Can a Dashcam Block the ADAS Camera in Your Car? What Indian Drivers Should Know

Many car owners in India have recently started installing dashcams to accurately document on-road collisions or disputes and protect themselves against insurance fraud.

ADAS cameras have also become popular because they provide important alerts for driver and passenger safety. However, when dashcams and ADAS cameras are used together, will dashcams block the ADAS cameras, or will they work better together? Let’s find out.

Where are ADAS Cameras Located

ADAS cameras are typically located behind your windshield, near the rear-view mirror and are known as front-view cameras. This placement gives them a wide field of view (FOV), helping them see things like lane markings.

So the area around the camera must remain clear of any interfering objects like dashcams. This helps the camera ‘see’ clearly and avoid giving out incorrect readings due to visual obstructions.

How a Dashcam Can Interfere With ADAS Camera Vision

Dashcams are generally installed right behind or below the rear-view mirrors. Some dashcams come with suction holders, while others require special mounts for proper installation.

These mounts and their cables can bring the dashcam body into the camera’s field of view and obstruct visibility. Moreover, they could potentially reflect light and cast shadows on the cameras when driving in brightly lit environments.

These reflections and shadows could cause the camera to misread its surroundings, leading to false alerts and requiring timely recalibration by trusted experts. At AIS Windshield Experts, we offer ADAS recalibration (currently only in Noida) to help you avoid such situations.

ADAS Features That May Be Affected Due to Dashcam Interference

Some critical ADAS camera features that could be obstructed due to dashcams and the absence of timely ADAS calibration include:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Sends you alerts when the cameras detect you moving away from the lane markings of the road you are on.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Relies on the ADAS cameras and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and applies a gentle steering force to manoeuvre your vehicle back into the correct lane in case you don’t steer it yourself after the LDW alerts.
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Sends you alerts when the ADAS cameras detect the possibility of a collision with another vehicle by analysing the distance between your vehicle and the other one.
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Relies on the ADAS cameras and chassis-linked ECUs to automatically apply braking force in the event of a possible collision. It activates if you don’t brake after the FCW alerts.

How Indian Drivers Should Install Dashcams Safely

• Step 1: Check where your ADAS camera is located before installation. Its position will help you decide where to place your dashcam.
• Step 2: Clean the windshield area and mount the dashcam so that it doesn’t obstruct the ADAS cameras’ FOV. Then, check and adjust the dashcam’s angle by momentarily switching it on to get the correct view.
• Step 3: Attach the dashcam’s power cable and secure its wiring as instructed by the manufacturer.

When ADAS Camera Calibration May Be Required After Dashcam Installation?

• Windshield Replacement: ADAS camera positions generally change after a windshield replacement. Hence, professionals first reposition the camera, then recalibrate it to ensure accurate readings.
• Camera Displacement: Sometimes the position of the ADAS cameras may change due to minor collisions or windshield vibrations. Recalibrating them in such scenarios helps maintain their accuracy.
• Persistent ADAS Warning Messages: Recalibrating your ADAS cameras when you get constant warning messages helps ensure they continue working normally.

Conclusion

A dashcam could potentially block ADAS cameras if installed incorrectly. So, follow the required steps to avoid this.

If the ADAS cameras aren't working correctly, consult professionals who offer ADAS calibration services. At AIS Windshield Experts, we offer ADAS camera calibration services to help you get back on the road quickly. Our team of skilled technicians ensure complete precision and quality assurance from start to end.