Even a decade back, replacing a car windshield in Calgary was a straightforward experience. Now, depending on the type of car, the bill can be higher and the process more complex. That is partly due to the evolving car safety technologies. Modern SUVs and sedans, especially high-end models, come with advanced self-driving technologies. Different brands have different names for it, but they all automate basic driving tasks. 

When such cars need windshield replacements, they require recalibration. Only veteran car detail Calgary companies can cater to such tasks. 

The basics of self-driving tech

Modern cars come loaded with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, called ADAS in short. The feature set includes adaptive cruise control, proximity warning, automatic emergency braking, etc. Now, how do these advanced technologies function? They mostly rely on cameras and sensors to see the road.

Most such cars have one forward-facing camera mounted on the windshield. In some cases, multiple sensors may be embedded in or around the glass. These systems are always scanning the road, reading lane lines, and looking for vehicles. 

So, when you replace the windshield, you’re not just replacing glass. The entire car safety ecosystem is being replaced.

• Calibration is a must

After replacing the windshield in a feature-laden car, recalibration is a must. Car cameras are less forgiving, and a slight change in camera position can yield incorrect data readings. ADAS cameras need fine-tuning in static or dynamic procedures. The car detailing entity can determine which method works best for your model. 

• What adds to the cost?

Many factors increase the cost of replacing a car’s windshield on ADAS-equipped models. The windshield itself, with the right mounting brackets for the camera, costs a significant amount. You will have to pay more for than ordinary car windshield units. 

The technicians need to be precise, and that means a longer-than-usual installation time. The calibration process itself takes 1-2 hours. So, the technicians may charge more than usual. Even after the setup, they need to run diagnostics to ensure everything is running as intended. 

One small caveat is there. Many insurance policies cover windshield replacement, but not calibration costs. Always ask your insurance company about ADAS calibration coverage.

• Mistakes to avoid

There are a few issues you need to be careful about. Do not go for the cheaper aftermarket windshields. Yes, some aftermarket suppliers now offer “ADAS-compatible” glass, but you can’t be sure about the quality.

Do not skip the calibration part. Without it, your car’s safety system will run with incorrect data. You can get false proximity warnings. The automatic braking will be overactive and can also fail to work. The actual windshield replacement Calgary cost will depend on the model and the service center chosen. 

Summing it up

Modern car windshield replacement isn’t only about the glass anymore. You have to think of the integrated safety technology. It is costly, but failing to replace it properly will compromise your safety. Make sure you discuss all relevant factors with the experts before getting the job done.