Backup Cameras: Cheaper Than A New Bumper

Once upon a time, backup cameras were a minivan extra and that’s about it. But as the price of cameras and technology comes down, backup cameras are now a smart and affordable aftermarket purchase.

The most obvious reason to invest in a backup camera system is to protect your vehicle from curbs, posts, fire hydrants, trailer hitches, parking blocks, bumpers and other parking lot obstacles. They’re also handy for backing up into trailer hitches, garages, driveways and narrow parking spots.

Best of all, you don’t have to twist your head around to get a clear, wide-angle view of what’s behind your vehicle, and behind all of those blind spots created by the height of your rear window, passengers, pets and cargo. If you have children and pets that are prone to running behind vehicles, backup cameras provide an important extra measure of safety as well.

Cameras start at around a hundred bucks and can be installed around license plates, door locks or rear windows. Screens are available for installation into your dash, but the signal may also be able to be channeled into any existing screens you already have for music or navigation. An investment in a multiuse AV receiver will cover all of your bases while also upgrading your music, navigation and control experience.

Smart rearview mirrors are also available with built-in screens to show you what’s happening behind your car. Some models also double as GPS screens, Bluetooth receivers and more that connect to your Bluetooth.

Compared to the cost of a new bumper or the potential for a more serious accident, a backup camera could be the smartest investment you make for your vehicle.

To learn more, drop by the store to test-drive a backup camera system today!

Backup Camera Facts

• Every year in the U.S., 300 people — over 70% children and seniors – are killed by vehciles backing up, while thousands more are injured.
• The field of view for most backup cameras is between 120 and 170 degrees, which exceeds a normal person’s effective field of view (100 to 120 degrees).
• Most new systems include enhanced night vision modes, plus guides and range finders to help you gauge the relative position of your vehicle to other vehicles and obstacles.
• In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed making backup cameras mandatory for all vehicles to increase a drivers’ field of view. It wasn’t passed into law and in September 2013 the Consumers Union sued the Department of Transportation for the delay.