Rear View Mirrors vs Cameras: Is One Better Than the Other?
Anyone who’s ever driven a car has used a rear view mirror. This simple, yet essential, car feature allows drivers to see what’s behind them and make sure that the coast is clear before changing lanes or backing up. In recent years, many carmakers have started offering an alternative to traditional rear view mirrors in the form of cameras.
REAR VIEW MIRRORS
The pros
Rear view mirrors have been around for decades, and there’s a reason they are still being used today. They are tried and true, and they get the job done. Here are some of the pros of using rear view mirrors.
- They are very inexpensive. You can buy a good quality rear view mirror for less than $20.
- They are easy to install. You can install a rear view mirror in just a few minutes, with no special tools or skills required.
- They don’t require any extra power source. Rear view mirrors don’t need to be wired into your vehicle’s electrical system.
- The main advantage of rear view mirrors is that they don’t rely on batteries. As long as your car is running and the mirrors are intact, you’ll be able to see what’s behind you.
- Rear view mirrors are also typically larger than cameras, which gives you a wider field of view. Because they’re placed at the edge of your vehicle, they don’t require you to take your eyes off the road as much when checking your blind spot.
The cons
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to using rear view mirrors.
- They can be damaged or broken in an accident. If you are in a serious collision, your rear view mirror could be shattered, leaving you without any way to see behind you.
- They can be blocked by snow, ice, or mud. This can be especially problematic in cold weather climates where roads are often covered in snow and ice.
- They can become blurry or distorted over time. As your rear view mirror ages, it will begin to lose its clarity, making it more difficult to see what is behind you.
- If rearview mirrors are not correctly placed, they can create blind spots.
REAR VIEW CAMERAS
The pros
Cameras offer a number of advantages over traditional rear view mirrors.
- They provide a clear view, even in bad weather conditions. Snow, ice, and mud don’t stand a chance against a backup camera.
- They give you a wider field of view than a rear view mirror. Cameras have a much wider viewing angle than mirrors, so you’ll be able to see more of what is behind you.
- They last longer than rearview mirrors. Because cameras are made with durable materials, they will last much longer than mirrors.
- Some models even come with features like night vision and distance sensors that can help make driving even safer.
- They’re less likely to be obstructed by things like passengers or cargo, and they don’t produce a distorted image.
The cons
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to consider before purchasing a backup camera.
- They can be more expensive than rear view mirrors. While you can find an inexpensive rearview mirror for less than $20, you’ll likely have to spend at least $100 on a good-quality backup camera.
- They require installation by a professional. Unlike mirrors which can be installed by anyone in just minutes, cameras generally need to be professionally installed.
- They need an electrical power source. Most backup cameras need to be wired into your vehicle’s electrical system in order to work, which means another potential cost if you don’t know how to do it yourself.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget constraints. If you’re looking for the cheapest option to get the job done, go with a rear view mirror. If you want the clearest possible view behind you, then go with a backup camera.