Rearview Camera Help in Fredericksburg, VA

What to Do When Your Rearview Camera Goes Out

Rearview cameras are a godsend for many drivers, especially in vehicles like SUVs, which commonly have large rear blind spots. They’re easy to use and so convenient that it’s easy to become dependent on them. Drivers use them for parking, towing, and safely reversing trailers. If yours should suddenly stop working, it can put a real damper on your driving experience and might even be dangerous. Here we’ll go over what you should do if your rearview camera malfunctions.

Ensure You Have Rear Visibility Before Driving

The first thing you should do if your rearview camera stops working is make sure you still have rear visibility. You need to be able to see on-coming traffic when passing or merging on the highway and reversing in parking lots. Without it, you’ll be far more prone to accidents.

Rearview cameras come in two different styles. Some display a feed of the rear camera onto the infotainment screen. Others replace the glass of the rearview mirror with the camera feed. If you have a standard glass rearview mirror, you’ll have to use the old-school method of gaining visibility, but you’re all set to hit the road. However, if your vehicle has a rear camera mirror that’s no longer working, it’s a different story.

While it’s not illegal to drive without a rearview mirror, almost every state requires drivers to have at least two rear-facing mirrors. If your side mirrors are still intact, you can hit the road without risking a ticket, but if you have a wide vehicle like a truck or an SUV, you’ll likely still have a huge blind spot that could be dangerous. In that case, it’s best to stay off the road as much as possible until the camera has been repaired.

Troubleshooting Rear View Camera Issues

Now that you’ve got eyes on the road, let’s identify the problem.

Your camera lens could be covered in dirt, mud, or other debris. So, clean it off with a microfiber cloth. If you have a tough build-up of grime on your camera, purchase a lens cleaning solution to help clear it away.

Once the lens is clean, check it for any exterior damage. If you notice visible signs of wear and tear, you should seek professional help to have it repaired or replaced.

If you live in a particularly humid environment, water from condensation can build up in the camera. Regulate the airflow in your vehicle to reduce condensation.

Your reversing camera is located at the rear of the vehicle, but it links to the dashboard screen. Your camera may be in working order, but a loose or defective connection is disrupting the camera feed. To diagnose, ensure all connections are secure and properly tightened.

Premium rear vision cameras are accompanied by comprehensive user guides, offering diverse troubleshooting methods for different scenarios. If damage, dirt, or loose connections are ruled out, the manual may provide additional solutions. It also details the camera's warranty period, potentially enabling free check-ups and repairs under warranty.

The team here at Huber Collision Center is filled with I-CAR Gold-certified technicians who can make your vehicle look brand new, but we’re sure you’d rather prevent the accident in the first place. With that in mind, if you can’t identify the reason your rearview mirror has stopped working, turn to a professional. Rearview cameras are a safety feature that can prevent collisions and keep you safe on the road.