Windshield Shop Says They Can’t Calibrate ADAS Because I am Lowered?

**chrismadson** · 01-24-2024 07:31 PM

So I just got my windshield replaced and the shop, who has the equipment to calibrate, says they can’t do the calibration because my car is lowered (034 springs). They also said the Audi dealership would say the exact same thing (which I will validate tomorrow).

Has anyone else run into this issue? If so, how did you get around it or were they just able to calibrate anyway? Do I need to bring some 1” blocks with me for them to drive the car onto?

Thanks in advance!

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**CookieHas** · 01-25-2024 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by chrismadson

So I just got my windshield replaced and the shop, who has the equipment to calibrate, says they can’t do the calibration because my car is lowered (034 springs). They also said the Audi dealership would say the exact same thing (which I will validate tomorrow).

Has anyone else run into this issue? If so, how did you get around it or were they just able to calibrate anyway? Do I need to bring some 1” blocks with me for them to drive the car onto?

Thanks in advance!

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The only thing I can think of is the ride height measurement that is needed during the calibration. But that shouldn't be an issue. There is a post somewhere where is has been discussed already. I'll see if I can find it.

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**Goonz** · 01-25-2024 08:40 AM

I had no issues being lowered on H&Rs.
This was with Safelite

**DC3P0** · 01-25-2024 10:54 AM

Seems like a pretty wildly BS claim to make but let us know how it goes. I'm lowering mine next week so I'm interested in the outcome but I've never heard of something like this before. What would be the point of being able to calibrate it if it couldn't be done within relatively small set of parameters?

**chrismadson** · 01-25-2024 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by DC3P0

Seems like a pretty wildly BS claim to make but let us know how it goes. I'm lowering mine next week so I'm interested in the outcome but I've never heard of something like this before. What would be the point of being able to calibrate it if it couldn't be done within relatively small set of parameters?

Agreed! I actually just got off the phone with my local Audi dealership, and they said it wasn’t an issue. And in fact, that’s the point of calibrating is to make sure that everything is working given the normal driving parameters of the vehicle (stock or lowered).

I’m only on 034 Springs so nothing crazy… Right around 1 inch drop so it really shouldn’t be an issue.

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**DC3P0** · 01-25-2024 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by chrismadson

Agreed! I actually just got off the phone with my local Audi dealership, and they said it wasn’t an issue. And in fact, that’s the point of calibrating is to make sure that everything is working given the normal driving parameters of the vehicle (stock or lowered).

I’m only on 034 Springs so nothing crazy… Right around 1 inch drop so it really shouldn’t be an issue.

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Well that's a relief!

**[email protected]** · 01-25-2024 01:55 PM

Ran into this same issue with a Safelite install. The tech had a total meltdown, yelling over the phone and requested that even the stock wheels had to be installed. Did that for him and still wasn't able to make it work even though I told him it wouldn't change a thing. I believe the issue is they have to enter a proper ride height measurement and they only have the ability or know how to enter a stock ride height number.

Took the car, headed to garage, printed up the calibration board to scale and stitched it together on a large board. Then calibrated using ODIS after altering the ride height measurement the amount the car was lowered. Took a few tries to get the measurement value that ODIS liked, but was able to do it.

A bit of a hassle, but saved a dealership trip. A dealership with a decent tech should be able to sort anyone out with this that is lowered.

Cheers,

**Erikbecker** · 01-25-2024 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by chrismadson

So I just got my windshield replaced and the shop, who has the equipment to calibrate, says they can’t do the calibration because my car is lowered (034 springs). They also said the Audi dealership would say the exact same thing (which I will validate tomorrow).

Has anyone else run into this issue? If so, how did you get around it or were they just able to calibrate anyway? Do I need to bring some 1” blocks with me for them to drive the car onto?

Thanks in advance!

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Haven't faced this exact situation, but it's not uncommon for calibration to pose challenges with aftermarket modifications. Before resorting to makeshift solutions like blocks, I'd suggest reaching out to specialized ADAS calibration centers. These facilities often have experienced technicians and advanced equipment that may better accommodate unique vehicle configurations. Also, consulting with aftermarket suspension pros or tuning shops familiar with ADAS calibration intricacies for lowered vehicles might provide valuable insights.

**Goonz** · 01-26-2024 06:18 AM

Are these being done at your home? I was specifically told to go to a proper Safelite shop in order to have the installation and calibration performed.

**chrismadson** · 01-26-2024 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by Goonz

Are these being done at your home? I was specifically told to go to a proper Safelite shop in order to have the installation and calibration performed.

Nope. This was at their calibration ready facility

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**SHCKR** · 01-30-2024 03:37 PM

Ensure you got an OEM windshield. Most likely it's not the lowering that's the issue. Mine was calibrated about 5 times over the years, all lowered. The only time it was an issue is when they tried using aftermarket glass.

**A4 Centaur** · 02-20-2024 06:50 PM

^ Yup. Finally had windshield glass damage this past weekend that required a new windshield. Called insurance company, got scheduled at Safelight Auto Glass today. Sign on the door says: "Lifted or Lowered Vehicles cannot be calibrated."

Went in and sure enough they gave me a Securit Glass product, which I have used in my B8 numerous times. This one they couldn't calibrate. Kid tells me I gotta take it to Audi to calibrate. Went to Audi Scottsdale reluctantly and the story I got from them is OEM. "You gotta get OEM Glass or they can't calibrate."

So next week I go back to Audi Scottsdale and leave the car for 2 days. WTF. Insurance will pay for the $650 calibration work? WTF. And the windshield is what $1200? Thank god I have glass insurance.

I can't believe what these new car electronic nannies require. What a scam.

**JBAeroEngineer** · 02-21-2024 06:53 PM

Most (reputable) insurance companies pay for calibration work. They have to return your car the way it was pre damage. Plus, it’s in their best interest to calibrate the safety features.

**A4 Centaur** · 03-02-2024 06:36 AM

^ Yea, took a week or so but will take the car in for the "OEM" windshield and what a racket they have on glass now. The number of hours to calibrate the sensors works out to $650 and the glass is $1250.

But the dealership will hopefully give me a cool loaner while the shop has the car for 2 days!