If your car has a camera behind the rear-view mirror, replacing the windscreen may require ADAS recalibration. This realigns and checks the camera against the vehicle maker specification so driver-assistance features can interpret the road correctly.
Information checked: 16 October 2026.
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. A forward-facing camera near the top centre of the windscreen may support lane keeping, traffic-sign recognition, collision alerts, automatic emergency braking or adaptive lighting. Calibration is the controlled alignment and software-guided checking of that camera; it is not simply clearing a fault code.
The camera reads the road through the glass and is mounted in a precise position. A replacement can alter its angle slightly. PG Glass South Africa warns that even a small misalignment can affect performance and says affected systems should be returned to manufacturer specification after replacement.
Look for a camera housing behind the rear-view mirror, but do not rely on appearance alone. Equipment varies by year, derivative and option pack. Ask the fitment centre to identify the correct glass and procedure from the VIN.
Static calibration uses precisely positioned targets and diagnostic equipment in a controlled workshop area. Floor level, lighting, tyre pressures and vehicle position may matter.
Dynamic calibration uses diagnostic equipment while the vehicle is driven under manufacturer-specified conditions. Some vehicles need both. Bosch guidance confirms that static and dynamic procedures may be used separately or together.
Safety warning: Do not reposition the camera, alter its bracket, cover its viewing area or attempt DIY calibration. ADAS never replaces attentive driving, and a warning-free dashboard does not prove correct alignment.
Repair may be possible, but the decision depends on damage size, depth, position and manufacturer requirements. Damage in the camera viewing area may make replacement necessary. Use a qualified glass technician rather than drilling, filling or polishing it yourself.
Check windscreen markings, look for a disturbed camera housing and request invoices for previous glass work. A professional diagnostic and calibration check is sensible if the glass was replaced without supporting records.
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