Installing a rear view camera - do-it-yourself or in a workshop?

If you drive your car in the city and in places where there is little space for parking, installing a rear view camera can be indispensable. There are currently kits available on the market that don't even require wiring in the car, but sometimes you can't get rid of the cables. From this guide you will learn how to properly install such a gadget in your car. Learn how to install a rear view camera step by step!

Installing a rear view camera - basic rules

In mains powered products, it is necessary to run cables along the entire length of the vehicle. Why? Installation of the rear view camera starts at the tailgate and ends on the screen in front of the driver. These two elements must be constantly connected to each other, and the wiring must not be chaotic. You will also need to supply power to the camera using the reverse lamp. While driving, it makes no sense to display the image from the camera, because it is only useful when reversing. From the camera are power cables that connect it to the display.

Installing a rear view camera - the price of the service

Typically, at a factory that installs such add-ons, you will pay 150-30 euros - these are the prices for standard rear-view cameras in cars of a lower segment. However, in expensive cars, installing a rear view camera can cost up to 50 euros. Wireless kits are the cheapest.

Instructions for installing a rear view camera in a few steps

In this part of the article, we will tell you how to connect the camera in the car yourself. The kit you buy will probably come with a proper manual. Some, however, prefer to know in advance what awaits them.

Installing a rear view camera - choosing a location

Here you have a little narrowed room for maneuver. Normally, you should mount a camera with a reversing sensor so that the outline of the bumper is visible at the very bottom of the image. Then it is easier to judge the distance. A suitable place should be the trunk lid, namely the part where the license plate lights are located.

Reversing monitor in the car - how to connect the cables?

Already at this stage, you will notice that you need to somehow bring the wires inside. Sometimes it will be necessary to make a small hole under the license plate or in the license light housing. Other connections may cause twisting or chafing of wires. If the wires were on top, you'd ruin the car. The wires must be routed under the plastic of the trunk lid so as to get to the reverse light wiring. There you connect negativity and nourishment.

Connecting the rear view camera - laying the cable in the car

So that the installation of a rear view camera does not worsen the appearance and functionality of the car, you need to lay the wires under the plastic. Of course, it would be best to go above the headliner, but this is not always possible. If in your case there is at least a shadow of a chance for such a solution, use it. Otherwise, you will have to work hard on laying cables through plastic elements and gaskets.

Installing the rear view camera - connecting the screen

An interesting option is to install the display under the rearview mirror. If you have a small windshield, this option is very convenient. The extra power from the cigarette lighter will allow you to track and record what you see ahead. However, not every DVR has this option. 

1. If you've already routed the wires to the front, start with proper screen placement first. 
2. Make sure you have enough wires for the intended location. 
3. Of course, try to guide them in such a way that they are hidden. This will greatly reduce the risk of damage.

Installing a rear view camera - what to look for?

Here are some tips to help you install the rear view camera correctly.

1. Before embarking on any invasive activity (such as drilling), measure whether you really have enough wires. It would not be better if during installation it turned out that the factory cables were missing. 
2. When you know from the start that you will miss them, you can extend them with suitable power cables. 
3. Securely insulate the connection points of such cables. 
4. Also remember that installing a rear view camera often requires drilling through body parts or lights. Such places must be fixed with silicone or glass glue.
5. When gluing the camera to the housing elements, do not forget to degrease them properly. You don't want the body at some point to be visible instead of the image behind the car, do you? 
6. When it comes to running cables, be sure to do it in the covers that were originally prepared. Cable conduits are usually large enough to accommodate one more cable. Of course, we are talking about places where such elements occur (for example, the trunk lid).

Installing the rear view camera and its parameters

Consider the options. The viewing angle must be optimal. The more the camera can capture, the better for the driver. The location of the device is also important. Such a camera is usually mounted on a tape already prepared by the manufacturer. It is good to first connect the entire kit and run it, and then proceed to determine the optimal installation location. If you plan to install the rear view camera ahead of time, you won't have to tear it off and reattach it.

Does it make sense to install a rear view camera? This is a functional piece of equipment that will last you for years and improve your parking skills. It is known that a good device with a wide viewing angle will not be too cheap, but it is worth betting on quality. After all, you can save on assembly and do it yourself. At best, you will break one or two plastics, but you will get satisfaction from the work done by your own hands.