What is ADAS calibration?
ADAS calibration realigns the forward-facing camera and sensors that power your car's driver-assist features after windshield work. ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
The camera is usually mounted at the top of the windshield, behind the rear-view mirror. It reads lane lines, vehicles and signs. If its angle shifts even slightly when the glass is replaced, it can misjudge where the road is.
Which features rely on the windshield camera?
If your car has none of these, calibration is usually not needed. Not sure? Send us your year, make, model or VIN and we'll check for your vehicle.
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control (on many vehicles, together with a front radar)
- Traffic sign recognition and automatic high beams
When does my car need recalibration?
Recalibration is usually needed when the windshield is replaced on a vehicle with a windshield-mounted camera. It may also be needed after a camera bracket is disturbed, after some collision repairs, or when a warning light appears for a driver-assist system. The vehicle maker's repair instructions decide what is required.
- New windshield on a camera-equipped car: calibration usually needed
- Chip repair in about 30 minutes: the glass and camera are not removed, so calibration is normally not needed
- Driver-assist warning light after glass work: have it checked before relying on the feature
How windshield replacement and calibration work together
Calibration needs a controlled space, so camera-equipped vehicles are usually booked at our shop rather than as a mobile job. We'll tell you when you book.
- Tell us your year, make, model or VIN so we order glass with the correct camera bracket
- Windshield replacement takes about 2 hours, plus adhesive cure time before driving
- Recalibrate the ADAS camera where your vehicle requires it
- Confirm the driver-assist features are working before you leave
Why skipping calibration is a risk
A camera that is a few degrees off may still switch on without any warning, but brake later than expected or steer you toward the lane edge. These systems are driving aids that depend on accurate sensors, which matters even more in Ottawa winters, when lane lines are already hard to see.
Insurance and ADAS calibration
When a windshield replacement is covered by your insurance, calibration required by the vehicle maker is normally part of the same glass claim. Coverage depends on your policy. On eligible claims we can waive up to 100% of your deductible. See insurance claims for how it works.
Safety cameras
Does my car need ADAS calibration after a windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera mounted behind the windshield, it usually needs recalibration after a new windshield is installed. The camera powers driver-assist features, and a small change in its angle can affect where it "looks". More on ADAS calibration in Ottawa.
| Your car has… | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lane departure warning or lane keep assist | Uses the windshield camera — calibration usually needed |
| Automatic emergency braking / forward collision warning | Often uses the windshield camera, sometimes radar too |
| Auto high beams or traffic sign recognition | Usually reads through the windshield camera |
| A dark box behind the rear-view mirror | Common sign of a camera mount |
| None of these features | Calibration is usually not needed |
Not sure? Tell us your year, make, model or VIN on the quote form and we'll check before we start. Your vehicle's owner's manual also lists which driver-assist features it has.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need ADAS calibration after windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has a camera mounted behind the windshield for lane-keeping or collision warning, recalibration is usually needed so those systems read the road correctly. We'll confirm for your vehicle.
Q. Does chip repair need calibration?
Normally no. Chip repair takes about 30 minutes and the windshield and camera stay in place.
Q. Can ADAS calibration be done with mobile service?
Calibration needs a controlled space, so camera-equipped vehicles are usually booked at our shop. Mobile service is also only offered when it is 15°C or warmer.
Q. How do I know if my car has ADAS?
Look for a camera housing behind the rear-view mirror, or features like lane keep assist, collision warning or adaptive cruise in your owner's manual. You can also send us your VIN.