With 90% of new vehicles equipped with at least one ADAS feature, the demand for calibration services continues to grow exponentially.
For glass repair shops, offering ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibrations might seem like a hassle to bring in house.
The reality is that it’s an exceptional opportunity to offer calibrations. Many ADAS sensors and cameras operate through the front or rear windshields, glass repair shops are uniquely positioned to offer calibration services alongside their core business. All it takes is the right space and equipment.
In fact, just about every vehicles built after 2023 will require a calibration following a windshield replacement, making it a natural extension of your existing services. If you're considering adding calibration services to your glass shop's offerings, let's break down exactly what you need to know to get started.
Three types of windshield calibrations
When you boil it down, there are two main types of calibrations your shop will encounter: static and dynamic. Each serves a specific purpose and requires different tools and procedures.
But before diving into how to calibrate a windshield, let's address the foundational requirements:
Equipment requirements for window calibrations
- Manufacturer-specific targets and mounting systems
- Level floor space (minimum 25' x 40' recommended)
- Lighting control capabilities
- Calibration frame and target system
- Vehicle alignment system (recommended)
Static Calibration
Static calibrations are performed in a controlled environment. In other words, these are ones that happen inside your shop. This process requires:
- A level floor
- Controlled lighting conditions
- Specific target boards positioned at precise distances from the vehicle
- The vehicle to remain stationary throughout the process
Static calibrations are most common for forward-facing cameras mounted behind the windshield, which are critical for systems like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
Dynamic Calibration
As the name suggests, dynamic calibration requires the vehicle to be driven under specific conditions:
- Clean, well-marked roads
- Good weather conditions
- Specific speeds maintained for set distances
- Particular driving patterns
This type of calibration is often used for systems like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, though some manufacturers require dynamic calibration for windshield-mounted cameras as well.
Dual Calibration
Some systems may require only static or only dynamic calibration, while others require both (dual calibration).
Be sure to consult the Original Equipment (OE) service information or Revv for the specific calibration requirements. Procedures vary significantly between manufacturers and even between different models from the same manufacturer.
The importance of ADAS window calibration
There are high stakes behind making sure each ADAS component is calibrated properly.
Look at it this way.
A misaligned ADAS system can lead to a 6-foot discrepancy in object detection at just 65 feet away. This could be the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic collision.
Statistics show that the combination of Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems reduces rear-end crashes by nearly 50%.
But that’s only when they’re properly calibrated.
Calibrating ADAS components affected by glass or windshields
Proper calibration involves several critical steps:
1. Pre-Calibration Scan
Before any work begins, technicians must perform a comprehensive diagnostic scan of the vehicle. This involves documenting all existing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), thoroughly verifying that each system is functioning as intended, and creating a detailed inventory of all ADAS features present on the vehicle. This baseline assessment is crucial for both documentation and ensuring proper calibration. Keep in mind, not all issues will throw DTC errors.
2. Environmental Setup
The calibration environment must meet specific requirements for accurate results. This will change depending on the component and OEM requirements. In most cases, it involves establishing controlled lighting conditions that won't interfere with camera systems, confirming the floor is perfectly level for precise measurements, and ensuring there's sufficient clear space to position calibration targets at manufacturer-specified distances.
3. Vehicle Preparation
Proper vehicle preparation is essential for accurate calibration. Technicians must adjust tire pressures to exact specifications, ensure the fuel level meets manufacturer requirements (as this affects vehicle attitude), and position the vehicle precisely according to calibration specifications.
4. Calibration Process
During the actual calibration, technicians must meticulously follow manufacturer-specific procedures, which vary significantly between makes and models. This includes using the correct targets and tools for each specific system and maintaining detailed documentation throughout the entire process.
5. Post-Calibration Verification
The final step involves comprehensive verification of the calibration's success. This includes performing a complete system scan to verify proper calibration, conducting a thorough road test to confirm real-world functionality, and documenting all results for both customer records and potential insurance requirements.
Working with Insurance for Window Calibrations
Insurance companies increasingly recognize the necessity of ADAS calibration following windshield replacement. That said, getting reimbursed requires thorough documentation and proper justification.
A well-crafted calibration report serves as a bridge between your shop and insurance companies, often making the difference between quick payment and time-consuming disputes.
Your documentation package should include:
- Manufacturer documentation showing calibration requirements
- Pre-calibration scan results
- Post-calibration verification results
- Photographic evidence of the calibration setup and process
- Detailed documentation of all steps taken
- Line-by-line invoice with comprehensive cost breakdown
The relationship between the automotive industry and insuring said vehicles continues to evolve. There has been movement toward standardized pricing models. For example, some major insurers are establishing baseline costs through partnerships with national service providers.
While this trend continues, the best defense against denials remains thorough documentation backed by OEM position statements.
No insurer will have ground to push back on repairs required by the OEM for a safe and complete repair when properly documented.
Find all calibrations including windshields with the proper documentation
For glass shops looking to expand into ADAS calibration, having the right tools makes all the difference.
After all, the biggest challenge for shops entering the calibration business is identifying exactly which calibrations are required for each vehicle.
This is because technicians can spend hours sifting through fragmented sources like manufacturer documentation, aftermarket aggregators, and OEM procedures just to piece together enough information about a single calibration.
Some shops have found ways to overcome this time-consuming obstacle by using Revv ADAS. Take Essential Auto Calibration & Glass, for instance. They now handle over 300 ADAS repairs per month, showing what's possible with the right processes and tools in place.
How Revv Helps shops like Essential Auto
Revv streamlines the calibration process by:
- Automatically identifying required calibrations based on the vehicle and repair
- Providing detailed OEM documentation to support insurance claims
- Offering integrated workflow management
- Generating professional, customized invoicing
- Seamlessly integrating with existing estimating systems
With potential additional revenue of anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000 per job, investing in proper calibration equipment and documentation systems can help your shop stay competitive and grow your business.
Learn more about how Revv can help you build a successful calibration business by visiting our website or scheduling a demo today.
