Why ADAS Calibration Isn’t Optional After a Windshield Replacement

Modern vehicles are packed with cameras, radar, and sensors that help keep you in your lane, warn you of danger, and even brake for you. That’s your ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) at work. But those systems only function correctly when perfectly calibrated.

If your windshield gets replaced and that forward-facing camera isn’t re-calibrated, your safety features might be pointing at the wrong part of the road. A one-degree misalignment at 30 feet can mean half a meter of error — enough for your vehicle to miss a lane line or brake when it shouldn’t.

Why It Matters

When we replace a windshield, we’re also touching the 'eyes' of your vehicle. Even a millimeter shift in glass angle or adhesive height can throw the camera off. That’s why ADAS calibration isn’t optional —it’s how your car regains its factory-level precision.

• False braking or missed warnings

• Lane-keeping assist that drifts

• Adaptive cruise control that misjudges distance

• Insurance or warranty issues if OEM calibration is skipped

Static vs. Dynamic Calibration

There are two ways calibration happens: static and dynamic. Static calibration is performed in-shop or mobile using targets and lasers. Dynamic calibration is done on the road to confirm everything reacts correctly while driving. Most vehicles need one or both, depending on manufacturer specs.

At GOATS Auto Glass, we perform both — right after installation — ensuring your cameras and sensors see the road exactly how the factory intended.

What It Costs (and Why Insurance Usually Covers It)

Basic camera recalibration runs about $150–$300, while advanced multi-sensor systems can range up to $1,000 or more. Most insurance companies cover calibration when it’s tied to a windshield replacement, as long as it’s done by a certified shop that documents everything.

Don’t Cut Corners

Skipping calibration is like driving with a blindfold and hoping for the best. If your vehicle came with ADAS, calibration isn’t optional — it’s part of keeping your safety systems alive. At GOATS Auto Glass, every ADAS-equipped windshield replacement gets a full OEM-compliant calibration before it leaves our hands. No shortcuts, no guessing — just precision and peace of mind.