Windscreen Recalibration Checklist

From covering a driver’s blindspots to alerting them of hazards, most modern cars have some kind of camera or driving assistance technology in place.

Almost all vehicles manufactured from 2016 onwards have these things in place, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) among the most common. Vehicles that are equipped with ADAS enhance the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users as well as promoting good driving habits. 

This includes applying emergency brakes should a pedestrian step in front of the vehicle, warning drivers if they’re straying out of their lane and helping prevent accidents by alerting drivers when other vehicles are in their blind spots.

However, there will be occasions when this system will require some maintenance in the form of windscreen recalibration, in order to keep it working effectively.       

What is Windscreen Calibration? 

ADAS and similar systems use a group of cameras and radar systems that are mounted inside a car’s windscreen, to give a comprehensive view of the road around your vehicle. An ADAS or windscreen calibration is important, especially after a windscreen replacement or major repairs, as the cameras and sensors can become misaligned. 

This means they won’t be able to function as intended, compromising safety and performance. The windscreen calibration will use technology and specialist equipment to correct any disruption, ensuring the camera angles and positioning are in the correct place for your car’s make and model.   

Signs a Vehicle’s Windscreen Needs Recalibration 

If your car has an ADAS or similar system in place, it’s important that it receives regular maintenance.  

There are a number of signs to look out for that might indicate that it’s time for windscreen calibration. The most obvious time to book in a recalibration is following a windscreen repair. If you’ve recently had a windscreen replacement or significant repairs in that area of the vehicle, you’ll need to recalibrate your ADAS system to make sure it is aligned properly and working at its best.

While this is the main time you should make sure a recalibration is done, there are other occasions when it might be necessary.

These include:

• A warning sign on your dashboard
• Following a minor collision
• The camera becomes disconnected or damaged 
• Following wheel realignment 
• Changes to your car’s suspension 

If you have any concerns or queries regarding whether or not your vehicle requires windscreen recalibration, be sure to talk to your local garage. They’ll be able to provide you with a thorough guide to ADAS and help meet your vehicle’s needs.

What Does Windscreen Calibration Affect?

If your ADAS system does come misaligned in any way, it can impact a whole host of elements in your car. Among other things these include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Parking / Park Assist
• Blind Spot Awareness
• Collision Avoidance System
• Driver Monitoring System 
• Emergency Driver Assistant 
• Lane Change Assistance 
• Pedestrian Protection System
• Traffic Sign Recognition 

If any of these things become damaged or misaligned in any way, it can increase the likelihood of an accident. Small changes in the camera can have big consequences, so you should make sure the system is calibrated properly at all times.  

Windscreen Recalibration Checklist 

If you’ve booked in your windscreen camera for recalibration, there are a few things you need to bear in mind before you drop off your vehicle at your local garage. To help you remember, The Windscreen Company has put together a windscreen recalibration checklist, so you’re prepared for the service.

• Remove any additional loading – it’s important that you remove any additional loading from your vehicle prior to the recalibration. This includes external racking, roof racking and canopies. If you own a commercial vehicle where these extra loads cannot be removed or are permanently installed, they can remain in place.
• A full tank of fuel – for some cars it’s necessary to have a full tank of fuel for the windscreen recalibration. This is because it will help the cameras and sensors be recalibrated accurately and to the correct specifications of the manufacturer. Check with your garage whether this will be required for your vehicle.
• Full size wheels – all of your vehicle’s wheels must be full sized if the recalibration is to be a success. Make sure all four tyres have the correct tyre pressures in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Your car’s manual should help you with this.
• Electric vehicles – if you own an electric vehicle, make sure it has plenty of charge. Ideally, the battery will be fully charged, but enough to cover 100 miles will be sufficient. 

At The Windscreen Company, our team can help your ADAS work to its full potential. Offering both dynamic and static windscreen recalibration, our team regularly helps enhance the safety of road users throughout the South East, including Essex, Ipswich and other parts of Suffolk. So if your vehicle needs a windscreen recalibration or any other kind of windscreen repair or maintenance, get in touch with the team today.

The Windscreen Company

+ posts

The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

• How to Drive Safely in Winter
• Does Rubbing a Potato on Your Windscreen Actually Work?
• How to Keep Your Car Warm in Winter
• How to Properly De-ice Your Windscreen