Most modern vehicles carry a forward-facing camera behind the cowling near the interior mirror. It watches the road for the vehicle's safety systems - lane keeping, collision assist, adaptive cruise control - and it is aimed with enormous precision. Replace the windscreen and the camera is, in effect, looking through a new lens from a slightly different position. That is why it must be recalibrated to the manufacturer's specification.
What goes wrong if you skip it
A camera that is a fraction of a degree out can no longer be trusted. The systems may warn late, warn when there is nothing there, or quietly switch themselves off. The vehicle will often show no fault on the dashboard at all - which is exactly why manufacturers require a calibration, and why insurers and work providers expect to see the certificate on the job file.
What a calibration involves
- Set-up. The vehicle is positioned precisely on a level floor in front of manufacturer-specific target boards, or connected for a dynamic road calibration where the manufacturer specifies one.
- Calibrate & code. Genuine dealer software aligns the camera to the manufacturer's specification and confirms the result.
- Certification. You receive insurance-compliant certification - our technicians are AOM230 accredited and our process complies with UK Insurance Industry Requirements.
Where it happens
For drivers, the simplest route is one of our two walk-in calibration centres: Scunthorpe (DN15 6SF) and Rotherham (S60 1SG). For garages, bodyshops and windscreen fitters we can bring the calibration tools to your workshop, with same-day and next-day slots to keep vehicles moving.
Glass and calibration in one place
Our head office is based at the Motorway Windscreens ADAS Centre in Scunthorpe. If you need the windscreen as well as the calibration, our sister company Motorway Windscreens fits the glass and we calibrate the camera afterwards - one visit, done properly. Read more about camera calibration or radar calibration.
Just had a windscreen fitted? Call 01724 701 321 for a same-day slot at Scunthorpe or Rotherham, or send us the registration on WhatsApp and we will check what your car needs.