What Is ADAS and Why Does It Need Calibration?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are the safety features built into modern vehicles that help prevent accidents and assist with driving. Common ADAS features include:
- Lane departure warning — alerts you when you drift out of your lane
- Automatic emergency braking — applies brakes if a collision is detected
- Adaptive cruise control — adjusts speed based on the vehicle ahead
- Forward collision warning — warns you of an impending front-end collision
- Rain-sensing wipers — automatically activate wipers when moisture is detected
- Pedestrian detection — identifies pedestrians in your path
- Blind spot monitoring — alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot (some systems use windshield-mounted sensors)
Many of these systems use a forward-facing camera mounted to the inside of your windshield, typically behind the rearview mirror. When the windshield is replaced, the camera’s position shifts — even by a fraction of a millimeter. That shift is enough to throw off the system’s accuracy.
Without recalibration, your lane departure warning might trigger at the wrong time, your emergency braking might not activate when needed, or your adaptive cruise control might misjudge distances. These aren’t minor inconveniences — they’re safety risks.
How ADAS Calibration Works
After your new windshield is installed, our certified technicians perform ADAS recalibration using professional diagnostic equipment. There are two types of calibration:
- Static calibration is performed in our shop using a target board positioned at precise distances and angles in front of your vehicle. The camera system is recalibrated to factory specifications using the target as a reference point. This is the most common method and is completed as part of your windshield replacement appointment.
- Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at specific speeds on marked roads so the system can recalibrate itself using real-world lane markings and road conditions. Some vehicles require both static and dynamic calibration.
The specific calibration method depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. We determine the correct procedure for your vehicle before starting the replacement.
Which Vehicles Need ADAS Calibration?
ADAS features have become standard on most vehicles manufactured from 2018 onward. However, some vehicles from 2015–2017 also have ADAS systems, particularly higher trim levels. Common vehicles in Saskatchewan that require calibration after windshield replacement include models from Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and Volkswagen.
Not sure if your vehicle has ADAS? Call us at (306) 952-3580 with your year, make, and model — we can tell you in seconds.
What ADAS Calibration Costs — And Why SGI Often Covers It?
ADAS calibration typically adds $300–$800+ to the total cost of a windshield replacement, depending on your vehicle and the calibration method required.
This is one of the key reasons filing through SGI often makes financial sense — even with the $700 standard plate deductible. Here’s the math:
A windshield replacement for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 might cost $450 for the glass plus $400 for ADAS calibration — $850 total. With a $700 standard SGI deductible, SGI covers $150. But with a package policy deductible of $100, SGI covers $750 and you pay only $100.
When you file through SGI, ADAS calibration is included as part of the claim. You don’t pay separately for it — it’s billed to SGI along with the windshield replacement. Your only cost is your deductible.
Your Rates Won’t Be Affected
Filing a glass claim that includes ADAS calibration does not affect your SGI safety rating or insurance premiums. SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program only penalizes at-fault collisions and traffic convictions. Windshield damage from road hazards is not at-fault — regardless of whether the claim includes calibration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ADAS calibration required after every windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera or sensors mounted to the windshield, yes. Skipping calibration can result in ADAS features malfunctioning, which is both a safety risk and — in some cases — may not pass a vehicle safety inspection.
How long does ADAS calibration take?
Static calibration typically adds 30–60 minutes to your windshield replacement appointment. If dynamic calibration is also required, additional time is needed for a test drive.
Can I skip the calibration to save money?
We strongly advise against it. Uncalibrated ADAS systems can give false alerts, fail to alert when needed, or cause automatic braking and steering corrections at the wrong time. The safety risk is significant. When filing through SGI, calibration is included at no extra cost — there’s no financial reason to skip it.
Do you calibrate all vehicle makes and models?
We calibrate ADAS systems on all major makes and models sold in Canada. Our equipment supports the calibration procedures specified by each vehicle manufacturer.
What if my vehicle is older and doesn't have ADAS?
Then you don’t need calibration, and your windshield replacement is straightforward. Many vehicles from 2017 and older do not have windshield-mounted ADAS sensors. We’ll tell you upfront whether your vehicle requires calibration.
Book Your Windshield Replacement With ADAS Calibration
We verify your SGI coverage, replace your windshield, and perform ADAS calibration — all in one appointment.