Backup cameras: the good, the bad, the ugly

Backup cameras

The good

Backup cameras have been on our radar for some time now. We appreciate the look behind us when in reverse: they help us park, keep us from hitting someone or something from behind, etc.

The bad

However, since April first, there have been eight separate recalls for failing backup cameras, and they come from a pretty well rounded group of manufacturers: Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Ford, Polestar and Volvo, although two sets are related.

This is a 30 year-old technology that somehow continues to confound.

The ugly

But here, we’ve become rather obsessed with poor weather visibility through the backup camera, and it really sucks. There always seems to be a big drop of water resting on the center of the lens. Its a convex shape after all.

And note, cars are now hitting the market that rely solely on the camera for a view behind at all times! No rearview mirror!

We’ve tried two products that purport to have rain magically disappear from windshields. Basically glass waxes. Thus far attempts to use them on the camera lenses have failed to help.

Then we saw about dirty side view cameras that included this statement: “While you can wipe off car cameras, it’s important to do so carefully with a designated microfiber cloth because roughly wiping them with a regular cloth or your hands can potentially damage the delicate lens surface, causing scratches or impairing the camera’s quality due to tiny particles on the cloth that could scratch the lens.”

We thought, have car washes taken this into consideration??

We then  thought we should re-apply the glass wax after each car wash, using a microfiber cloth of course. It felt like we had some initial success with the products only to have the positives disappear. We have to balance this against the varying intensities of storms.

Given the increasing reliance on backup cameras and cameras in general, this is an issue that deserves added attention and real solutions. We’ll continue to experiment here and watch for additional information from manufacturers.

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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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