Modern vehicles rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—features like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These systems depend on a precise network of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and lidar. If any of those sensors are even a few millimetres or degrees off, your car can misread the road—and that’s a safety risk.
ADAS recalibration realigns and verifies those sensors so they “see” correctly. Below are seven common signs it’s time to book a calibration with a qualified shop in Mississauga.
1) You Replaced the Windshield (or Removed the Front Camera)
Many cars have a camera mounted behind the windshield that powers lane-keeping, traffic sign recognition, and auto high-beams. Any windshield replacement—OEM or aftermarket—changes the camera’s position and optical path, even slightly.
What you’ll notice: Lane-keeping becomes jittery, lane lines aren’t detected consistently, or a dash message like “Front camera unavailable”.
Action: Schedule a static/dynamic camera calibration immediately after glass work. Skipping this step can invalidate system performance and, in some cases, your insurance or glass warranty requirements.
2) You Had Bumper, Grille, or Mirror Work Done
Front and rear bumpers often hide radar modules (for adaptive cruise and collision avoidance). Some brands place radar in the grille emblem; side mirrors commonly house blind-spot sensors. Any repairs, repaints, or parts swaps can shift sensor alignment.
What you’ll notice: Adaptive cruise following distance feels wrong, blind-spot warnings trigger late/early, or parking sensors behave inconsistently.
Action: Ask for radar and blind-spot calibration after bodywork or emblem replacement.
3) A Wheel Alignment, Suspension, or Ride-Height Change
ADAS calculations assume a specific vehicle geometry—toe, camber, caster, and height. Replacing struts, control arms, springs, or even changing tire size affects that geometry.
What you’ll notice: The car pulls despite a fresh alignment; lane-keeping “hunts” or ping-pongs between lines; forward collision alerts feel over-sensitive.
Action: Pair wheel alignment with ADAS calibration anytime ride height or alignment changes, including after hitting a deep pothole (hello, GTA roads).
4) Any Collision—Even a Low-Speed Fender Bender or Curb Strike
Sensors can be disturbed without obvious damage. Minor impacts, curb hits, and parking knocks can push brackets out of spec.
What you’ll notice: Random beeps, intermittent system disablement, or phantom braking where the car brakes for no reason.
Action: After any impact, have the shop scan for ADAS fault codes and check calibration specs. Better safe than surprised.
5) Warning Lights or “Unavailable” Messages on the Dash
Your vehicle is telling you something. Messages like “ACC unavailable,” “AEB disabled,” “Lane Assist Inoperative,” or a general ADAS fault light mean the system has detected misalignment, obstruction, or software mismatch.
What you’ll notice: Features won’t engage or drop out mid-drive; sometimes only certain speeds or conditions are affected.
Action: Get a professional diagnostic scan to pinpoint which sensor is out of spec, then recalibrate per OEM procedures.
6) Inconsistent Behaviour: Late Alerts, False Alarms, or Camera Confusion
If alerts are too early (constant false alarms) or too late (warning right at the last moment), the sensor aim or software thresholds may be off.
What you’ll notice: Blind-spot lights that miss obvious vehicles, lane-departure warnings that chirp on clean, well-marked roads, or a backup camera that no longer aligns with parking guidelines.
Action: A target board/radar reflector calibration (static) followed by a dynamic road test often resolves inconsistent behaviour.
7) Battery Disconnects, Module Replacement, or Software Updates
Replacing a camera/radar module, disconnecting the battery during repairs, or installing ECU updates can clear learned values and require a fresh calibration.
What you’ll notice: Systems fail self-check at startup, features won’t arm, or the car prompts for calibration.
Action: After electrical work or software updates, confirm whether your make/model requires recalibration (many do).
Why Recalibration Matters
- Safety first: Misaligned sensors can extend stopping distances or miss obstacles.
- System performance: Keeps AEB, ACC, LKA, BSM functioning as designed.
- Insurance & compliance: Many insurers and OEMs require post-repair calibration documentation.
- Resale value: A documented calibration history signals proper care to future buyers.
What Proper ADAS Recalibration Involves
A professional Mississauga shop will follow OEM-approved procedures, typically including:
- Pre-scan & inspection: Check fault codes, mounting points, brackets, ride height, tire pressure, and windshield clarity.
- Static calibration: Using calibration targets/boards, laser alignment tools, and a level floor to align cameras/radar indoors.
- Dynamic calibration: A controlled road drive at specified speeds to let systems learn road markings and distances.
- Post-scan & documentation: Verify all codes cleared, features function, and provide a calibration report for your records/insurer.
Timeframe: Many vehicles can be calibrated in 60–120 minutes, but complex systems or multiple sensors may take longer—especially if alignment or glass issues must be corrected first.
Quick Self-Check (Before You Book)
- Did you replace the windshield recently?
- Any bumper/grille/mirror repairs or repaints?
- Have you changed suspension, alignment, or tire size?
- Did you experience a collision/curb strike (even minor)?
- Are there dash warnings about ACC/AEB/Lane Assist/BSM?
- Do you notice false alarms or late alerts?
- Was the battery disconnected or a control module replaced/updated?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to schedule an ADAS evaluation.
Choose a Mississauga Shop That Gets It Right
When you book ADAS recalibration in Mississauga, look for a facility that offers:
- OEM-grade targets and radar reflectors
- A level calibration bay with controlled lighting
- Factory scan tools or approved equivalents
- Certified technicians trained on your make (Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Hyundai, Kia, etc.)
- A printed calibration report and road-test validation
Book Your ADAS Recalibration in Mississauga
Don’t ignore the signs—misalignment won’t fix itself. If your vehicle shows any of the seven symptoms above, book an ADAS scan and calibration with our Mississauga team.
Stay safer. Drive smarter. Get your sensors back on target today.