Why ADAS Recalibration Is Essential After Windscreen Replacement

What Is ADAS and Why Does It Use the Windscreen?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are the built-in safety helpers in most cars made after about 2018. Common ones include:



• Automatic emergency braking: stops the car if it detects a crash is coming.
• Lane departure warning or lane-keeping assist: alerts you or gently steers if you drift out of your lane.
• Adaptive cruise control: keeps a safe distance from the car in front by adjusting speed.
• Forward collision warning: beeps or flashes if you're too close to something ahead.
• Pedestrian detection: spots people crossing and can brake automatically.
• Rain-sensing wipers or auto headlights: These use smaller sensors on the glass.

Many of these features rely on a forward-facing camera mounted right behind the rear-view mirror or on the windscreen itself. The camera looks through the glass to read road lines, signs, vehicles, and people. The windscreen acts like a clear window for the car's eyes.

When the windscreen is replaced, the technician removes the old glass, cleans the frame, and bonds the new one in place. Even with careful work, the new glass can sit at a slightly different angle, height, or position. The camera bracket might need to be reattached, and tiny differences change where the camera points. The car's computer still thinks everything is in the old position, so the safety features can misread the road.

Why Calibration Is Required After Windscreen Replacement

Calibration realigns the cameras and sensors so they match the new windscreen exactly. It tells the car's computer: "This is where the road really is now."



Without it:

• The system uses old reference points that no longer match reality.
• Even a one-degree shift can mean the car thinks an object is metres away when it's much closer.
• Manufacturers (and safety guidelines) require it because the features are designed to work within very tight limits.

In Australia, including NSW, road safety rules and insurance standards require safety systems to work as intended. Skipping calibration can affect roadworthy checks, insurance claims, or even lead to problems if an accident happens and investigators check the vehicle's systems.

Calibration is almost always needed after a full windscreen replacement on cars with these features. Small chip repairs usually don't require it unless the damage is right where the camera sits.

The Step-by-Step Calibration Process

Calibration happens after the new windscreen is fitted and the glue has set enough for the car to be driven safely (usually 30–60 minutes curing time).

There are two main types:

Static calibration

Static calibration is done in a workshop or garage.

• The car is parked on a level surface.
• Special targets (big patterns like checkerboards or circles) are placed at exact distances in front of the car.
• A scan tool connects to the car's computer.
• The technician follows on-screen instructions to aim the camera at the targets.
• The system learns the new positions and saves the settings. This takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the car.

Dynamic calibration

Dynamic calibration was done while driving on a quiet road.

• The technician drives at a set speed (often 30–60 km/h).
• The car reads real road lines, signs, and markings.
• The system adjusts itself over 10–30 minutes. Some cars need both static and dynamic steps for full accuracy.

The whole extra time is usually 1–2.5 hours. Modern scan tools and software make it faster than a few years ago. You wait at the workshop, or some mobile services do it at your home or work if conditions allow. After calibration, the technician tests the features (like lane assist or braking warning) to confirm everything works.

Common Signs Your Car Has ADAS That Needs Calibration

Not every car requires this step. Check these:



• Your car was made in 2018 or later (most new models have at least one camera).
• You have buttons or displays for lane assist, auto braking, adaptive cruise, or pedestrian alerts.
• There's a small camera behind the rear-view mirror or on the windscreen top edge.
• Your owner's manual mentions "forward collision warning," "lane departure prevention," or similar.
• The dashboard shows icons for these features when you start the car.

If your car has none of these, calibration is not needed. For older models or basic cars without these systems, a windscreen replacement is straightforward.

What Really Happens If You Skip Calibration?

Skipping it might seem like a shortcut, but the risks are serious:

• Safety features become unreliable or stop working. Automatic braking might not activate soon enough, or it brakes for no reason. Lane assist could pull you the wrong way or ignore drifting.
• False warnings or no warnings at all. The car might beep constantly for imaginary hazards, or stay silent during a real danger.
• Increased chance of accidents. Studies and safety groups show misaligned systems can add metres to stopping distances or misjudge lane positions.
• Dashboard warning lights appear. Many cars detect the problem and show error messages or turn off the features completely.
• Insurance and legal issues. If an accident occurs and the ADAS was not calibrated after replacement, insurers might question the claim. In serious cases, it could affect fault decisions.
• Warranty problems. Manufacturer warranties for safety systems often require proper calibration after repairs.

A small angle error can make the system think a stopped car is farther away, meaning braking starts too late. At highway speeds, that delay can be the difference between stopping in time and not.

How Much Does Calibration Cost in Australia (Including NSW)?

Costs vary by car make, model, and location, but typical ranges in 2026:

• Basic static calibration: $150–$350
• Static + dynamic: $250–$600
• Complex vehicles (luxury brands or multiple sensors): $400–$900+

Many windscreen services include it in their replacement quote when needed. Mobile technicians in Sydney, Western Sydney, or other areas often charge the same as workshop prices since they bring the tools.

Get quotes from 2–3 places. Ask: "Does this include full ADAS calibration for my model?" Send photos of your windscreen area so they know if cameras are present. Insurance often covers it under comprehensive policies with little or no excess for glass claims; check your policy.

How to Choose a Reliable ADAS Calibration Service

Not every windscreen shop is properly equipped to handle ADAS recalibration. Because these systems are precision-based, the service provider you choose matters just as much as the glass itself.

Look for technicians who:

• Use professional scan tools and manufacturer-approved software compatible with your specific make and model
• Follow Australian Standards and the vehicle manufacturer’s calibration procedures
• Provide a detailed calibration report or certificate once the work is complete
• Perform system testing before handing the vehicle back to you
• Offer warranty coverage on both the windscreen installation and the calibration work
• Clearly explain whether your vehicle requires static calibration, dynamic calibration, or a combination of both

Be cautious of any provider who says calibration is optional on a vehicle known to require it. In most modern cars with forward-facing cameras, it is a mandatory safety step.

Practical Tips to Avoid Issues After Replacement

A few simple steps can help you avoid unnecessary delays or safety risks:



• Provide your vehicle’s make, model, and year when booking so the shop can confirm calibration requirements in advance
• Take clear photos of the original windscreen damage and the new installation for your records
• After collection, test key safety features in a safe environment such as a quiet road to confirm lane assist and warnings operate normally
• Keep your owner’s manual accessible as it often outlines when recalibration is required
• If new dashboard alerts appear after replacement, return to the installer immediately for inspection

Being proactive helps ensure your safety systems continue to function as intended.

Do Not Skip This Safety Step

Windscreen replacement on modern cars is more than just new glass; it's about keeping all your safety features working correctly. Calibration might add time and cost, but it's a small price compared to the risk of unreliable braking, lane guidance, or warnings.

If your car has ADAS features, plan for calibration every time the windscreen is replaced. Ask questions, get clear answers, and choose a service that treats it as standard. You'll drive away knowing your car sees the road the way it should, clearly and accurately. Check your windscreen today. If replacement is coming up, factor in this important step. Safe driving starts with systems you can trust.