Camera calibration after replacing the windscreen: how it really works

  • Posted on
  • By Autoglas Concurrent
Camera calibration after replacing the windscreen: how it really works

There is a lot involved in replacing a car's windscreen. This is especially true for modern models, as many newer cars are equipped with numerous ADAS systems, which rely on the many sensors and the camera mounted behind the windscreen to function properly. If the camera is not calibrated correctly, this can have adverse consequences for the ADAS systems, which may then fail to work or work incorrectly. What exactly is the need for camera calibration after windscreen replacement, and can you skip this step when the windscreen of your car needs to be replaced?

Go directly to:

 

What are ADAS systems and how do they actually work?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System and is often referred to as a “driving assistance system” or “driving aid”. It is a relatively modern technology in which cameras and sensors in and around the car “assist” the driver while driving, thereby ensuring increased road safety. ADAS systems include traffic sign recognition (also abroad), emergency braking systems, Lane Keeping Assist (warning and/or correction when unintentionally changing lanes) and a system that intervenes when the driver shows signs of fatigue while driving.

 

This technology is constantly evolving. New ADAS systems are constantly being added to make driving easier, more pleasant and safer for the driver. Existing systems are also being continuously improved, and in recent years we have seen an increase in the number of sensors, resulting in even better results in traffic.

 

But how does it all work? Without going into too much technical detail, an average ADAS system works as follows:

  • The cameras, radar (front and rear of the car), lidar (in advanced systems) and sensors constantly collect information about what is happening outside the car.
  • This information is sent to the ECU, or electronic control unit, which constantly makes calculations to detect risks and hazards in good time.
  • Based on the calculation, the ADAS system issues a warning or the computer decides to intervene itself, and then takes action (such as emergency braking).

 

The importance of calibration for the functioning of ADAS systems

Correct calculation by the ECU is necessary for the correct intervention or warning. Correct calculation by the ECU requires the right information, which means that the sensors, radar systems and camera play a major role in the functioning of ADAS systems. This is where calibration comes into play, because only with the correct alignment of the sensors and correct calibration of the camera can the correct data be sent to the ECU, which then warns or intervenes in the best possible way. If the camera is slightly misaligned, this can cause the ADAS systems to intervene incorrectly, or the warning or intervention may come too late and an accident may already have occurred. A camera that deviates by just a fraction of a centimetre can deviate significantly 50 metres further on.

 

The impact of ADAS: facts and figures

  • A camera that is misaligned by just a fraction of a centimetre can deviate significantly 50 metres further down the road (source).
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) reduces single-vehicle, side and frontal collisions by 11% and injury accidents by 21% (source).
  • The use of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) can reduce the number of rear-end collisions by 45%, and in combination with Forward Collision Warnings (FCW) by as much as 55% (source).


These figures show that calibration is not only a technical necessity, but also a crucial contribution to road safety.

 

How exactly does calibration work?

When calibrating the camera, the vehicle data is first read out. This is a diagnostic report based on OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics report. The correct calibration setup is then placed, and the camera is calibrated using software and tools (adapted to the make and model). After a test drive and check, the camera is then recalibrated and the ADAS systems are working properly again.

 

How long this takes and what the costs are depends on the model and the situation. It usually takes less than an hour to complete.

 

Why is calibration necessary after replacing the windscreen?

When the windscreen is replaced carefully and attention is paid to the position of the camera, there is little chance of major deviations occurring that make calibration indispensable. In most cases, the change is very small and will have little impact on your ADAS systems. However, this means that there may be a change that, in some cases, could cause a (fatal) accident on the road. As today's drivers want to be able to trust and rely on their ADAS systems without worry, it is essential that these systems work flawlessly, which is why calibration is necessary after replacing the windscreen.

 

In addition, there is an insurance issue that we need to address. At present, no Dutch car insurers explicitly refuse to pay out under the policy in the event of incorrect calibration of the camera or failure to calibrate when replacing the windscreen. However, most policies do state that “the insured is obliged to keep the car in good condition and to have any defects repaired immediately if this could affect safety”. Having the camera calibrated obviously falls under this. This does not mean that the insurer will immediately refuse the claim, but it does mean that the insurance company can do so.

 
There are also car insurers in the United States (such as State Farm) that require a calibration report before paying out claims.
Although American situations do not always apply to the Netherlands, it cannot be ruled out that Dutch car insurers will also adopt this policy.
 

Even if you are not convinced of the usefulness of calibration after windscreen replacement, it is still wise to opt for it. Not only because you can then rely on your ADAS systems, but also because you can be sure that you will not have any problems with your insurance in the event of an accident after replacing the windscreen.

 

Choose a low-cost windscreen and windscreen replacement including calibration

Does your car's windscreen need replacing and you don't want to pay too much, but at the same time you want the best quality, calibration of the camera behind the windscreen and optimal ordering convenience? Then you've come to the right place. Our replacement windscreens are identical in quality to the original automotive glass, but the price is considerably lower. Thanks to our professional fitting partners, we can also offer windscreen replacement on-site. For camera calibration, you will need to come to the workshop, but this can always be done afterwards. Would you like to know more about the options or how we work? Please contact us so that we can help you personally.