How to Install a Rearview Mirror Camera in Your Car. Rearview cameras are an important piece of safety technology that has been mandated by law as standard equipment in new vehicles from 2018. If your vehicle is older than that, you may have contemplated installing an aftermarket backup camera but were put off by the necessity to install a secondary screen on your dashboard or the difficulty of wiring it into your existing infotainment system.
Fortunately, there is an easier solution. Rearview mirror cameras provide a streamlined installation that eliminates clutter in your line of sight. They also offer extra functions that might improve your driving experience.
WHAT IS A REAR-VIEW MIRROR CAMERA?
Most rearview mirror cameras replace your vehicle’s conventional rearview mirror with one including an LCD display. Unlike a normal backup camera, which activates the display when the transmission is switched to reverse, a rearview mirror camera displays an image broadcast at all times by a small camera positioned at the back of the vehicle. The screen is as big as the entire mirror.
Another form of rearview mirror camera mounts over your current mirror and serves as a mounting point for a screen. These installations can appear bulky and obscure some of the windshield.
How to Install a Rearview Mirror Camera:
Rearview mirror cameras that replace an existing mirror can fit over the mirror mount on your windshield or have their own mount. Clip-on mirrors cover your existing mirror and snap into place. Some of these mirrors operate on a rechargeable battery, while others must be hard-wired into a vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system.
When connecting the mirror display to the camera, wiring is an important aspect. Again, some cameras rely on batteries, whilst others require their own power. There is also the issue of whether the video stream is sent wirelessly or via cable.
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Finally, depending on the company, the camera mount has a wide range of possibilities. Some cameras are flat mounted on your vehicle’s body to keep them out of sight. You might also find license plate frames or brackets that include a camera mount.
Other Features of Rear View Mirror Cameras
Many rearview mirror cameras also have dashcam capabilities. They can capture the view ahead through the windshield, which can be crucial in an accident to identify culpability.
These cameras also have Bluetooth hands-free capability, a touchscreen interface that allows you to select from multiple cameras installed on your vehicle, security features such as a “parking lot” feature that activates the camera if motion is detected near your car or truck, and GPS tracking to assist in the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
