Our Tesla Windshield Replacement Process

We carefully remove the windshield wipers and cowl panel, where applicable, to provide our technicians with better access to the lower windshield bonding area.

Some installers leave the cowl in place and attempt to slide the replacement windshield underneath it.

At Blue Chip, we take the additional time to remove these components when appropriate to maximize working clearance.

Tesla vehicles have forward-facing cameras mounted near the rearview mirror that support Autopilot and other driver assistance features.

Our technicians carefully remove the rearview mirror, camera covers, and the Tesla Forward-Facing Camera Assembly from the original windshield, following the applicable vehicle-specific procedure.

The camera assembly requires particular attention because its position and mounting directly affect camera alignment.

We carefully transfer the camera assembly to the new windshield before installing the replacement glass.

Depending on the vehicle's configuration, the camera assembly and mounting components may differ.

Our technicians use professional windshield removal equipment to cut through the existing urethane adhesive.

Depending on the vehicle and accessibility, we may use:

• Express windshield removal tools.
• Cold knives.
• BAT cord-cutting systems.

We select the appropriate equipment to minimize unnecessary contact with surrounding components.

Once the original windshield has been removed, we prepare the pinchweld—the metal frame surrounding the windshield opening.

Our typical process involves removing the existing urethane bead, subject to the adhesive manufacturer's approved preparation requirements.

We then clean the bonding area, removing loose debris and contaminants.

Our technicians inspect the pinchweld for exposed metal, scratches, and corrosion.

All surfaces are prepared and dried according to the applicable adhesive manufacturer's instructions before bonding.

At Blue Chip, we incorporate the appropriate priming procedures into every windshield replacement.

If we discover existing surface rust, we don't simply cover it with primer.

We mechanically remove the corrosion where appropriate, prepare the affected area, and apply the required corrosion protection and bonding products.

More extensive corrosion may require additional repairs before installation.

All primers and treatments are applied according to the adhesive manufacturer's specifications.

Following windshield replacement, our technicians access the vehicle's touchscreen interface to initiate the applicable camera calibration procedure.

This clears the previous camera calibration data when required, allowing the vehicle to establish updated calibration information.

We verify the physical alignment of the cameras using Tesla's specialized calibration equipment.

After installing your new windshield, our technicians perform a forward-facing camera pitch verification using a Tesla Camera Calibration Target, following the manufacturer's procedures.

This specialized equipment allows us to verify the vertical alignment, or pitch, of your Tesla's forward-facing cameras.

Camera Pitch Verification

Depending on your Tesla's model, year, and camera hardware, the verification process may involve checking multiple cameras.

Our technicians position the Camera Calibration Target in front of the vehicle and use Tesla's Service Mode to examine the camera images against the manufacturer's alignment specifications.

For applicable vehicles, this includes verifying the alignment of the main and narrow forward-facing cameras.

We photograph the verification results to document the camera alignment.

If the camera pitch is outside Tesla's recommended range, our technicians adjust it using Tesla's pitch adjustment wrench, following the applicable vehicle-specific procedure, then repeat the verification.

Road Calibration

Once camera pitch verification is complete, we proceed with the required camera calibration process.

Our technicians perform a road test under suitable driving conditions, allowing the vehicle's cameras to recalibrate.

We monitor the calibration status through Tesla's interface and verify completion whenever possible.

Depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, calibration may require additional driving.

If it cannot be completed during our road test, we explain the remaining requirements to the customer.

Once installation and calibration are complete, we return to Tesla's Service Mode.

We access the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Active Alerts screen and perform a post-installation diagnostic review.

We photograph the results and compare them with the information documented before beginning the installation.

If additional diagnostic alerts are present, our technicians investigate whether they are related to the windshield replacement or calibration.

We also complete a final inspection of the vehicle. This includes:

• Inspecting the windshield installation.
• Checking the reinstalled components.
• Cleaning the new windshield.
• Removing protective coverings.
• Vacuuming installation-related debris.
• Reviewing applicable camera calibration results.
• Confirming the adhesive manufacturer's minimum safe drive-away time has been satisfied.