Recalibrating has its benefits in more than one way.

The new year has arrived, and with every flip of the calendar, I am grateful for so much personally and professionally — especially my family.

January is the time of year when most people (me included) reflect on the past year and identify opportunities for change or improvement in the new one — a fresh start, so to speak. 

The most popular resolutions year after year remain similar: saving money, eating healthier, exercising more, losing weight, spending more time with family and friends and stopping a non-healthy habit.

You might say that resolutions are opportunities to recalibrate one’s life for the better.

Being in the glass business, I can’t help but see the similarities between the importance of recalibrating one’s life for personal desires and recalibrating a windshield for one’s safety.

Today’s vehicles have a variety of advanced drivers assistance systems that provide convenience, safety and a sense of security for drivers. How many of you have become comfortable and rely on your car’s lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking?

Quite a difference from the first windshield introduced in 1904, which wasn’t even laminated. In fact, it did little to protect those in the vehicle. Its main objective was to keep bugs and debris from those taking a ride.

Most people think a windshield simply provides clear visibility to the driver. Yet today’s windshields play a crucial role in a car’s structural integrity. With an inner layer made from polyvinyl butyral, the windshield helps prevent objects from entering and exiting the vehicle.

So, while windshields were once considered optional, today’s technology is rapidly advancing with more cameras and sensors placed directly on or behind the glass — making your windshield even more vital to your car's overall operation.

That’s why it’s important to recalibrate your cameras and sensors after you replace a windshield, as required by your vehicle manufacturer.

If they are not recalibrated correctly, your car’s advanced safety systems may not operate as intended, and your safety (and that of others on the road) might be compromised.

Keep your mind at ease by resolving to repair or replace and recalibrate your windshield in the new year. The right professionals with the technology, certification and proven expertise can answer your questions and do the job right.

Here’s to the success of achieving your New Year’s resolutions and a safe and happy 2025.  

My best wishes to you all.