How Does ADAS Impact Windshield Replacement Costs?

Windshields serve several important purposes. They protect the occupants of your car from wind, debris, rain, and other hazards, and provide a clear field of view so the driver can safely operate the vehicle. Windshields also provide critical structural integrity in the event of a collision or rollover. In modern vehicles, the windshield also houses the front ADAS camera, which allows for adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and more. 

Continuing our series on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), in this article we are going to take a look at modern windshields and how they house cameras that integrate with ADAS. We will also discuss how this impacts the cost of replacing a windshield on a modern car. Additionally, we will explore how front ADAS camera calibration is now an integral part of windshield replacement. 

Man removing smashed windshield from vehicle

ADAS Technology Overview

ADAS technology helps keep drivers safe on the road. ADAS utilizes a range of cameras, sensors, and radar systems as the “eyes” of the vehicle, allowing it to see what’s going on around you as you drive down the road. These systems work with each other to either alert the driver (passive ADAS) or step in and brake or steer for you (active ADAS). 

ADAS Windshield Camera

The primary ADAS component housed in the windshield of modern cars is a front-facing camera, which typically sits behind the rear-view mirror. This camera provides information to several ADAS systems including but not limited to:

  • Automatic high beams
  • Front collision warning
  • Automatic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control

Working in conjunction with other systems, the front ADAS camera keeps an eye on what’s happening in front of your vehicle as you drive. 

ADAS camera integrated with windshield of vehicle

Replacing a Windshield with an ADAS Camera is Expensive

Before the advent of ADAS technology, replacing a windshield was relatively simple. Nowadays, the cost has gone up significantly. If you have a cracked or broken windshield on a car equipped with ADAS, it’s not as simple as just replacing the glass. The system needs to be recalibrated. Depending on the car, this can drive the cost of a windshield replacement well over $1000. 

How Does Front ADAS Camera Calibration Work?

Recalibrating a front ADAS camera is kind of like a modern wheel alignment procedure, but requires specialized tools to do it properly. The vehicle is set up on a flat surface and positioned facing a mounted target which looks similar to a QR code. The front camera uses this target to calibrate itself and store the information in the vehicle’s computer, allowing the camera to have an accurate understanding of distance, objects, and potential hazards ahead of it on the road.

When Else is a Front ADAS Camera Calibration Required?

This article focused on ADAS camera recalibration in relation to a windshield replacement, but this procedure also needs to be done after a front-end collision, suspension repairs, or after a wheel alignment.

ADAS Services at Sun Automotive

As automotive technology advances, it is becoming difficult to complete even the most basic repairs on your own. Advances like ADAS help keep us safer while on the road, but in order to keep them working you need a shop you can count on. Sun Automotive has invested in the latest tooling to make ADAS recalibration a breeze. Whether you just replaced a windshield, need a wheel alignment, or did suspension work, when it’s time for ADAS recalibration you can trust Sun. 

With locations in Eugene, Springfield, and Junction City Oregon, Sun Automotive is conveniently located. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!