Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are now standard on most new cars — and they often depend on cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield.
That means windshield replacement in 2025 isn’t just about installing glass. It’s also about calibrating your vehicle’s safety systems so they work correctly.
Why Calibration Matters
Many ADAS features rely on forward-facing cameras, usually mounted to the inside of the windshield near the rearview mirror. These cameras “see” the road, interpreting lane markings, traffic signs, and obstacles.
When your windshield is replaced, even a tiny shift in the camera’s position can throw off calibration, potentially causing the system to malfunction or fail to engage when needed. That’s why modern windshield replacement isn’t just about installing glass; it’s also about ensuring your vehicle’s safety systems are perfectly aligned
Even a tiny misalignment after replacement can cause ADAS features to malfunction. Shops now use static or dynamic calibration to restore proper camera positioning immediately after the new windshield is installed.
How the Industry is Changing
- Specialized Training: Technicians are learning manufacturer-specific ADAS procedures.
- Proper removal and installation of sensor-equipped windshields
- Calibration equipment operation
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) repair guidelines
- Understanding how different manufacturers design and program their ADAS
- Proper removal and installation of sensor-equipped windshields
- OEM-Compatible Glass: Many shops recommend OEM or certified aftermarket glass for accurate camera performance.
- OEM glass is manufactured to exact specifications, including camera mounting angles and optical clarity, which are critical for ADAS performance.
- OEM glass is manufactured to exact specifications, including camera mounting angles and optical clarity, which are critical for ADAS performance.
- Mobile Calibration: Service vans now carry portable calibration equipment for same-day repairs.
- Some companies equip their service vehicles with portable calibration rigs, allowing them to replace and calibrate windshields in a customer’s driveway.
- Some companies equip their service vehicles with portable calibration rigs, allowing them to replace and calibrate windshields in a customer’s driveway.
- Insurance Updates: Many insurers cover calibration as part of windshield replacement.
- They have started recognizing it as a safety necessity rather than an optional extra.
- They have started recognizing it as a safety necessity rather than an optional extra.
The Bottom Line
If your car has ADAS, choose a shop that can handle both windshield replacement and calibration. This ensures your safety features keep working as designed.
Use our free quote tool to get up to three localized windshield replacement quotes from trusted providers in your area.
