Backup camera lenses are prone to accumulating dirt and grime as they are located outside the car and close to the road. Leaving it dirty has adverse effects on reversing and reduces performance. How to clean backup camera lens to guarantee optimal performance? Keep reading to find out.
To clean a backup camera lens, simply use a soft fabric and the recommended chemical from the manufacturer to wipe the lens. There are several methods to cleaning a camera lens, but this is the most common and practiced. However, be sure to read the maintenance guide from your manufacturer before using any type of material on your lens to avoid damage.
The Proper maintenance of a backup camera lens has numerous benefits, hence why manufacturers recommend weekly cleaning or more. A camera lens may require more maintenance than others, depending on your location or commune.
Table of Contents
Why You Need To Clean Your Rearview Camera Lens
-
For Clear Video transmission
The main purpose of a review camera is to display clear high-resolution video of your car’s rear. However, dirt and grime reduce the camera’s ability to perform that duty as it displays blurry and distorted images, which may be hard to use.
-
To Save life
The major reason why rearview cameras have become mandatory in the United States is because of a backup accident that killed a 2-year-old boy. Children and pets are the most common casualties when it comes to backup accidents. While installing a rearview camera reduces the frequency of such accidents, a dirty camera lens makes it hard to make out what’s behind you and may lead to backup accidents.
-
To save properties
You need a clean camera lens to navigate through a full garage. This means carefully navigating around piles of valuable properties without destroying anyone.
-
Parking
A clean camera lens facilitates good parking and maneuverability. It guarantees clear and high-resolution video quality to park in tight corners and navigate through congested traffic.
STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR CLEANING REARVIEW CAMERA LENS
Follow the instructions below to clean your rearview camera lens for maximum results and performance.
-
Preventive Measures
While rearview cameras may not be expensive, having to replace them constantly is a financial burden. So, you need to take some preventive measures to keep the lens in good condition as you clean. The first thing to do, especially for advanced rearview cameras, is to apply a UV filter on the lens.
This keeps your lens protected from elements and scratches. However, too many scratches on the lens may cause it to display blurry images, so you need to change it frequently, depending on terrain and weather.
-
Blow Dust Away
Cleaning your rearview camera doesn’t always involve caressing the lens with a soft fabric and chemicals. By simply blowing away dust using a blower or any useful equipment, you can remove dust and dirt from the camera lens.
This is useful for motorists driving on clean terrain who just want to keep the lens clean regularly. You can blow away dust every morning or even twice a day if your schedule permits it. However, it is not necessary.
Blowing away dust is also important as you may scratch the lens if you jump straight to cleaning with a cloth. So, be sure not to skip this step.
-
Brush The Lens
While a blower is great at removing dust, persistent particles can remain stuck to the lens, especially around the edges. By using a soft-bristled brush, you can remove these hard-to-remove particles.
Don’t brush too hard as it may damage the lens, instead gently move the brush from one edge to another and if you feel anything, try using your fingers to remove it. What’s more? You can skip step 2 and use step 3 instead.
-
Apply Cleaning Solution
Now is the time to do a thorough lens cleaning. This step requires optimal care as any slight error may lead to damage. We recommend using tissue, cleaning paper, or a soft cloth for cleaning the lens. The chemical is also important.
Some chemicals are dangerous to the lens and may remove the protective coating of the lens, which would cause further damage. You can find the recommended cleaning agents and materials below. Once you’ve secured the correct cleaning agents, apply between 3-5 drops of the chemical and gently clean the lens, line by line.
Make sure you don’t apply too many chemicals as that may also cause damage. Follow the instructions to the latter for best results. Once you’re done, leave the lens to dry before using it again.
-
Wipe With Microfiber
The last step involves using microfiber to gently clean the lens after you must have used a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn particles. If you missed that step, then kindly go back up to acquit yourself with how to remove dust and sand without scratching the lens. Once that is done, you can proceed to wipe the lens with a microfiber gently.
-
Clean Other Components
While some rearview cameras are fitted inside the car, with only the lens popping out, others have their entire body outside, therefore are exposed to as much dirt and grime as your camera lens. While the damage posed by grime may not be as severe as the lens, removing moisture, dirt, dust, and grime will extend its lifespan and improve efficiency by a mile. Depending on the material of the body, you can use a microfiber, water, or brush. If you can reassemble the device, then take it out piece by piece to remove dirt.
How Frequent Should You Clean Your Rearview Camera Lens
Clean your rearview camera lens every week more, depending on usage and terrain. If your commute is clean and the terrain is smooth, simply brushing it weekly will do the trick. However, rough and dirty terrain may require more frequent cleaning. We recommend wiping the lens every morning before driving off to work. If you have the time, it’s also recommended to wipe it after work.
While rearview camera manufacturers have recommended cleaning frequency, your monitor will tell you when it’s time for cleaning as you’ll be able to see the spots on the camera.
Recommended Materials For Cleaning Rearview Camera Lens
- Lens blower
- Lens tissue
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled brush
Most of these materials have a general type, so be sure to pick the one meant for cleaning camera lenses.
Why Is My Rearview Camera Blurry?
Blur is caused by several reasons. Nonetheless, here are tested and trusted ways of dealing with a blurry rearview camera.
-
Clean The Camera
The first and most common cause is dirt, moisture, and grime. These can cover your camera lens and cause a reduction in transmission quality. To tackle this problem, clean the lens with a microfiber. Apply a cleaning agent (chemical) to the lens and clean it thoroughly, but gently with the microfiber.
If you’re always busy, then buy a rearview camera with a self-cleaning function. You’ll only need to apply Rain-X on the screen while the camera cleans itself.
-
Repair Faulty Connections
The second solution is repairing any damage or broken cable running from the front of the car to the rear. Trace the wires carefully for split and break. Properly join the wires back and cover with tape. You should also check your fuse box for any blown-out fuse. Replacement is cheap and easy.
-
Upgrade your Rearview Camera
Damaged beyond repair? Find an upgrade to your rearview mirror here. They are inexpensive and pack a ton of features for everyday use.
Conclusively, cleaning a rearview camera lens is easy as long as you follow the recommended instructions from your manufacturer. Don’t use harsh chemicals and only use microfiber and the recommended cleaning agent when cleaning the lens. Also, remember to brush and dust the lens before commencing any thorough cleaning.
