5 ADAS Myths Colorado Drivers Believe (And the Truth)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become standard equipment on most vehicles built since 2018, yet many Colorado drivers don't fully understand what these systems are, how they work, or what happens when their windshield is replaced. This lack of understanding has created a minefield of myths and misconceptions - some merely incorrect, others potentially dangerous. Let's separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: "My Car Doesn't Have ADAS"

This is the most common myth we hear, and it's understandable. Many drivers don't realize the features they use daily are actually ADAS technologies. They think "ADAS" only refers to exotic features in luxury vehicles like Mercedes or Tesla. Not true.

The Truth

If your vehicle was built in 2018 or later, there's a very high probability it has ADAS features. By 2022, nearly 100% of new vehicles sold in the US came equipped with at least basic ADAS. These aren't luxury features anymore - they're standard safety equipment, like seatbelts and airbags.

Here are common ADAS features you might have without realizing it:

• Lane Departure Warning: Your car beeps when you drift out of your lane without signaling - that's ADAS
• Forward Collision Warning: A warning chime when you're approaching another vehicle too quickly - that's ADAS
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Your car brakes on its own to prevent or reduce collision impact - that's ADAS
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Cruise control that automatically adjusts speed to maintain distance from the car ahead - that's ADAS
• Automatic High Beams: Headlights that switch between high and low beams based on traffic - that's ADAS
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Your dashboard displays speed limit signs detected by the camera - that's ADAS

In Colorado specifically, ADAS adoption is even higher than the national average because many popular vehicles here - Subaru Outbacks and Foresters, Toyota RAV4s and Tacomas, Honda CR-Vs and Pilots - have had ADAS standard since 2017-2018. Subaru's EyeSight system has been standard on Outbacks since 2013. If you drive one of Colorado's most popular vehicles, you almost certainly have ADAS.

How to check: Look at your rearview mirror from the front of your car. See a camera mounted on the windshield behind the mirror? That's your ADAS camera. Check your owner's manual for features like "Honda Sensing," "Toyota Safety Sense," "Subaru EyeSight," "Nissan ProPILOT," or "Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE" - these are all ADAS suite names.

Myth #2: "ADAS Calibration is Optional After Windshield Replacement"

Some drivers think ADAS calibration is a shop upsell - an optional service they can decline to save money. Others believe it's only necessary "if something feels wrong" after the windshield is replaced. Both assumptions are dangerously incorrect.

The Truth

ADAS calibration after windshield replacement is required by federal law - specifically, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) regulations enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's not optional, not a recommendation, and not a shop trying to make extra money. It's a legal safety requirement.

Here's why it's mandatory: Your ADAS camera is mounted to the windshield. When the windshield is replaced, even if the new windshield is positioned perfectly (which is nearly impossible to guarantee without calibration), the camera's field of view has shifted slightly. We're talking about millimeter-level differences that are invisible to the human eye but critical to camera function.

Without recalibration, your lane departure warning might activate when you're centered in your lane, your automatic emergency braking might not engage when there's an actual obstacle, or your adaptive cruise control might brake unexpectedly for objects that aren't in your path. These aren't minor annoyances - they're safety hazards that can cause accidents.

In Colorado, this matters even more because of our varied terrain. ADAS systems need to account for mountain grades, elevation changes, and the optical effects of altitude on camera performance. A system calibrated at sea level won't function correctly in Denver at 5,280 feet. Proper calibration accounts for these environmental factors.

If a shop offers to skip calibration to save you money, leave immediately. They're violating federal safety regulations and putting you at risk. Reputable shops include ADAS calibration as part of the windshield replacement process - not as an optional add-on.

Myth #3: "Any Auto Glass Shop Can Calibrate ADAS"

Many drivers assume that if a shop can replace windshields, they can obviously calibrate ADAS too. They treat calibration like a simple final step - just plug in a computer and press a button. This misconception leads drivers to choose shops based solely on price, not capability.

The Truth

ADAS calibration requires specialized equipment that costs $15,000-$50,000+ depending on the manufacturer systems supported. It also requires manufacturer-specific training and certification. Not all auto glass shops have this equipment or training - in fact, many don't.

Here's what proper ADAS calibration requires:

• Calibration targets: Large printed targets positioned at precise distances and angles specific to your vehicle make and model
• Diagnostic scan tools: OBD-II scanners that communicate with your vehicle's computer to access ADAS modules
• Alignment equipment: Lasers or electronic systems to ensure your vehicle is perfectly level and the targets are positioned correctly
• Controlled environment: Many calibrations require specific lighting conditions and a perfectly flat surface
• Manufacturer software: Access to OEM calibration procedures and software updates for each vehicle brand
• Trained technicians: Certification in ADAS calibration procedures - this isn't something you learn from YouTube

Some shops subcontract ADAS calibration to mobile calibration services or dealerships because they don't have the equipment. This isn't necessarily bad, but it adds time and coordination to your service. Ask your shop upfront: "Do you perform ADAS calibration in-house, or do you subcontract it?" In-house is more convenient and faster.

In Colorado, this becomes especially important if you have a Subaru (EyeSight), which has particularly complex calibration requirements, or a Tesla, which requires specialized equipment most shops don't have. Before booking your windshield replacement, confirm the shop has the equipment and training for your specific vehicle make.

Myth #4: "Aftermarket Windshield Glass Works Fine with ADAS"

To save money, some drivers choose aftermarket windshield glass instead of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass, assuming glass is glass and any windshield will work with ADAS cameras. After all, the camera is what matters, right?

The Truth

For vehicles with ADAS, OEM glass is strongly recommended - and in many cases required - for proper system function. Here's why: ADAS cameras rely on optical clarity and precise camera mounting positions. OEM windshields are manufactured to exact specifications including glass thickness, optical distortion limits, and camera bracket mounting points.

Aftermarket windshields are produced by third-party manufacturers to fit your vehicle, but they're not always manufactured to the same optical and mounting precision. Variations can include:

• Optical distortion: Slight variations in glass curvature or thickness can affect how the camera "sees" the road
• Mounting bracket differences: Aftermarket glass may have slightly different bracket positions, causing camera misalignment
• Coating variations: OEM glass often has specific coatings (like UV filtering or heated elements) that aftermarket glass may lack
• Quality control: OEM glass undergoes stricter optical quality testing for ADAS compatibility

The result? Your ADAS system might calibrate successfully but not function correctly in real-world conditions. You might get false alerts, missed detections, or system errors that appear weeks or months after installation.

Many vehicle manufacturers - including Subaru, Tesla, and some luxury brands - explicitly require OEM glass for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Using aftermarket glass can void your warranty for ADAS-related systems. Additionally, most Colorado insurance policies will cover OEM glass if it's required for your vehicle's safety systems - so the cost difference is often negligible when insurance is involved.

Bottom line: For ADAS vehicles, OEM glass is worth the potential additional cost (if any). The peace of mind that your safety systems will function correctly is worth far more than saving $50-100 on aftermarket glass.

Myth #5: "ADAS Calibration is Instant - Just Plug in a Computer"

Many drivers expect ADAS calibration to be quick - maybe 10-15 minutes while the adhesive cures on their new windshield. They're often surprised and frustrated when told calibration will add 30-90 minutes to their service time.

The Truth

ADAS calibration is a precise, time-intensive process that cannot be rushed. The time required varies by vehicle make and model, but expect 30-90 minutes minimum. Here's what that time involves:

Static calibration (performed while vehicle is stationary): Technician positions calibration targets at exact distances (often 10-20 feet from the vehicle) and specific heights and angles per manufacturer specs. The vehicle must be perfectly level. The technician then connects to your vehicle's computer and runs the calibration sequence, during which the camera scans the targets and the system calculates new baseline measurements. This takes 30-60 minutes depending on the vehicle.

Dynamic calibration (performed while driving): Some vehicles require a test drive at specific speeds and conditions (highway driving, lane changes, following other vehicles) for the system to complete calibration. This can add 15-30 minutes.

Verification and testing: After calibration, the technician must verify all ADAS systems are functioning correctly and that no error codes remain. This takes another 10-15 minutes.

Certain vehicles take even longer. Subaru EyeSight systems are notorious for 60-90 minute calibration times. Tesla vehicles can take 90+ minutes due to multiple cameras and sensors requiring calibration. Mercedes-Benz vehicles with advanced ADAS often require 60+ minutes.

In Colorado, weather can add complications. Calibration requires controlled conditions - many systems cannot be calibrated in direct sunlight, extreme heat or cold, or during precipitation. If weather conditions aren't ideal, the shop may need to wait or reschedule, adding time to the process.

When booking your windshield replacement, plan for 2.5-3 hours total: 60-90 minutes for windshield installation, 1 hour for adhesive cure time (required before calibration), and 30-90 minutes for ADAS calibration. Rushing any of these steps compromises quality and safety.

Bottom Line: ADAS Facts Colorado Drivers Need to Know

The myths surrounding ADAS calibration after windshield replacement are pervasive, but the facts are clear: Most 2018+ vehicles have ADAS, calibration is legally required after windshield replacement, not all shops have the equipment to calibrate properly, OEM glass is recommended for ADAS vehicles, and calibration takes 30-90 minutes and cannot be rushed.

When choosing a shop for windshield replacement on an ADAS-equipped vehicle, ask these questions: Do you perform ADAS calibration in-house? What equipment do you use? Do you have experience calibrating my specific vehicle make and model? Is calibration included in the quoted price or charged separately? Do you recommend OEM or aftermarket glass for my ADAS vehicle?

Your ADAS safety systems are too important to leave to chance. Choose a shop that has the right equipment, training, and commitment to doing the job correctly - even if it takes more time or costs slightly more upfront. Your safety is worth it.