Windshield replacement and calibration is a large insurance claim in the United States, and Flagstaff Arizona is a prime spot. Loose rocks, strong winds, and a dry climate all contribute to a high rate of cracks and chips. If you live in the area, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to address glass issues (this includes windshield calibration).
Automotive technology is constantly evolving and windshields are no exception. In fact, they are a vital component to the safety of your vehicle. That means fixing and replacing them is a more complex process than it once was.
These days, newer model vehicles are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This involves other pieces of equipment that work in conjunction with your windshield.
Cameras, sensors, and additional mounted items can affect how your car functions and must be adjusted ( i.e. “calibrated”) whenever your windshield is replaced.
What is a Windshield Calibration?
If you’re wondering what is calibrating a windshield and how it’s required for replacement, you’ve come to the right place.
As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have made cars safer over the years, they must be maintained to work efficiently. Features like lane departure warnings and forward collision detection are complicated and delicate technologies.
In order to function safely, an ADAS system relies on sensors, cameras, and other equipment mounted to a car’s windshield. Calibration is a method of adjusting a system and realigning all of the parts.
When a windshield is replaced, the ADAS-related equipment (like cameras and sensors) is removed and then re-attached. A change of just one degree in a camera angle can have a large impact on the vehicle’s viewing area.
This is one reason why we calibrate windshields. It will affect how the car’s ADAS features work and the overall safety of the vehicle.
The calibration process will adjust and test all of the cameras and sensors on the windshield. This is to ensure everything is functioning properly after the windshield has been replaced. Without calibration, the ADAS features can malfunction, which can result in an accident.
Although it sounds simple, windshield calibration is a complex process that requires special training and equipment. The technicians at Inspector’s Auto Appearance are experienced with years of ADAS calibration using custom tools.
When it comes to windshield calibration cost, it varies greatly depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Generally speaking, an aftermarket OEM windshield will run anywhere from $250 to $500 depending on the features, and the calibration afterward can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 if completed by a dealer.
If you’re not sure about windshield calibration costs, it’s best to call and chat with our technicians. They can help you better estimate an out-of-pocket expense.
Does my Windshield need Calibration?
The simple answer is that any modern vehicle with an advanced driver assistance system will require windshield calibration at some point. For safety and peace of mind, you should always have your windshield recalibrated after every windshield repair and replacement.
In addition to recalibrating after a windshield replacement, the ADAS should also be recalibrated after any disconnect, fault code, change of suspension, or wheel alignment.
When you call to schedule a windshield calibration with Inspector’s Auto Appearance, you may be asked a few questions about your vehicle’s ADAS windshield features. Here is a list of the most common ADAS and driver’s assistance features:
- Rain sensing wipers
- Automatic headlights
- Heads-ups displays
- Shade band
- Forward collision alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assistance (LKA)
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Traffic sign recognition (TSR)
- Pedestrian detection (PD)
- Blind-spot monitoring
If you’re unsure of what type of ADAS features your car carries, Consumer Reports has a tool that helps determine which makes and models will most likely need windshield calibration, and when.
How Long Does a Windshield Calibration Take?
A windshield calibration starts with the camera aiming process. Our professionals work with your vehicle’s computer to optimize the camera alignment and ensure every shot is right on point. This entails restoring the system to the manufacturer’s specifications and testing it out to make sure everything has been calibrated correctly.
If a technician is running a dynamic calibration it may take a little longer. In this testing phase, the vehicle must be driven to recalibrate the camera. First, however, the technician must wait 30 minutes for the windshield to set before the calibration process can begin.
In most cases, an adhesive is used that allows you to drive shortly after installation. Some glues may require up to an hour-long wait for drying. Your technician will let you know exactly what to expect in terms of waiting.
In general, the calibration process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is completed at the same time as your window replacement. A window replacement can take anywhere from 1-2 hours so anticipate both time frames when scheduling an appointment.
Schedule a Windshield Calibration in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you’re searching “windshield calibration near me” in Flagstaff AZ, look no further. Inspector’s Auto Appearance specializes in everything needed for the entire calibration process. We’ll have your windshield replaced and calibrated quickly and efficiently, so you can get back on the road in no time.
To be fully prepared prior to scheduling, you may want to refer to the Consumer Goods guide above to determine exactly what type of ADAS features your vehicle has. You can also call the dealership if you’re not sure. Either way, this is not essential prior to your appointment, it’s simply for your knowledge.
It may also be a good idea to look into your insurance plan to better understand out-of-pocket costs. Since windshield calibration is a fairly new process, different plans cover it at different rates. We have a variety of payment agreements with each insurance company, so a quote is not necessary.
To schedule for a windshield replacement and/or calibration, simply give us a call and we will assist with any claim that needs to be made.
Does Inspector’s Auto Appearance Do ADAS Calibrations?
Flagstaff Arizona has some harsh living conditions and that’s never more apparent than when damage is done to your vehicle. Through no fault of your own, chips, dings, and cracks happen during normal operation. Auto glass is usually at the top of the list for replacement and that includes windshield calibration for newer vehicles.
Thankfully, repairing and replacing the glass is what we do! Inspector’s Auto Appearance staffs a team of highly-trained technicians that are well-versed in the calibration and safety aspects of your vehicle. Our locally owned and operated shop has been in operation for over 30 years.
If you have any questions at all about the cost or process of windshield calibration, call us today. We want you to be comfortable with everything we do here. Don’t forget to ask about our automotive detailing, vehicle accessories, and paint protection deals!
Click here to get five compelling reasons to tint your vehicle’s windows.
See also: 3 Best Classic Car Drives in Arizona
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