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Backup Camera Installation: Why To Hire A Professional If You Can Do It Yourself? 

Best Backup Cameras for Cars

Backup camera installation is not a complicated process. All you need to do is to:

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  • Identify your preferred type of backup camera
  • Install the wiring and cables (in case of the wired backup camera)
  • Connect the cables to the monitors
  • Connect the camera to the power
  • Test the backup camera  

Usually, backup cameras come integrated with modern vehicles. However, many aftermarket parts are now available for those interested in installing a backup camera in their older vehicles.

In modern vehicles, the backup camera is integrated in a way that won't show you it's added to the vehicle. In other words, you won't see any wiring or connections going around the vehicle to connect the camera to the vehicle's computer. However, many people trying to install backup cameras fail to hide the connections making it obvious that the camera was added and is an aftermarket component.

Luckily, certain tweaks and tips you can implement when installing the backup camera to help achieve amazing results. This article provides you with all that you need to know about backup camera installation. Whether you have previous experience or not, the following sections will help you install your backup camera successfully and be amazed by the results! 

Can I install my own backup camera? 


Of course! There are plenty of aftermarket backup cameras with certain instructions to help anyone with zero previous experience install the backup camera easily and achieve the best results.

Therefore, we encourage you to install one of them and be amazed by how easy the processes. If you didn't find the instructions provided with the backup camera helpful, you could always continue reading through this article to get an idea about how the backup camera installation goes. 

Backup camera installation: a step by step procedure 

A backup camera solution is not a complicated process. If you follow the next steps, you can achieve the best results and enjoy having a backup camera in your older vehicle

  • Buy the necessary components

First, you need to determine what type of camera you are planning to buy. For example, there are plenty of wireless cameras, and there are others wired cameras. In this article, we will help you through the process of connecting a wired camera to your vehicle.

It's important to look at the details of that camera and make sure that it's a backup camera, not a different one. You want to make sure that the camera has a rearview so you can achieve the results you're looking for. 

If you would like to keep your rear mirror, you might need to purchase a different external monitor and place it on your vehicle's dashboard. The monitor is usually a very small device that looks like the GPS of your car. Thus, you don't have to worry about the monitor taking a lot of space on your dashboard. 

There are certain monitors integrated with the rear camera. These monitors are only activated whenever you plan to drive their vehicle back or set the vehicle to the reverse mode.

If you decided to go without a wired camera, you would need to consider purchasing separate cords and powers to connect both the camera and any extra monitoring screen or display. 

  • Install the cables 

Once you purchase all the necessary components, the next step is to install the cables. Installing the cables usually happens at the location of your vehicle. Go ahead and remove the car's plates. Don't forget to keep the screws in a safe place you don't lose them.

After that, you need to remove the vehicle's interior panel around the trunk. In this area, you will see the different wiring chambers in the rear portion of your vehicle. 

Within the license plate mounting area, you need to drill a small hole to insert the backup camera. Determining the size of the hole depends on the camera size. Therefore, do not drill the hole unless you inspect the camera and determine how much you want to drill. In general, it's recommended that you drill somewhere between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch. 

After that, you should be able to install the camera. It's recommended that you place a grommet inside the hole you just drilled in the plate's mounting area. 

After preparing the hole, you need to run the cables to the inside of your vehicle's trunk. These cables should walk through the outside than the inside of your vehicle. 

You need to separate your vehicle's reverse lights while ensuring that your vehicle is turned off to prevent any risks of electrical shocks. Finally, you need to connect your camera to the reverse light's wires by fusing it. 

  • Connect the cables to your monitor 

Once you finish running the cables through the trunk of your vehicle, you need to bring them to the front side of the car, where you want to install the monitor. As we indicated before, you could go with a separate monitor or with a monitor integrated with the front camera. 

The monster cables should be connected to the RCA cable. Keep in mind that the RCA cables come with the same end, and therefore, you need to purchase a separate RCA male converter from any electronic store. 

The monitor's power cable should be connected to the views tab and then plugged into the fuse box to complete the job. 

  • Connect to the backup camera to the proper mounting 

Finally, make sure to provide some power to the camera by connecting it to the video cables. After finishing all the wiring and connections, it's time to install the backup camera and mount it on top of the license plates. 

Finally, put the license plates back and tighten them properly using the different screws. 

  • Test the backup camera 

After finishing the entire process, it's time now to suggest the pack of the camera by starting the vehicle and monitoring the behavior of the backup camera. If you went with a separate monitor, you should see the rear view of your backup camera on the monitor. However, if you decided to go with an integrated front mirror with a monitor inside it's, you should see the backup view displayed in the middle of the mirror. 

If you did not see a backup camera view, there might be an issue with the installation process or wiring. Therefore, you need to check the connections and ensure a power supply to the backup camera. Otherwise, it might be an issue with the camera itself. 

How much does it cost to have a backup camera installed? 

Backup camera installation usually costs about $99.99. However, this prize can jump significantly depending on the type of camera planning to install, your vehicle's type, and if you're planning to add any additional accessories with the camera. 

How much does Best Buy charge to install a backup camera? 

According to bestbuy.com, installing a backup camera should cost you about $49.09. This price is specifically for wireless backup cameras. However, if you're looking for some details about wired backup cameras, you might need to reach out tool Best Buy customer service and get a more accurate answer by providing them with your vehicle’s information. 

How long does backup camera installation take? 

Backup camera installation is not a very time-consuming process, and it usually takes you about one hour to complete the job. However, if you don't have any previous experience and you will need to review some documentation, it might take you a little longer but not much. 

Finally, if you decided to have a professional mechanic installed the backup camera, the process is expected to take less time and effort. 

What are the different types of backup cameras? 

Before learning how to install a backup camera, it's important to familiarize yourself with the different available backup cameras in the market. Some of them might be easier to install than others.

In general, backup cameras types can be divided into five different types:

  • Bracket mounted 

The backup camera itself will be connected to a certain bracket in the bracket mounted backup camera, but it's not attached completely to it. The bracket should be installed on the vehicle's surface, and then the camera can sit on it.

  • Flush mounted 

The nice thing about the flush-mounted backup camera is that you won't notice it. The main goal of installing backup cameras with a flush-mounted type is to have them in blue be blended as much as possible with the car service.

  • License plate frame

The most common type of backup camera is the one connected to the license plates. It should be embedded with the frame of the license plates, and it's not very complicated to be installed.

  • License plate bar

Some backup cameras might come in a license plate bar format where you put it in the center of their license plates, and then it can be stretched around the different corners of the plates.

  • OEM specific

Finally, the OEM-specific battle cameras are usually integrated with modern vehicles. These cameras are compatible with certain components in your vehicle, not every component. 

What are the different tools I need to have for backup camera installation? 

As we mentioned earlier, the back camera installation is not a very complicated job and does not require an advanced set of tools.

In general, you will need the following:

  • Zip ties
  • Electrical tape
  • Some wire connectors
  • A multimeter
  • A cordless drill
  • Some wire strippers
  • Phillips screws drivers
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • The camera itself
  • Some wire clusters
  • A rubber grommet 

How often should I install a backup camera? 

Backup camera installation is a one-time process. If the backup camera is working properly, you don't have to reinstall it again. However, if the backup camera broke for any reason or if the wiring has any issue, you might need to install a new backup camera.

Think about the backup camera installation like installing any component in your vehicle; when it goes bad, you need to replace it. However, the only difference is that the backup camera is not an essential component, which means that you won't stop driving your vehicle when it goes bad. Still, it will help you drive safely without worrying when reversing. 

Is a backup camera worth it? 

Definitely! By installing a backup camera, you will add another layer of safety to help you and the people around you. There are plenty of situations where you can't see what's behind the vehicle when reversing, which could cause many risks either to yourself or to other people around you.

Keep in mind that some backup cameras might not immediately inform you that an object or a person is behind you. Therefore, allow the backup camera a couple of seconds to detect the object or the person so you can know.

More sensitive backup cameras will have faster response, and those cameras might be a little pricey. 

Conclusion

While only modern vehicles come with backup cameras integrated through their systems, many aftermarket backup cameras are now available, helping tons of customers enjoy the backup camera in their older vehicles.

The backup camera installation process is not very complicated. This article provided you with some tips and tricks to achieve the best results and help the camera's back look like one integrated part of your vehicle.

If your car has many mechanical problems, it might not be worth installing a backup camera, and instead, you might need to sell it and use the payment towards a better car. If your car is not in great condition, it's never a problem! Cash Cars Buyer is one of the fewest companies that accept your car despite its type or condition. Cash Cars Buyer can buy your vehicle and remove it in only one to three days! 

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Our process is very straightforward and doesn't take more than a couple of days to get your vehicle removed safely and for the most money. 

All it takes you is to:

  • Describe your vehicle’s type, and condition
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  • Accept the quote
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To learn more about our process and our teen, you can reach out to us by giving us a call at 866-924-4608 or visit our home page click on the free instant online offer.

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