how hard is it calibrate new windshield?

i have a 21 tacoma with adaptive cruise control and lane assist etc

A rock cracked my windshield. I can get an aftermarket windshield from a local mobile guy with decent reviews that will install and calibrate for $500 or I can go to dealer who will install/calibrate a Toyota part for $1500.

It is important for me that the adaptive cruise control works properly. Is that part of the "calibration"? Is calibration something difficult that a dealer should be doing?

 

My local dealer does not even have ADAS alignment capability. A lot just farm that work out to the independents.

It is likely that your windshield replacement will not truly need alignment, but most professionals will not do a replacement without the alignment.

Your local guy’s quote at $500 seems low for my area. Dealership is too high, as they most always are.

Only thing I’ve seen that you have not considered is to get Pilkington glass, the same glass as Toyota, but in the name of the real manufacturer. Your local guy should have access to it.

 

You don't really need to calibrate. Just leave the camera connected to the vehicle wiring and replace the glass with Pilkington.

 

I cracked my windshield at the 1,000 mile mark. This was back in early 2019. I had Safelite replace with their glass, but at the time of the install, they did not have an appointment available for the calibration. So I had the glass replaced and never went back for the calibration. 5 years and 19k miles later, no issues with adaptive cruise control...and I use it a LOT.

 

Thanks for the response. So should I be asking the local guy and the dealer if they have "ADAS alignment capability", otherwise it will not be done properly?

 

If you don't unplug anything there is no need to calibrate. This is advice my Friend who owns his auto glass business.

 

Well… “properly” has a degree of opinions, as you can see from this thread. “By the book” properly is definitely using the front camera ADAS alignment to get it right. My personal opinion is that with good replacement glass and the proper install alignment is not needed, but is good for the soul. In the past I have replaced my own glass and if I were to take that route again I would not do an alignment of the camera. Just wing it. If there was a problem then I would have it done. I would do this just to get the experience, for expedience I would have the shop do the alignment.

For you I would recommend you have the alignment done for initial peace of mind.

You have already said in your first post “they” were going to do an alignment, so they must have the equipment or have it available nearby or to come to them.

In my area most of the body shops do not have the equipment, but have a mobile service come to their shop and do the alignments. My glass shop has the equipment for the front camera, but none of the other ADAS features. It took them no time at all to do the alignment on their $35,000 equipment.

I believe the shops will both want to do the alignment as it is a liability issue and a money maker. Keep one’s self out of trouble and make money to boot - couldn’t get any better.

Nowhere in this discussion have you mentioned insurance. Do you have insurance for this?

 

You don't HAVE to calibrate it, but you should, it never re-attaches to the exact same spot.

It doesn't affect cruise control, it only affects lane departure and part of collision avoidance.