It is forecasted that the number of replacements with windshield-mounted sensors will increase to 3,000,000+ by 2020

As of September 2015, 10 auto manufacturers committed to making Automatic Emergency Breaking a standard feature on all cars. These manufacturers accounted for ~57% of US auto sales in 2014

As of December 2015, NHTSA is adding ADAS to their New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Rating) & vehicles must have ADAS to receive a 5-Star rating

Calibration is the process of returning a vehicle's ADAS to OEM specifications

Calibration is necessary after a new glass installation, particularly a windshield with a camera mounted to it, to ensure that the ADAS features continue to function properly despite having been moved during installation

A vehicle's computer relies on the cameras/radars/lasers used by the ADAS being in the correct alignment to function properly, but does not automatically adjust them itself

Calibration guides the vehicle's computer & ensures these systems are working properly

When a windshield is replaced, the camera should be removed from the bracket & unplugged from the car. After the replacement is completed, the camera needs to be reattached & recalibrated. If this is not performed by the installer, consumers will have to go to the dealer to have the vehicle calibrated*

*Even a camera that has not been unplugged from the car needs to be recalibrated to ensure proper functionality of the ADAS features & minimize the potential liability of the installer

It is important to consider the impact that not offering calibration could potentially have on your business

If a car's ADAS is not properly calibrated, the system may not function safely

If the cameras/radars/lasers on the vehicle are off by even a few millimeters they may not give accurate readings and the system may not function properly, leaving the installer with potential liability

Depending on the type of calibration & the specific vehicle, calibration can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3+ hours.

If a consumer chooses not to have you calibrate their vehicle after an installation, remind them that their ADAS features may not function properly without the calibration and encourage them to reconsider having it done by you, or at least by their dealer

You may choose to ask any consumer who does not want the calibration sign a statement acknowledging their decision & that they understand the potential risks involved in not having their vehicle calibrated

There is less risk in calibrating cars with ADAS cameras than the risk associated with replacing the windshield and not recalibrating the camera

The only way to avoid risk altogether is to not replace windshields with ADAS features. Which given the predicted growth of this technology - is not advisable