated. Even a camera that has not been unplugged by the windshield installer from the car needs to be recalibrated to ensure proper functionality of the ADAS features & minimize the potential liability of the installer.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are several times when ADAS calibration may be required, not just after windshield replacement. Anything that changes the camera angle, such as a vehicle alignment or minor accident can prompt a calibration requirement. You may also want to refer to your owner's manual for routine maintenance schedule.

Depending on the type of calibration (dynamic or statis) and the specific vehicle, calibration can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3+ hours. Master Auto Calibration's technician need to wait at least 30 minutes for the replaced windshield to set before the calibration process can begin.