My neck doesn’t work as well as it should, and I am contemplating buying one of these. Do any of you have experience with these devices? There are some very reasonable prices on Ebay.
Thanks!
Some people love them, my car has one built it (back up and side view), I rarely, if ever, use it.
I had a lady almost back into me a few months ago because of one. I was backing out of my spot, she was next to me. I was half way out and she started backing out. I honked a few times and she just kept backing out. When I realized that she was going to hit me I finally put my car in drive and pulled back in to see her totally glued to the Back Up Camera screen. I’m sure she had a nice view of what was directly behind her, but she had no idea what was going on next to her…she didn’t even look up when I was honking.
The only time I really use mine is getting out of a tight spot in a parking lot. The fish eye lens comes in nice to see if anyone is driving/walking down the lane.
I have one that came built in to my newer Ford. I love it. You do need to also look around, but it’s awesome for seeing exactly what’s behind you and how far you can back up.
Some brands work better than others. The Ford and Honda cameras link to the steering and tell you where you will go. The Toyota camera just shows what’s behind you. (Haven’t checked other brands.)
I have no idea how well third party camera integrate.
I put one on my Accord. My stereo had provision for it, and I couldn’t resist. I used a wireless transmitter/ receiver with the camera built into the license frame, and it was easy to install. You’re supposed to wire it into your backup lights, but somehow I used my regular taillights, so my lights have to be on for it to work. It’s nothing you want to rely on solely, but it’s nice to have.
I’ve used The Toyota, the Honda, and the BMW ones. The BMW is the best, IMHO.
I make a point to check mirrors and camera, but the camera is a big help, particularly for longer vehicles like minivans. Absolutely increases visibility for certain things, like toddlers dashing across the sidewalk while you’re backing out. They also let you make better distance judgements while parking and backing. I even use them to judge where I’ve parked in the garage.
They do NOT replace situational awareness.
I highly recommend them.
What they all have said – I have had a chance to try them in some rental cars over the last few years. They are good when it comes to tight space maneouvering and blind spots and especially with the rental cars for help in dealing with not really knowing where the car begins and ends so you’re not sure if you fit or not.
Are the add ones very expensive? I’d love one for no other reason than when I’m backing out of a convenience store parking lot.
Aren’t they required equipment this year or next year? My 2014 VW has one, and I would miss it now. We’re in a neighborhood with lots of small kids who play in the front yards and sidewalks and it’s reassuring to see what’s exactly behind my card when moving, but you still need to turn your neck for oncoming cars. However, it’s great for parallel parking.
They are on Ebay ranging from $12 to $50. Bear in mind that we are sending our money to the commies in China.
:rolleyes:
I would not want to give mine up. Last summer, after a kids soccer game, I get my kids in, start the motor, check the street and mirrors, put it in reverse, and there is a 3 year old crouched behind my car.
I don’t want to think what might have happened without the camera.
They’re phenomenal for parallel parking. You don’t have to guess how far you are from the car behind you.
One came standard on my 2015 Honda Civic. I haven’t found it very useful for backing out of my driveway but I did use it for parallel parking once and found it useful. It also helps me to see if I’m straight between the lines at the parking space I back in to at work. For some reason, I don’t know if it’s me or the car, I’ve had trouble the past couple of years judging whether my car is parallel to the lines. I’m always a little crooked.