If your car was built in the last several years, it may have a camera mounted behind the windscreen that powers driver-assistance features. When the windscreen is replaced, that camera often needs to be recalibrated. Here's what that means and why it matters.
What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — features like lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. Many of these rely on a forward-facing camera attached to the windscreen.
Why a new windscreen affects it
The camera reads the road through the glass. When the windscreen is removed and a new one is fitted, even tiny differences in camera angle can throw off how the system interprets what it sees. Calibration re-aligns the camera to the manufacturer's specification so the safety features react accurately.
Static vs dynamic calibration
- Static calibration — performed with targets and equipment in a controlled setting
- Dynamic calibration — performed by driving the vehicle under specific conditions
- Some vehicles require both, depending on the manufacturer
Why you shouldn't skip it
An uncalibrated camera can mean lane-keeping or auto-braking that activates late, early, or inaccurately — the opposite of what those systems are designed to do. If your vehicle needs calibration, we'll let you know when we quote so it's handled correctly as part of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my car needs calibration?
- If your vehicle has features like lane-keep assist or autonomous emergency braking with a camera near the rear-view mirror, it likely needs calibration after a windscreen replacement. We'll confirm based on your make, model and year.
- Does calibration add much time?
- It adds some time to the job compared with a basic replacement, but it's essential for vehicles that require it. We factor it into your quote and the appointment.
Need a windscreen sorted?
Brisbane Mobile Auto Glass comes to you for windscreen replacement, chip repair and car window glass across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Explore our services:
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