ADAS Calibration After Windscreen Replacement: What Singapore Drivers Need to Know

Modern vehicles are becoming smarter and safer with the help of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features such as Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control are now found in many vehicles on Singapore roads.

However, many vehicle owners may not realise that some of these safety systems rely on a camera mounted behind the front windscreen.

This means that when your windscreen is replaced, your vehicle may require ADAS calibration to ensure that the camera continues to accurately detect road markings, vehicles and objects ahead.

What Is ADAS?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These systems use cameras, radar and other sensors to help support the driver while driving.

Depending on the vehicle model and equipment, ADAS may include:

• Lane Departure Warning

• Lane Keep Assist

• Forward Collision Warning

• Automatic Emergency Braking

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Traffic Sign Recognition

• High Beam Assist

• Pedestrian Detection

Many modern vehicles, including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and newer petrol and diesel models, are equipped with one or more of these technologies.

The systems are designed to assist drivers, but they depend on accurate information from the vehicle's sensors and cameras.

Where Is the ADAS Camera Located?

In many vehicles, the forward-facing ADAS camera is located behind the front windscreen, usually around the area near the rear-view mirror.

The camera looks through the windscreen to detect information such as:

• Lane markings

• Vehicles ahead

• Road boundaries

• Pedestrians

• Traffic signs

• Other objects on the road

Because the camera is mounted in relation to the windscreen and the vehicle, even a small change in its position or viewing angle may affect how the system interprets the road.

Why Is ADAS Calibration Important After Windscreen Replacement?

A windscreen replacement involves removing the original glass and installing a new windscreen. During this process, the camera and its mounting position may be disturbed or repositioned.

The replacement windscreen may also have slightly different optical characteristics or positioning compared with the original glass. As a result, the ADAS camera may need to be recalibrated according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

ADAS calibration is the process of checking and adjusting the camera or relevant sensors so that they are correctly aligned with the vehicle.

The objective is to ensure that the ADAS system can accurately interpret the road environment.

Does Every Windscreen Replacement Require ADAS Calibration?

Not every vehicle has the same ADAS system or calibration requirements.

Whether calibration is required depends on factors such as:

• The vehicle make and model

• Whether the vehicle has a forward-facing ADAS camera

• The position of the camera

• The type of windscreen installed

• The vehicle manufacturer's calibration requirements

• Whether the camera or its mounting position was disturbed

For this reason, vehicle owners should not assume that ADAS calibration is unnecessary simply because no warning light appears on the dashboard.

The correct procedure should be determined based on the specific vehicle and its ADAS system.

What Happens If ADAS Is Not Calibrated?

If calibration is required but not carried out correctly, the ADAS camera may not be accurately aligned with the vehicle's actual position on the road.

This could potentially affect the operation of driver assistance features such as:

• Lane keeping assistance

• Lane departure warning

• Forward collision warning

• Automatic emergency braking

• Adaptive cruise control

In some cases, the vehicle may display a warning message or disable certain ADAS functions. In other situations, the vehicle may not immediately display an obvious warning.

This is why a proper windscreen replacement process should consider not only the glass itself, but also the technology connected to it.

What Is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic ADAS Calibration?

The calibration method depends on the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.

Static Calibration

Static calibration is usually carried out in a workshop using specialised targets and equipment.

The vehicle is positioned in a controlled environment, and the ADAS camera or sensor is aligned according to specific measurements.

Dynamic Calibration

Dynamic calibration involves driving the vehicle under specific conditions so that the vehicle's system can learn or recalibrate itself while detecting road conditions.

Some vehicles may require static calibration, dynamic calibration or a combination of both.

The correct method depends on the specific vehicle model and manufacturer's requirements.

Why the Windscreen Itself Matters

ADAS calibration is not only about adjusting the camera.

The windscreen is part of the camera's viewing path. The quality, shape and optical properties of the glass can affect what the camera sees.

A windscreen replacement for a vehicle equipped with ADAS should therefore take into consideration:

1. The correct windscreen specification

2. Proper installation

3. Correct camera and bracket positioning

4. The vehicle's ADAS calibration requirements

5. Verification that the system is functioning properly after the replacement

This is particularly important for newer vehicles with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies.

What Should You Ask Before Replacing Your Windscreen?

If your vehicle has a camera mounted behind the windscreen, consider asking the workshop:

• Does my vehicle require ADAS calibration after windscreen replacement?

• Is the replacement windscreen suitable for my vehicle's ADAS system?

• Will the camera be checked after the windscreen replacement?

• What type of calibration does my vehicle require?

• Is calibration carried out using the appropriate equipment for my vehicle?

• Will the calibration result be verified after completion?

As vehicle technology continues to develop, a windscreen replacement is no longer simply a matter of removing damaged glass and installing a new one.

ADAS Calibration in Singapore

For vehicle owners in Singapore, ADAS calibration is becoming increasingly relevant as more vehicles are equipped with advanced driver assistance technology.

If your windscreen is cracked or damaged, it is important to identify whether your vehicle has an ADAS camera before proceeding with replacement.

At Glass-Fix, our windscreen replacement service includes consideration of ADAS requirements for vehicles equipped with camera-based driver assistance systems. Our technicians can assess the vehicle's windscreen and ADAS setup to determine whether calibration is required after replacement.

We provide windscreen replacement and ADAS calibration services for vehicle owners in Singapore.