After windshield replacement, the camera near your rearview mirror needs recalibration. Lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control all depend on precise camera alignment. We calibrate Toyota Safety Sense more frequently than any other system in Charleston — and we have the equipment for all major manufacturers.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) refers to the safety features in modern vehicles that help prevent accidents — lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. Many of these systems use a camera mounted near your rearview mirror on the windshield that "watches" the road ahead.
When you replace your windshield, the camera's position changes slightly — even by fractions of a millimeter. At highway speeds, that tiny misalignment can mean the camera "sees" the lane in the wrong place, or doesn't detect a car ahead in time. Calibration re-aims the camera to factory specifications so these systems work correctly again.
Your safety systems may not work correctly — or may work dangerously wrong.
Subaru's EyeSight is the most calibration-sensitive system we encounter. Its dual-camera stereo vision is particularly intolerant of misalignment. We've seen vehicles come in with EyeSight disabled entirely because previous shops skipped or botched calibration.
Probably yes, if your vehicle is 2018 or newer. Based on our service data, 73% of 2020+ vehicles require calibration. Here's how to tell if yours does:
When you give us your vehicle information, we'll confirm whether calibration is required and what type is needed for your specific make and model.
Usually yes. Most insurance companies cover ADAS calibration as part of a windshield replacement claim because it's required to restore the vehicle to original working condition. We document the calibration requirement and include it in the claim.
We verify coverage before proceeding and let you know if there's any out-of-pocket cost.
Uses precision-mounted targets positioned at exact distances and heights in front of the vehicle. The camera system scans the targets and adjusts its "understanding" of center, lane position, and distance.
Requires driving the vehicle on specific road types (usually straight highway) while the system recalibrates based on real-world input.
Before removing your old windshield, we scan your vehicle's ADAS systems to document current status and identify any pre-existing issues.
We replace your windshield using precise positioning for the camera mount. Camera location must be exact for calibration to work correctly.
For static calibration, we position precision targets at exact manufacturer-specified distances and heights. Ground must be level and lighting controlled.
Using OEM or equivalent diagnostic tools, we run the manufacturer's calibration procedure. The camera system scans the targets and adjusts its reference points.
We scan the system again to verify calibration completed successfully and no fault codes remain. You get documentation of the completed calibration.
We strongly recommend against it — and here's why it's not really "saving" anything. Your safety systems exist to prevent accidents. If they're not calibrated, they may not work — or may work incorrectly in ways that cause accidents. The cost of calibration is trivial compared to the cost of a collision that your emergency braking system failed to prevent.
Static calibration takes 30-45 minutes after windshield installation. Dynamic calibration requires an additional 15-30 minutes of driving. Combined with windshield replacement, plan for 2-3 hours total for ADAS-equipped vehicles.
Most reputable shops can, but quality varies. ADAS calibration requires specialized equipment (targets, scan tools, diagnostic software) and proper training. While most established auto glass shops now offer calibration, the experience and precision matter — improper calibration can leave your safety systems inaccurate. We've invested in the latest equipment and training to ensure your calibration is done right the first time.
Calibration can fail if there are other issues — damaged sensors, software problems, or pre-existing system faults. Our pre-scan identifies most issues before we start. If calibration won't complete, we diagnose the cause and discuss options. You won't be charged for calibration that doesn't succeed.
We handle both in one appointment — replacement and calibration. Tell us your vehicle make and model for a complete quote.
