Mandatory ADAS Calibration: Ensuring Safety After Windshield Replacement

Yes, absolutely. When a windshield is replaced, the camera's physical position and the glass's optical properties change. Nearly all automakers mandate recalibration, and NHTSA emphasizes this requirement. Skipping it creates a silent safety failure that could cause your safety systems to malfunction.

This is the most dangerous misconception. A misaligned camera typically will not trigger a warning light because the system is electrically functional—it's just pointing in the wrong direction. This creates a 'silent failure' where your safety systems appear to work but are actually compromised.

The impact is severe. Research shows that a misalignment of just 0.6 degrees reduces Automatic Emergency Braking reaction time by 60%. A 1-degree misalignment shifts the camera's focal point by 8 feet at a distance of 100 feet, causing the system to misinterpret the road.

There are two primary methods: Static calibration is performed in a workshop with the vehicle stationary, using perfectly level floors, controlled lighting, and manufacturer-specific targets. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle on well-marked roads at specific speeds while connected to a scan tool. Many vehicles require both.

While not federally mandated by law, it is mandated by vehicle manufacturers as part of their service requirements. Failure to perform manufacturer-required calibration constitutes negligence and can result in legal liability, with settlements exceeding $1 million in collision cases.