GBMILTON

So as I was driving through the Ted Williams tunnel to Logan Airport something hit my windshield. Very loud "crack" but I saw nothing. After dropping off my wife and daughter and driving into the sunshine I saw 2 5" cracks that have since increased to about 10-12".

So called the insurance company...no deductible and I made it clear I wanted an OEM replacement. Found out the local Audi dealer is not certified for windshield replacement. Called the dealer and they work with a local certified shop. As the car is going in for it's first oil change I scheduled it at the same time, a week from this Monday.

If I got it right the insurance company said after the windshield is replaced I may not drive the car until the windshield mounted camera is recalibrated. Did I get that right? I can understand that the ACC may not work and the speed limit sign read may be off but I would like to know just how dangerous it might be with an uncalibrated windshield mounted camera. It will not be an issue as the car will be at the dealer when the repair is made.

Thanks

Jim Jistel

Probably a question of liability for them.

RickObe

It would also affect all of the Pre Sense stuff. I don't see why, though, you couldn't just turn off the all the driver assistance functions and drive manually in the interim.

GBMILTON

So I am hoping someone might know.
1) How long it takes to recalibrate the windshield camera after replacing a windshield.
2) Just how difficult it is to recalibrate and how I might get an independent mechanic to check for accuracy .

Thanks for any suggestions

timatraw

How did that windshield replacement go?
Was the calibration expensive?

Trevor K

Good questions, a follow up will be helpful.

Cadx6

The camera in the windshield is also used for the Lane Keeping Assist (assuming you have DAP) - that's why it has to be precisely aligned.
I had the cameras aligned on my 2018 Q5 & it took about 2+ hours (YMMV). I have a feeling, if it's not under warranty (mine was) it's rather expensive.

GBMILTON

I don't recall what it all cost as it was totally covered by insurance.
I did bring it back to the dealer because the lane departure "seemed" not right. The tech from the dealership took it out with me for a road test and I am satisfied it is correct.

I think re-calibrating may be expensive because the tech mentioned it takes several hours ( I think 3 hours) to perform because of all the driver assistance elements associated with the camera.
Hope this is helpful.

Wires

No idea how it would take hours to "align" the camera. You can only rotate it left to right. If you do a lane change and the body leans, the DAP still functions fine. Same deal when driving on a slope.

If I was to guess, it's a money grab. Cameras have been in all brands for years. How does an indy shop do a windshield swap in a couple hours if it takes hours to re-align?

GBMILTON

Don't the insurance estimate "books" address this? There is more than lane departure involved , I think. Parking, on coming traffic turn etc. Sure it's in the "book".

Anyone have access to the insurance estimate?