Be careful when replacing the windscreen! ADAS systems must be recalibrated so they keep working properly

Replacing a broken windscreen may not seem, at first glance, very complicated. But this job must be carried out by specialist staff with the necessary training, because the safety technology fitted to today’s windscreens makes replacing one a fairly complex task.

More and more cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, the popular ADAS systems. These systems work thanks to the information they gather through several sensors, which are mainly mounted on the windscreen. For this reason, when a windscreen is replaced, the ADAS systems must be recalibrated, so that these sensors are precisely aligned to the exact position specified by the manufacturer.

ADAS systems in perfect condition: a guarantee of safety

ADAS driver assistance systems warn the driver of a risk or danger situation, so that they can react quickly and avoid it. If the driver does not react correctly, they can even take control of the vehicle to avoid an accident or reduce its consequences.

For this reason it is very important that they work with maximum precision. In this sense, their sensors must be kept in good condition and correctly calibrated so that the safety systems receive the right data at all times and act appropriately.

There are studies and videos showing that when sensors have not been recalibrated, or have been calibrated incorrectly, ADAS systems miscalculate distances and the car can cause a crash or a pedestrian collision.

The windscreen houses one of the most important ADAS sensors: the front camera, which captures images so that the onboard computer can interpret them and activate the appropriate function. For this reason, when a windscreen is replaced, the camera must be removed from the damaged windscreen, mounted on the new one, and the camera must be recalibrated so that it points in exactly the right direction.

The camera records images of the road and can identify obstacles on the road, vehicles travelling ahead of the car, or even detect vertical traffic signs, allowing driving to be adjusted to the needs of each moment. It is a very practical element, but also a very sensitive one.

Sometimes the camera may also be broken, in which case it must be replaced entirely. Even if it is a brand-new camera, it must also be recalibrated. It also requires that all checks are carried out to confirm that it works as it should and fulfils its function perfectly.

Only the best specialist workshops for car glass replacement have the technology needed to recalibrate ADAS sensors, with suitable facilities and staff who have the necessary training and experience to do it without problems on all types of car. All of this must be taken into account when choosing where to have your windscreen replaced, and you should make sure you have every guarantee that all ADAS systems will work correctly and safely.