Tips to Consider While Buying Back-Up Cameras for Cars

You may be a safe and proficient driver, but backing up can still be challenging when you can never truly tell what is behind your car or in your blind spots. As an extra safety precaution, you may want to install one of the best back up cameras for cars. Also known as rare view visibility systems, backup cameras will provide a clearer view when you back into a parking spot or put your car on reverse. They will show what is occurring behind you when you cannot actually see it for yourself, using a display on your dashboard, a rearview mirror, or a center console.

There are many different back up cameras for cars, and this can make the shopping process overwhelming. So, here are some tips to help you make an informed buying decision:

• Analyze your dashboard – Make sure your dashboard can accommodate it. If it already has a touchscreen receiver with rear-view video input, it will be easier to choose a backup camera that will work with it. Otherwise, you may need to consider a device that is specific to your vehicle, consider adding a backup camera, or go for a replacement rear-view mirror, wireless backup camera, or a wired dash-mounted monitor.

• Choosing the right camera – As you explore the range of back up cameras for cars, be sure to consider the image sensor, which can either be CCD (analog) or CMOS (digital). The latter typically draws less power and sensitive to image noise, and the former is slightly able to handle fluctuating lighting conditions. Be sure to look into other factors, too, such as the parking lines (onscreen guides), viewing angle, mirror image, and low light capacity.
  
  
• Explore the mounting options – Back up cameras for cars can come with different mounting styles. They can fit onto a compatible license plate frame or they could have a strap-mount feature. Some models can be lip mounted, which can make sense if your car already has an inset area on the rear. Bracket mounting is the universal setup, but you can also find vehicle-specific mounting.

A Detailed Comparison of LED Lights Vs. HID Lights

Halogen bulbs used to be widely used in headlights, but over the past few decades, vehicle manufacturers have transitioned to HID lights, and more recently, to LED bulbs. The latest advancements in LED technology have made that option the latest standard for high-quality and reliable headlights. Discerning vehicle owners whose vehicles are still equipped with halogen bulbs would consider looking into car accessories shops for LED and HID bulbs to replace their lighting. Before you consider upgrading, here is a more detailed look at the two popular options:

The basics

Light-emitting diode (LED) does not have a filament where the current passes. Instead, it uses a semi-conductor to enable current transfer, resulting in light as electrons move. One of the main advantages of this manner of generating light is that as the material properties of a semi-conductor are adjusted, the emitted light’s frequency can be adjusted, too. This way, the color changes. LEDs can be created in different sizes, making them versatile for a variety of applications, from headlights to adjustable vehicle interior illumination.

High intensity discharge (HID) lighting is otherwise known as xenon lights, based on the gas in the bulb. Unlike LEDs, HID lights use an electric arc between two tungsten electrodes to generate light. Their most common applications are lighting large areas, making them prominent in flood lamps and street lamps, as well as headlights. Their light is whiter and brighter, and you can purchase full replacement units or plug-in kits from car accessories shops online.

Lifespan and other benefits

LED bulbs are known to last longer and they do not generate a lot of heat, making them energy efficient. Their lifespan is associated with the operating temperature and proper care. The lifespan of HID lights is related to the amount of times they are switched on instead of the light’s total running time. Under normal use, they should be good for around 2,500 hours, which, according to manufacturers, is three times more than a conventional halogen bulb. HIDs generate visible light in the IR spectrum, making them ideal for driving in colder climates, since it helps melt ice and snow.

Which is best for your car?

Both LED and HID lights are far more superior to halogen. It all boils down to personal preference. If you are not sure, consult with experts at a car accessories shop for recommendations. They can help you compare products and prices, too.