The What and Why of Recalibration

Let’s face it, cars are ever-changing. Vehicles on the road today are smarter than ever, with handy new features that range from keyless entry to semi-autonomous driving. Many new safety features are controlled by your vehicle’s advanced safety systems. But what does that mean for you? Here’s a quick and easy guide to what those advanced safety systems do and how Safelite make sure they stay in working order for you!

What are advanced safety systems? What do they do?

Advanced safety systems are a complex array of sensors including a forward-facing camera connected to your vehicle’s computers. These computers control features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. These features are designed to act as a second set of eyes for you by reacting with split-second timing to keep you out of harm’s way.

How do advanced safety systems work?

Advanced safety systems rely on the forward-facing camera(s) mounted on your front windshield, typically near your rear-view mirror. As you drive, the camera continually analyzes the environment and activates safety features as needed.  A precise factory calibration enables the camera to protect you like a boss. Moving the camera, such as during a windshield replacement, requires that a professional perform a recalibration. 

What is recalibration?

Recali-what? Sounds confusing. Let’s make it simple then! Recalibration is the process of reteaching your forward-facing camera its placement against a known measurement– yep, the one connected to your vehicle’s advanced safety systems – to manufacturer specifications using precision technology. Your advanced safety systems must be recalibrated any time the camera is moved, during what we like to call a “recalibration event.” A windshield replacement, for example, would be a recalibration event, because the forward-facing camera is impacted while replacing the windshield.  Recalibrating the forward-facing camera keeps all those critical features we talked about earlier working as intended and is required by your vehicle manufacturer.

What does this mean for you? Well, the next time life throws a pesky rock or other calamity your way, our team of expert techs will not only replace your windshield but also recalibrate the forward-facing camera to ensure it works correctly – typically all in the same appointment. After all, “safe” is part of our name.