How to Use your Car’s Backup Camera Correctly: Reverse with Ease
A backup camera is one of the essential driving tools that will be beneficial in more ways than one. As the name implies, the primary use of this equipment is to help you in backing up or reversing. For instance, it will minimize blind spots, allowing you to drive like a pro and provide you with peace of mind.
If you are interested to know how to use your car’s backup camera correctly, read this post and I will share valuable insights. To add, I will also tackle how to troubleshoot common problems so that you will have the assurance that the backup camera will work at its best all the time.
While the installation of a backup camera can bring forth a wealth of benefits, it will only be a big help if you know how to use it properly. Otherwise, it will just be a useless accessory and you will end up wasting your money on something with a use that is not maximized.
What You Will Need to Follow this Tutorial
Basically, there is only one thing that you will need to follow the steps mentioned below. Aside from your car, you will need:
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use your Car’s Backup Camera Correctly
Before I proceed with the main discussion, this is what you need to initially do:
Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxQWgwYcHJU
- Even if your backup camera can help, it will not be a substitute for your eyes. You still have to look over your shoulders and use your side mirrors.
- Shift the gear into reverse and this will automatically activate the backup camera.
- Check the monitor and follow the lines so that you can park the car correctly. This is when the next part of the discussion will come handy.
A backup camera is a convenient device to have in your car, but its usefulness will depend on your knowledge of it. To make the most out of the camera, here is the right way to use it.
- The first thing that you have to do is to be familiar with what you can see on your screen. The yellow lines are for trajectory. On the other hand, the blue square refers to the distance.
- Turn the wheel and watch for the movement of the lines on the screen. This will dictate which way you should move to park the car properly.
- When you turn the wheel, the yellow lines will be in line with the parking space. Do not turn the wheel and make sure that it stays on the line.
- As you start moving, the blue line will also line up with the parking space, indicating that your car is heading in the right direction.
- Do not be scared of the blue line. On your screen, it will appear that it is outside the white parking lines. Nonetheless, this does not mean that your car will collide with the vehicle next to you.
- Continue backing up until the blue line is inside the parking lines.
For an easier way to understand the things that have been mentioned above, the short video below will help:
In the section above, the discussions were focused on using a backup camera that is already present in your car. What if it is a new one? In this case, the installation can be a simple process if you follow these easy steps:
- Cut a hole in the bumper in the exact area where the camera will be installed. The size of the hole should be the same as the camera, which will make sure that you have an unobstructed sight of what is on your back.
- Install the camera in the bumper.
- Attach the wires that will connect the camera to the monitor. Run the wires under the car until it reaches the dashboard.
- Connect the wire to the monitor. Make sure to attach it to the right ports.
- Power on the video camera and by this time, you can reverse the car with ease.
If you want a camera that is easier to install, choose one that is mounted on a license plate. By doing this, there is no more need to drill a hole in the bumper of your car.
Pro Tips
Aside from knowing how to use your car’s backup camera correctly, it is also important that you know how to troubleshoot common problems. With this, here are the things that you can do to fix common issues:
Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyhyBtAaeIg
- Read the manual from the manufacturer and follow their instructions on the right use and troubleshooting. The steps involved may be different from one brand to another, which is why you should learn how to address the issue.
- Keep the lens clean. It can be easily exposed to outdoor elements, such as snow, dirt, and grime. If it is not regularly cleaned, this will affect the clarity of the image that you can see in the monitor, which will also minimize its degree of reliability.
- If the screen does not load, the problem is with the monitor. Check all the connections and see to it that the system is wired properly.
- If the monitor powers on but the image is black or blurred, the camera is the problem.
- The problem can also be caused by a blown fuse. Look at the manual to locate the fuse and see if it is still in a good condition. If not, a replacement will be necessary.
More than troubleshooting your car, these are the tips that will help you have to take note of:
- Do not completely rely on it. Before you trust it, make sure that you are already familiar with the backing up of your car. Always check the blind spots and keep on practicing so that reversing will be a breeze.
- The color of the lines and colors may vary. This can depend on the vehicle make or the backup camera that you are using.
- In some cases, two cameras will prove to be necessary. This is especially true with RVs and trucks. You need to have a wider field of view so that you can see the blind spots when reversing.
Conclusion
By learning how to use your car’s backup camera correctly, reversing will be a lot easier. It will no longer be dreaded, especially amongst novice drivers. Best of all, it will lessen the likelihood that you will be hitting a person or an object in a blind spot.
Did you like this? Is there any insight that you would like to share? Do not hesitate to leave a comment below.
