Most car manufacturers provide rearview cameras in their new models. Nevertheless, you can still buy a rearview camera for older models or cars without one. While it is inexpensive, motorists seek corresponding value. Is rear view camera worth it? Keep reading to find out.
A rearview camera is worth having in your vehicle due to its benefits. The basic function of a rearview camera is to provide a clear view and full angle of a car’s rear. This prevents accidents and collisions. Furthermore, advanced rearview cameras have sensors for detecting obstacles and moving objects to help motorists park better and navigate traffic. All of these features and more come equipped in a device that sells for as low as $23.99.
Motorists choose rearview mirrors by reviewing their features. There are numerous things to consider when buying a rearview mirror to ensure optimal satisfaction.
Table of Contents
WHAT MAKES A REARVIEW CAMERA WORTH IT
There are numerous benefits of having a rearview camera installed in your car, including the value when compared to cost. Here are reasons why having a rearview camera is worth it.
Saves Life
Rearview cameras have become mandatory for all motorists because of an incident that killed a 2-year-old boy in his home. According to research, children are the highest casualties of backup accidents. Their small size makes it difficult for drivers to see them. While a traditional rearview mirror would show the rear of a vehicle, it doesn’t show the complete angle. This massive blind spot has caused several avoidable accidents. However, a rearview camera shows 90% of that blindspot to the driver. So, when backing up, drivers simply need to monitor the screen mounted on the dashboard integrated into the rearview mirror for any obstacles below the trunk.
Saves Property
While pets and children are the highest casualties of backup accidents, properties lying below the sight of view of drivers are also destroyed. Bicycles, chairs, and other valuables are damaged daily as motorists reverse out of their garages. This cost a fortune to replace and may even damage the car bumper. However, drivers can avoid crushing their properties by installing a rearview camera. This saves money on constant car repairs and maintenance. And replacement for the damaged properties.
Helps Drivers To Park Better
Parking can be a daunting task, especially for amateur drivers. Also, parking in a crowded lot and executing parallel parking are quite difficult. You need to see the rear and sides of your car clearly to avoid bumping into another car or climbing over the walkway. Doing this with a rearview mirror is hard, which makes some drivers stick out their heads. But with a rearview camera, you can see the complete view of your vehicle’s rear and measure the distance between your car and obstacles.
VARIANTS OF REARVIEW CAMERAS
There are different variants of the rearview camera starting from the traditional rearview mirror. This provides a view of the rear of a vehicle, however, it is limited in scope. While it is designed to help you backup carefully, it has its limits. According to research, over 2000 injuries occur every year due to backup accidents.
This doesn’t include pets and loss of property. Nonetheless, rearview mirrors come installed in all vehicle types and are located high on the windshield. There are also aftermath rearview mirrors to replace damaged cameras.
Upgraded rearview cameras have inbuilt audio intercoms for communicating with other vehicles with spotters. By providing an audio feature, motorists can rely on both their eyes and ears. Although not common, audio intercoms help the driver concentrate better on the road. Some models are also equipped with infrared light.
Even with a rearview mirror, reversing in the dark is a tough feat to pull off without hitting obstacles or nearly bumping into someone. So, manufacturers added Night vision to provide a clearer image of your rear.
Multiple video recorders can be distracting, and also a huge load on your car battery. That’s why manufacturers have integrated both solutions in one device: dashcams. They provide a clear sight of view and record your surroundings when you’re away. Dashcams also have other important features for improving security.5
Anything mounted on your dashboard has to be less than 5 inches. This means your monitor would be small. Drivers also have to reacquaint themselves with the layout of their cars. To prevent this, manufacturers have rearview options that are integrated into the rearview mirror.
TYPES OF REARVIEW CAMERA
-
Surface-mounted camera
This type of rearview camera is mounted up high on a flat surface and provides a better field of view.
-
Flush mounted cameras
Flush-mounted cameras provide less depth but are more durable. The idea is to install 90% of the body inside the car leaving only the lens outside.
-
License mounted cameras
These are mounted above the license plate of vehicles. All vehicles in the United States have plate numbers which make installation easy.
WIRELESS BACKUP CAMERAS
Wireless backup cameras work as they are called. Installation doesn’t require cables, so that’s fewer wires in your car. They are powered by different power sources. This allows for individual ignition for both devices and saves battery.
A wireless backup camera consists of a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and displaying video images. The transmitter is installed by the camera and the receiver, by the display. The display is plugged into the cigarette lighter socket while the camera is connected to the car brakes and activated when it is stepped on.
This provides a cleaner installation as motorists don’t need to drill or deface their vehicles. Simply mount the right devices in the right places and enjoy high-resolution transmission.
REARVIEW CAMERAS ARE MANDATORY
General Motors introduced rearview cameras back in 1956 but couldn’t continue with newer models. Toyota reintroduced it in the soarer model in 1991 but also stopped before it could be further developed and integrated into other models. Manufacturers, seeing the safety benefits of rearview cameras, continued designing advanced options for motorists to install as an aftermath solution.
The government followed up by making it a mandatory device to be installed in cars after the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 required the US government to issue backup-collision-safety regulations. This came 11 years later. Car Manufacturers were mandated by law to have a factory-installed solution rearview camera by May 2018. Canada also adopted it on October 31st, 2016.
SHOULD I BUY A REARVIEW CAMERA
You should buy an aftermath rearview camera if your car didn’t come equipped with one to enjoy the numerous benefits. This will help you navigate your rear better while reversing. It also helps you to park better, and navigate tight traffic. The main advantage, however, is to save lives and protect valuable properties.
Aside from these advantages, motorists are mandated by law to have a rearview camera installed in their cars. Having a rearview camera also improves your chances of buying cheap insurance premiums. To crown it all, they are cheap and have different models to fit all types of cars.
HOW TO MAINTAIN REARVIEW CAMERA
To ensure optimal performance of the rearview camera, you need to keep it in a good condition by avoiding collisions and damage caused by weather elements. Some manufacturers offer weather-resistant units while others need to be protected.
If there’s snow, then you’d have to wipe out the snow from the camera every morning before usage. This guarantees a complete field of view of the rear. Advanced aftermath options have washer nozzles that wash the lens when activated. This reduces maintenance by over 50% and provides peace of mind.
Conclusively, rearview cameras are cheap, easy to install, and very valuable. There are several types and variants with upgraded options equipped with sensors, night vision, image sensors, and an integrated solution. Find the best rearview cameras here.
