Reversing cameras are essential to avoid accidents related to car parking especially with children around. In 2021, Australia recorded over 21,000 crashes in car parks with December accounting to 39 percent of incidents based on AAMI. According to the MUARC study, vehicles with reverse camera systems are 41% less likely to be involved in a back over crash.
Reversing cameras provide the driver an improved rear visibility when backing up through a system that detects close objects to keep you away from impeding obstructions you cannot see in your rearview mirror. They mostly consist of a rear-facing camera, and a monitor that reveals what the camera sees.
In 2018, the Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies 2022 (ADR 108/00) was put together under Section 12 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. Its purpose is to require new vehicles to have at least one means of Reversing Technologies such as mirrors, cameras or sensors to reduce death or injuries related to reversing.
Life expectancy or reversing cameras is hard to estimate. They could remain indispensable for as brief as 10 days or as much as 10 years. Issues could show up days after purchasing a new car and sometimes have no issues at all after a long run. What could potentially cause the problem? It could be from a damaged hardware, blown fuse, loose or faulty connections, condensation or dirt, or a broken monitor. These problems most of the time can be solved after a simple inspection and maintenance. However, if the issue is not resolved after all necessary rectifications, odds are you need a new reversing camera system.
You and your passengers' safety always comes first. So when you see these inevitable signs, it is time to say goodbye to your old reversing camera:
Clarity of the display is necessary to have a clear and concise view of what's behind. But even after cleaning and removing dirt, if your camera still gives you a fuzzy or grainy picture that goes on and off from time to time, it's not just dirt on the camera. Chances are that its lens, stabilizer, or any other component could be broken. Also, the interior wires might also have a loose connection or could also be broken.
Condensation in your vehicle could happen when it is raining outside or when you have turned on the heat inside. If this condensation accumulates, it can damage your backup camera. Most of the backup cameras are quite delicate which makes them more vulnerable to water. Therefore, if there is a lot of condensation in the vehicle, the water can enter the electrical system of the camera and damage it.
The "No Signal" message shown instead of an image might be a sign that the connection between the reverse camera and the monitor has been interrupted. The wiring circuit might be dislodged or completely cut through. However, when the auto electrician was not able to trace the problem back to the wiring connection or any damaged fuse or cables, it is most likely that your reverse camera is damaged itself.
Nonfunctional reverse cameras can be caused by a blown fuse or the camera is disfigured itself. When you have removed and checked the wires within the fuse and found damages, you can buy a new fuse and simply replace the blown ones. However, when you have replaced them and the camera still does not work, then contact an auto electrician to have the issue investigated further.
If the issues with your backup camera become persistent and you no longer want to keep repairing it, it is time to consider a replacement. Though, you should first get the camera checked by a professional to ensure that you have done everything from your end. A new aftermarket reverse camera generally comes with new features, modernized software, and a warranty. Ultimately, it's better to spend some money on a backup camera that functions well and properly to secure your family's safety.
Aftermarket reversing cameras do not need to be expensive for them to properly work and installing them in your vehicle is just a walk in the park. There are an extensive choices of cameras available - wide or narrow field of view, low light, flush mount, standard or high resolution, etc. Conventionally, cameras with the broadest and clearest view are more advantageous. Also, you must consider a reversing camera with an excellent low-light performance for an improved vision during night driving. Universal fit reversing camera systems are also available in the market that are compatible for a wide variety of vehicles like Cars, SUV ,UTE's, Semi-Trailer/Box, Truck, 5th Wheel, Trailer, Bus, Caravan and more.
Elinz's wide collection of reliable aftermarket reversing cameras caters to almost all types of vehicles here in Australia at a very affordable price point. From different camera viewing angles, resolutions, AV input, monitor size and type, colour, CCD or CMOS, channels, transmissions, Elinz has all the options you can choose from that will work best for your vehicle. Moreover, our wireless reversing camera kits have been tested and recommended by Choice Magazine, with their ease of installation and range of features being praised by the magazine.
Looking for dependable, high quality and easy to install aftermarket reversing camera kits? Check out Elinz's comprehensive collection here.