Windshield Rain Sensor
Windshield Rain Sensor System
What is Windshield Rain Sensor
Different car makers have strived to find and experiment with various technologies to replace the wiper system. The rain sensor is a recent addition to the car’s windshield. It has existed since the 1950s but rose to prominence in the 1990s. Today, rain sensors are a common driver-aid technology in domestic and foreign passenger vehicles and trucks.
A rain sensor is designed to detect any drops or the presence of water on the windshield. The sensors then send command prompts to the car, which automatically turns on the wipers whenever they detect water on the windshield.
How Windshield Rain Sensor works?
The rain sensor system is located beside the rearview mirror and in contact with the windshield. This area of the windshield is blacked to conceal the rain sensor. However, a tiny viewport is left free to allow the sensor to detect any presence of water on the windshield.
The rain sensor relies on the principle of total internal reflection to work—a technology that uses infrared radiation that beams at a 45-degree angle on a clear windshield area. Water on the windshield’s glass scatters the light, minimizing the amount of light reflected on the sensor. If the amount of light goes below the rain sensor’s preset levels, the wipers turn on automatically to begin the drying process.
The sensor’s software also determines the wiping speed depending on the amount of water present on the windshield. This speed changes depending on how much water the sensor detects on the windshield.
A clear windshield is necessary to improve your vision and safety on the road. There is a significant reduction in visibility level on the road, especially when it rains. In such instances, the wipers must be turned on immediately to dry the windshield to enhance visibility on the road. Therefore, the rain sensor prompts the car to turn on the wipers automatically when it rains to avoid distractions when manually engaging the wipers.
Replacing Windshields equipped with Windshield Rain Sensor Systems
When it is time to replace your car windshield that is Equipped with
Adaptive Cruise Control
System, all the cameras and sensors are removed and reattached after windshield installation. A recalibration procedure is then required to ensure that this critical safety system is functioning properly and is performing in accordance to the manufacturer tolerances.
When your car’s ADAS is not properly calibrated after a windshield replacement, the cameras or radar can be misaligned by even millimeters. This could cause dangerous driving conditions and accidents!
Many glass shops try to avoid performing recalibration due to lack of knowledge or calibration equipment. They will simply keep the wires intact, install the new windshield and call it done.
When installing a new windshield, be assured that it will always be off by few Millimeters from the original windshield position. This slight shift in windshield position causes the Lane Departure Warning System and the Lane Keeping Assist System to be off.
At Francis & Sons Auto Glass we have the latest recalibration systems and the expertise and experience to recalibrate your Windshield Rain Sensor Control to its factory setting and we back it up with our lifetime warranty.
Does insurance cover calibrating Windshield Rain Sensor Control?
The short answer is if you have comprehensive coverage or if you have elected to add glass replacement coverage (an add on coverage to your auto insurance policy), then recalibration of Windshield Rain Sensor Control is fully covered and there won’t be out of pocket expense.
Otherwise, plan on spending a minimum of $250 for recalibration. In the state of Arizona, it is always advisable to purchase glass coverage on top of your comprehensive auto insurance to avoid out of pocket expense when your windshield breaks or cracks.
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