Tips & Advice
ADAS Calibration Cost 2025: What You'll Pay After Windshi
Blackout Window Tinting
6 min read
ADAS calibration costs $150-$400 after windshield replacement. Understand pricing, when it's required, and why skipping it is dangerous.
You replaced your windshield. The crack is gone. Job done, right?
Not so fast. If your car was built after 2015, there's a good chance you need ADAS calibration—and skipping it could mean your safety systems don't work when you need them most.
What Is ADAS Calibration?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are the cameras, sensors, and radar units behind your windshield that power features like:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Traffic sign recognition
These systems are calibrated to microscopic precision. When your windshield is replaced—even if it looks identical—the camera position shifts by millimeters. That's enough to throw off your entire safety system.
ADAS Calibration Cost Breakdown
| Vehicle Type | Typical Cost | Why It Varies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sedan (Honda, Toyota) | $150–$250 | Single camera, basic systems |
| Luxury sedan (BMW, Mercedes) | $250–$350 | Multiple sensors, complex systems |
| SUV/Crossover | $175–$300 | Similar to sedans, larger glass |
| Tesla (all models) | $250–$400 | Autopilot calibration, proprietary systems |
| Trucks | $150–$275 | Often simpler systems than luxury cars |
| Vehicles with HUD | +$50–$100 | Heads-up display alignment needed |
Note: These are calibration-only costs. Add to your windshield replacement price for total cost.
When Is ADAS Calibration Required?
Always Required After:
- Windshield replacement
- Any front camera removal or adjustment
- Front-end collision repair
- Suspension work affecting ride height
- Wheel alignment (for some systems)
Your Vehicle Needs Calibration If It Has:
Check for these features—if you have any of these, calibration is required:
| Feature | Common Names | Calibration Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic braking | Pre-Collision, Auto Emergency Brake | Yes |
| Lane keeping | Lane Assist, Lane Centering | Yes |
| Adaptive cruise | ACC, Dynamic Cruise | Yes |
| Forward collision | Front Collision Warning | Yes |
| Traffic sign reading | Speed Limit Assist | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Auto Wipers | Sometimes |
| Auto high beams | Automatic Headlights | Sometimes |
Not sure? Look for a camera mounted behind your rearview mirror or in the windshield area.
Two Types of ADAS Calibration
Static Calibration
How it works: The vehicle is parked in a controlled environment. Precise targets are placed at specific distances and angles. The camera system reads these targets and recalibrates.
Requirements:
- Level floor
- Controlled lighting
- Specific target placement (manufacturer-specified)
- Professional calibration equipment
Time: 30–60 minutes
Best for: Most vehicles, highest accuracy
Dynamic Calibration
How it works: The vehicle is driven on a road while the system recalibrates using road markings, signs, and surroundings.
Requirements:
- 20–30 minutes of driving
- Clear lane markings
- Specific speed requirements
- Good weather conditions
Time: 30–45 minutes of driving
Best for: Backup calibration, some older systems
Which Type Does Your Vehicle Need?
| Manufacturer | Calibration Type |
|---|---|
| Toyota/Lexus | Static preferred |
| Honda/Acura | Static required |
| Tesla | Dynamic (Autopilot self-calibrates) |
| BMW | Static required |
| Mercedes | Static required |
| Ford | Static or dynamic |
| GM (Chevy, GMC) | Static or dynamic |
| Subaru (EyeSight) | Static required |
| Mazda | Static preferred |
| Hyundai/Kia | Static preferred |
What Happens If You Skip Calibration?
This isn't about a warning light. It's about whether your car can save your life.
Real Consequences:
Lane assist aims wrong: Your car may steer you toward the lane edge instead of centering.
Emergency braking fails: The system may not recognize obstacles or may brake inappropriately.
Adaptive cruise malfunction: May follow the wrong vehicle or not maintain proper distance.
No warning before impact: Forward collision warning may not activate in time.
The Hidden Danger
Many systems appear to work even when miscalibrated. The lane assist activates, the warning lights function, the adaptive cruise engages.
But they're not working correctly. You won't know until the moment you need them—and by then, it's too late.
How to Know If Your Calibration Is Right
Warning Signs of Miscalibration:
- Lane departure warnings trigger when centered in lane
- Lane assist pulls slightly left or right
- Adaptive cruise brakes for no apparent reason
- Forward collision warning false alarms
- Traffic sign recognition reads wrong speeds
- System warning lights illuminated
After Proper Calibration:
- Systems work smoothly without false triggers
- Lane centering is accurate
- No warning lights on dashboard
- Calibration confirmed by diagnostic report
Choosing a Calibration Provider
Questions to Ask:
-
"Do you have OEM calibration targets?" — Generic targets may not meet manufacturer specs.
-
"Is your equipment manufacturer-approved?" — Autel, Hunter, and manufacturer-specific tools are standard.
-
"Do you provide a calibration report?" — Documentation proves the work was done correctly.
-
"Can you calibrate all my vehicle's systems?" — Some shops only do basic cameras, missing radar or additional sensors.
Red Flags:
- "Calibration isn't necessary for your car" (it almost always is)
- No documentation provided
- Can't explain the calibration type for your vehicle
- Significantly cheaper than market rates
ADAS Calibration at Blackout
We invested in proper calibration equipment because we were tired of sending customers elsewhere after windshield work.
Our process:
- Pre-scan — Document all ADAS systems and their current status
- Windshield replacement — OEM or quality aftermarket glass
- Static calibration — Using manufacturer-specified targets
- Post-scan — Verify all systems return "calibrated" status
- Road test — Confirm systems function correctly
- Documentation — Calibration report for your records
All-in pricing: We quote windshield + calibration together. No surprise fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does ADAS calibration take?
Static calibration takes 30-60 minutes after windshield installation. Dynamic calibration requires 30-45 minutes of driving.
Can I calibrate ADAS myself?
No. Calibration requires specialized equipment, precise target placement, and diagnostic software. This isn't a DIY job.
Does insurance cover ADAS calibration?
Many comprehensive policies include calibration as part of windshield replacement. Check with your insurer—most cover it fully.
Will the shop that replaced my windshield do calibration?
Some do, many don't. Mobile windshield services often can't perform static calibration (requires level floor and targets). Always confirm calibration is included.
My warning light came on after windshield replacement—is that calibration?
Likely yes. Most vehicles require calibration to clear ADAS-related warning lights after windshield work.
Get Your ADAS Calibrated Correctly
Don't trust your safety systems to shops that skip calibration. We include it with every windshield replacement that requires it.
📞 Get a windshield + calibration quote
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — on-site calibration equipment. View our auto glass services →
