If your vehicle was built in the last several years, there’s a good chance a camera sits behind the windshield, up near the rearview mirror. That camera runs safety features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. These features are part of what’s called ADAS, or advanced driver assistance systems.
When the windshield is replaced, that camera has to be recalibrated so it sees the road correctly again. There are two ways to do it: dynamic calibration and static calibration. Here’s what each one is, why it matters, and why Magic Glass does every static calibration inside our shop.
Why calibration is a safety requirement, not an option
The camera is aimed at the road through the windshield. A new windshield, even a perfect one, changes the camera’s position and view by tiny amounts. A camera that’s even slightly off can misjudge where the lane lines are or how far away the vehicle ahead is. That’s the system that may steer or brake for you.
That’s why, at Magic Glass, recalibration after a windshield replacement is never optional. If your vehicle needs it, we do it, every time. If a shop tells you calibration is optional, that’s a shop that isn’t putting your safety first.
What is dynamic calibration?
A dynamic calibration is done by driving the vehicle. Our technician connects a scan tool and drives on the road while the camera learns the lane markings and its surroundings. Because it happens on the road, we can do dynamic calibrations on-site, at your home, workplace or job site, when your vehicle calls for one.
What is static calibration?
A static calibration is done with the vehicle parked in front of calibration targets that are placed at exact distances and heights from the camera. To get it right, you need:
- a level floor, so the vehicle and targets line up correctly
- controlled lighting, with no glare or shadows confusing the camera
- precise measurements between the vehicle and the targets
Those conditions are hard to guarantee outside. A parking lot or driveway has slopes, sun glare, wind and weather. Some shops do static calibrations outside anyway, but the results aren’t as reliable. Magic Glass requires every static calibration to be done inside our shop, where we control the floor, the lighting and the measurements.
Which one does my vehicle need?
Your vehicle’s manufacturer decides which calibration it needs. You can’t choose it, and neither can the glass shop. Some vehicles need a dynamic calibration, some need a static calibration, and some need both. When you call, give us your VIN or your year, make and model, and we’ll tell you up front which calibration your vehicle needs and whether it can be done on-site or needs to come into the shop.
Pre-scan and post-scan
Before we start, we scan your vehicle’s computer for existing trouble codes. If there’s a pre-existing code that could affect the calibration, we tell you before we do the work, so there are no surprises. After the work, we scan again to confirm everything is working. Copies of both scans are available on request.
Why it helps to have one shop do both
All three Magic Glass shops do ADAS calibration in-house. Your windshield and its calibration are handled together by one local team. There’s no second appointment at a dealer and no wondering whether the camera was ever recalibrated.
Common questions
Does every vehicle need calibration after a new windshield?
No. Only vehicles with a camera or sensor mounted behind the windshield. If yours has one, calibration is required.
Can you come to me?
For a dynamic calibration, yes: our technician drives your vehicle to complete it. A static calibration has to be done in our shop.
Will my insurance cover it?
When your windshield replacement is covered, the required calibration is often part of the claim. We work with any insurance company, and our dedicated insurance specialist will confirm the details with your insurer.
Get ADAS calibration near you
Magic Glass shops in Lafayette, IN, Champaign, IL and Danville, IL are AGSC certified and do ADAS calibration in-house. Learn more about ADAS calibration at Magic Glass, or request a quote and a real person from your local shop will call you back.