How to Install a Rear View Camera

• Installing rear cameras in cars
• Requirements for rear camera
• Wired vs wireless rear camera
• Cost of rear camera

Reversing a car is one of the most challenging parts of driving. It’s not always easy or possible to reverse safely by just looking at the rearview mirror. Sometimes you may get blindsided by a close-by obstacle or miss objects that are closer to the ground. That’s when rear cameras for cars can make your life easier and safer. 

Rear cameras, also called rearview cameras or backup cameras, eliminate the need to turn your head around to see if the way is clear. Aside from such convenience, they also allow drivers to effortlessly spot low-level obstacles, thus, reducing the chances of accidents. Most new cars come with this feature – but for those who have an older car, the question is: can a rear camera be added to any car? 

Installing Rear Camera in Cars

Various cars come equipped with factory fitted rear cameras and with little knowledge of electronic devices, you can even install car camera yourself. In case you doubt your skills, seek services from someone qualified to install these devices.

Requirements For Rear Camera Installation

The first step of getting a rear camera for your car is deciding which type of camera you need and the features you should look for.

Choose the Right Type

You can make your selection based on where they are installed:

• Bracket mounted cameras
• License plate frame cameras
• Wireless cameras

Bracket mounted and license plate frame cameras are commonly used and require some expertise in wiring internal connections. We will cover that process in a later section. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are easier to install and will add an extra display inside your car.

Display Options

Once you have decided the type of camera you need, its time to look at the display options:

• Integrate with car stereos
• Integrate with car navigation system 
• Rearview mirror
• Standalone monitor

Most factory-fitted cameras come integrated with a car stereo system and collision avoidance system. This also means any rear camera can be integrated with an aftermarket stereo screen unless the stereo is specific to the car brand. This might require you to get specific connectors for the factory fitted stereos if needed.

Moreover, you can also integrate a car navigation system with a rearview camera. The rearview mirror camera comes with flexible option to either show the screen on one side or the whole mirror. If your car lacks a music system with display, you can opt to install a standalone monitor for the rear camera display.

Tools for Installations

Backup cameras can be installed with just a set of basic tools. If you plan to install a car rear view camera, make sure you have these items: 

• Set of screwdrivers
• Wire pliers and cutter
• Electric tape
• Connectors
• Drill machine
• Panel removers
• Multimetre

Camera Wirings

Wiring the backup camera is a straightforward process with three basic requirements: a power source, video signal and reverse signal power.

Usually, the power source for a backup camera is taken from the car’s reverse tail light. This also covers the need for a reverse signal as the camera will only turn on when the car is in reverse gear. In case you want the camera to stay operational all the time, you may consider other 12V power sources like a fuse box, lighter socket or stereo to bypass the reverse signal.

Making the Connection

Drilling a hole in your trunk may not look like a bright idea, but that’s how wired rear cameras are set up in all cars. When joining connections, keep track of wire polarity as camera wire goes into positive 12V. Just use millimetre on brake tail light before making a joint.

The trick is to neatly spread the wire across the car towards the monitor or stereo terminal. Ideally, you should use the car’s roof panels to hide the wires. Once you finalise the connection and are sure of the correct polarity order, start the engine and put on the reverse gear.

Reaching Out to Professional

Rear camera installation in cars requires a bit of practice with tools and some knowledge of electronic devices. If you feel like you lack the basic know-how, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Alternatively, you can skip the hard work if you opt for a wireless camera.

Wired vs Wireless Rear Camera

Both camera types have their own pros and cons, but neither can be labelled a better or lesser choice. Ultimately, it’s up to the user to decide which one they want. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Wired Camera

• Better picture quality and faster camera switch as more data can be transferred without interference
• More reliable as there is no need to worry about signal strength
• Available in a wider variety
• Easy integration in all cars

Wireless Camera

• Easy to install as there are no wires
• Option to integrate with the smartphones
• The slightly higher initial cost

Cost of Rear Car Camera

If you exclude the separate monitor screen, cameras themselves are quite affordable. Generally, car rear camera prices in the UAE ranges between AED 10 to AED 25 where some brands with extensive features like night vision and exposure adjustment can even cost up to AED 1000.

Some cameras may require you to purchase extension cable separately that can amount up to AED 20. The rates do not include the installation cost, so expect more expenditure if you are getting it professionally installed.

Rear cameras are an essential safety feature that can be installed into any car. You will definitely feel the difference when you can see rear view on screen in front of you. Reversing becomes a lot easier with car parking sensors, as your distance will be automatically estimated and displayed on screen. 

You can search dubizzle for auto accessories to find and buy affordable rear cameras for cars in Dubai. As most modern cars have such features, check out our collection of used cars for sale in Dubai.

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