Windshield Repair in Houston & Windshield Calibration

Need windshield repair in Houston for your newer car? Chances are you will need calibration services from certified auto glass experts. In this article, we will go over some information on windshield calibration, when you might need these services, and some other helpful information. 

You May Need Windshield Calibration After Windshield Repair in Houston

lower part of windshield after windshield repair in Houston

After windshield repair in Houston, we may need to calibrate sensors near the windshield for your car’s ADAS features.

If you’re repairing or replacing your Houston auto glass, you might need calibration services as well. As driving safety features continue to get more sophisticated and technologically advanced, many cars today have systems that will require recalibration after things like windshield repair, windshield replacement, and even minor accidents. 

Cars with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) typically need some type of calibration after windshield repair in Houston. Some common ADAS features include:

  • Lane keep assistance
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Collision warnings
  • Parking assistance
  • Headlight control
  • Automatic windshield wipers

As you may have noticed, many cars today come with at least one of these features as a standard offering. Therefore, there’s a good chance you’ll need calibration for these features on your car after auto glass services. 

What is Windshield Calibration? Why is it Important After Windshield Repair in Houston?

Now, you might be wondering what windshield calibration is. Essentially, this is a service performed to ensure the ADAS features on your car work properly. Most ADAS systems rely on sensors and cameras throughout the vehicle, including in the windshield. Typically these sensors and cameras look through the windshield in a very specific way to enact the safety features. For example, giving you a lane departure warning or turning on your automatic windshield wipers. A difference of even just a few millimeters can cause these systems to malfunction. This can not only make them inoperable, but could even create safety risks while you’re driving. 

Recalibrating the windshield helps you avoid these issues. This is where your technician adjusts the sensor and camera settings near the windshield as needed to ensure they work properly. Two common reasons you might need recalibration is if you need windshield repair in Houston or if you replace the windshield. However, there may be other situations where you need calibration, such as if the cameras or sensors go offline or if your car shows an error code for the systems. 

After windshield repair or replacement, there may be slight differences in the windshield, whether it’s slight position changes, color changes, or clarity differences that can affect the ADAS sensors and cameras. Remember, even just a couple millimeters of a difference can affect how the ADAS features function. Because of this, it’s necessary to calibrate the car any time you repair or replace the windshield.

How Does Calibration After Windshield Repair in Houston Work?

Windshield calibration is different for each car. It’s important to follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines for recalibration after windshield repair in Houston. Your technician uses approved methods from the manufacturer to recalibrate the ADAS systems. While each car’s calibration methods are slightly different, there are two basic types: static and dynamic. 

Static Calibration

Static calibration is where the car stays stationary during calibration. This happens while parked in the shop after windshield repair in Houston. As we mentioned, the process is a little different for every car. However, typically it involves using a tool for calibration. The tool includes using specially designed targets set at specific heights, distances, and positions for the car. Then, the sensors are set to a calibrate mode so they can readjust as needed to suit the newly replaced or repaired windshield. 

Dynamic Calibration

Dynamic windshield calibration involves driving the vehicle to recalibrate the sensors and cameras. Generally this process uses a small device plugged into the vehicle while the technician drives a specific distance, at a specific speed, and in good weather conditions. Typically the technicians must also drive only on roads with clear road markings. This is to help the sensors recalibrate themselves while driving on real roads under real conditions. 

Does Calibration Affect the Cost for Windshield Repair in Houston?

If you need recalibration after windshield repair in Houston, then this does take additional time, training, and specialized equipment. In some cases, it may also be necessary to have two technicians working on calibration services at the same time for safety and proper calibration. Therefore, it can increase the cost of your Houston auto glass services if you have ADAS features in your car. However, it is a necessary part of keeping your car safe. Also, keep in mind that sometimes auto insurance companies will cover the costs of recalibration after you meet your deductible. Our team can help you explore your options and find the most practical and cost-effective solutions for you. 

Houston and The Woodlands Windshield Repair Solutions at Apple Glass

Cars with ADAS features like lane keep assist and automatic braking will likely need recalibration after windshield repair in Houston. Our team at Apple Glass Company is dedicated to keeping you and your passengers safe through high quality auto glass services. Whether you need repairs or replacements, we offer comprehensive service to help you get back on the road as fast as possible. Our team offers both in-shop and mobile services to meet your needs. When you need Houston or The Woodlands windshield repair, you can rely on our experienced auto glass technicians for the job. Get in touch now for a free quote or simply visit one of our convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands.

This entry was posted in Auto Glass, Auto Glass Repair, Auto Safety Technology, Windshield Repair, Windshield Technology. Bookmark the permalink.

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