ADAS Systems: Calibration, Safety, and Your Windshield

Your modern vehicle uses ADAS Systems (Cameras, Radars, and Sensors) for crucial safety functions like automatic braking and lane assist.

The main camera for these systems is mounted on the windshield. If we replace the glass, the camera moves, misaligning its safety calculations.

At HV Auto Glass Denver, we guarantee both glass replacement and the precise calibration of your ADAS sensors. Your safety is our priority.

The calibration of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sensors is essential for safety and must be performed in the following five key situations:

Windshield Replacement: The ADAS front-facing camera is mounted on the windshield, so any replacement requires immediate recalibration.

Collision or Impact: Any bump, even minor, to the body or bumper can knock the radars and sensors out of alignment.

Warning Lights: If an ADAS indicator light (such as LKAS or FCW) illuminates on the dashboard, it signals a potential failure or misalignment that must be addressed.

Suspension or Alignment Work: When modifying the vehicle's geometry or height, the sensors must be readjusted to the new position.

Component Disconnection: If cameras, side mirrors with sensors, or any ADAS components are disconnected or replaced.

In short: Any event that physically moves or affects the vision of the vehicle's cameras and radars requires professional calibration to ensure safety systems function accurately.

Steps to Calibrate ADAS Sensors

ADAS sensor calibration requires specialized equipment and technical expertise. The process involves two main methods (Static and Dynamic), depending on the vehicle and sensor type.

1. Vehicle and Station Preparation

Initial Inspection: Confirm there are no active Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and that the wheel alignment is within manufacturer specifications.
Leveling: The vehicle and the calibration station must be perfectly level, often verified using high-precision measuring tools.
Load and Tires: The fuel level and tire pressure must be set to the manufacturer's recommended levels to ensure the correct vehicle height.
Target Placement (Static Calibration Only): Manufacturer-specific targets are placed at precise distances and angles in front of the vehicle.

2. Static Calibration (Shop-Based)

This method is performed indoors at the shop and is common for front-view cameras.

Vehicle Connection: The OEM diagnostic tool (or an equivalent advanced tool) is connected to the vehicle's OBD-II port.
Initiate Process: The calibration routine is activated via the software.
Camera Adjustment: The system reads the position of the placed targets and electronically adjusts the camera's angle (known as the Field of View) so its line of sight aligns perfectly with the vehicle's centerline and direction of travel.

3. Dynamic Calibration (On-Road)

This method is performed while driving and is common for radar sensors and some cameras.

Connection and Setup: The diagnostic tool is connected, and the calibration mode is initiated.
Driving Conditions: The technician drives the vehicle at a specific speed (often between 20 mph and 60 mph), under suitable traffic conditions (clear lane markings), for a specific time or distance (e.g., 10–20 minutes).
Automatic Process: The vehicle's computer uses the movement to "learn" the sensor's position and orientation, automatically completing the calibration.

4. Final Verification

Post-Scan: A final diagnostic scan is performed to confirm that no new error codes were generated during the process and that the calibration was completed successfully.
Test Drive: A test drive is conducted to verify that the ADAS systems (like adaptive cruise control) are functioning correctly and safely.

Get Your Windshield Replaced Today!

Don’t wait until a small crack turns into a bigger problem. Call HV Auto Glass Denver today at (720) 232-0320 or (720) 840-2982 to schedule your windshield replacement.

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