Ask someone what makes Arizona the best place to live and visit, and you’ll get plenty of different answers. Visitors flock to the Grand Canyon state every year to take in the views that many of us appreciate every day from our own backyards. However, there’s a lesser-known category where Arizona ranks #1: windshield replacements. More than 10,000 windshields are replaced in Arizona every single year.  

If you live and drive in Arizona, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to replace your car’s windshield. What you may not know is that, for most newer vehicles on the road, replacing the windscreen will require recalibration of your vehicle’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

What is an ADAS Camera?

Most new cars sold today are equipped with one or more ADAS features. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use a series of sensors, cameras, and other equipment to help drivers avoid hazards on the road. ADAS technology has been around for a long time—a standard feature today, anti-lock brakes were among the early ADAS functions. Today’s ADAS technology can include innovations such as lane-change assistance, blind-spot monitoring, collision warnings, automatic braking, and more.

ADAS cameras often mount to the windshield where they detect road hazards, other vehicles, pedestrians, lane lines, and other obstacles, which the system’s software analyzes in real-time. Both factory-equipped and after-market ADAS systems can respond to this data in several ways depending on the features involved. For example, suppose an ADAS camera captures a car stopping short ahead. In that case, the system might signal a warning to alert the driver or automatically brake to avoid a collision, depending on the system’s components and features.

ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance System Diagram

Why are ADAS Windshields Crucial for Your Car’s Safety?

ADAS systems increase safety for drivers, their passengers, and others on the road. Early warning and automated systems can warn you if you are drifting into another lane, alert you to road hazards, identify pedestrians or vehicles in your blind spot, and even wake you up if you fall asleep behind the wheel. 

ADAS systems boast a range of features attractive to drivers, including: 

  • Features that scan and respond to input from the environment include adaptive cruise control, headlights, and light control.
  • Warning features that alert drivers to hazards they may cause by their driving or presented by other vehicles on the road, such as driver drowsiness detection, collision warning, and lane departure warning systems. 
  • Monitoring features that scan and assess the environment to identify potential adjustments or hazards include pedestrian and blind-spot monitors.
  • Automated features that perform some functions of the driver when needed, such as automatic parking and braking. 

All of these ADAS features rely on an interconnected system of cameras and sensors, and in some cases utilizing lidar and laser technology. One crucial piece of the puzzle that many may overlook is the windshield. For ADAS technology, such as a windscreen mounted camera, to perform as designed, the auto glass in your vehicle’s windscreen must be compatible with the system. ADAS windscreens may contain motion detection and other sensors that are integral to the system’s functionality.   

A damaged windshield needs to be immediately repaired or replaced in any vehicle. In a car with an ADAS camera and other ADAS features, a broken windshield not only obstructs your vision but also hinders your ADAS system from functioning as designed. Additionally, anytime a new ADAS windscreen is installed, the ADAS system must be recalibrated to ensure it continues to function as intended.  

What Are the Advantages of an ADAS Windshield?

Research shows that ADAS systems reduce the risk for some kinds of accidents while also reducing severity for accidents that could not be avoided. For example, studies have shown that ADAS equipped vehicles may be responsible for: 

Other studies examining the benefits of ADAS windshields and integrated ADAS technologies showed the potential benefits that broader adoption of these features could bring about, including: 

What Are the Disadvantages of an ADAS Windshield?

Few in the auto or insurance industries would disagree that the benefits of ADAS systems outweigh all objections. Some consumers have reservations, however, which can lead to hesitancy in adopting ADAS. 

  • Some drivers worry they will be overwhelmed by warning systems or not know how to interpret them quickly enough to take action. 
  • Others fear that automated controls could cause new and even experienced drivers to become distracted if they believe the automated systems will avoid accidents. 
  • Still, for others, their concern is the higher price of repairs and insurance for vehicles with ADAS systems.

Why is ADAS Recalibration Necessary?

Twenty automakers have committed to make front crash prevention a standard feature on nearly all new cars no later than 2022. This means that even those who have been hesitant to adopt ADAS systems will soon find them the norm rather than the anomaly. Both early adopters and latecomers alike will need to learn how to service and maintain their ADAS system.  

ADAS Recalibration is necessary after several events, including (but not limited to): 

  • Airbag deployment
  • Collision repair
  • Changing tires or ride height
  • ADAS car camera replacement
  • Suspension repair 
  • Windshield replacement

After you replace your windshield or complete other repairs, your ADAS camera may be out of alignment. Without ADAS recalibration, your system may not operate as intended or could fail entirely. Not only does your ADAS system require recalibration after you replace or repair your windshield, but you also need to ensure that the replacement glass is compatible with your ADAS system.  

How Much Does ADAS Recalibration Cost?

The process and, therefore, the cost of ADAS recalibration is dependent on many factors. The vehicle’s make and model, ADAS features, and the type of recalibration necessary will influence the cost of ADAS windshield recalibration. ADAS recalibration requires specialized tools and training, so you need an experienced professional to do it. Luckily, many auto insurance plans cover some or all of the costs for ADAS windshield replacement and recalibration.

Where Can I Get ADAS Calibration in Flagstaff?

Living in Arizona means, sooner or later, you’re going to need to replace your windshield. Our highly-trained technicians at Inspector’s Auto are here to help when it happens. If you need ADAS windscreen installation in Flagstaff, our highly-trained team has the experience and expertise to do it masterfully and get you back on the road right away. 

We accept all insurance and have existing payment arrangements with insurance companies. So, instead of waiting for an estimate, you can bring your car in right away for repairs, and we’ll help with your insurance claim. Prefer to pay out of pocket? No problem. Give us a call and a few details, including the make, model, and model year of your vehicle, and one of our technicians will be happy to provide you with a quote.     

We offer free vehicle pickup and delivery within Flagstaff and back all of our work with a 100% workmanship guarantee. Call us at 928-774-1126 or schedule an appointment today to see why drivers in Flagstaff, Arizona, have been relying on Inspector’s Auto Appearance for auto glass repair and replacement since 1988.

Click to find out if your cracked window can be repaired or if you need to replace the windshield

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