This is going to sound picky, but why the hell haven't car manufacturers (specifically Acura) figured out that if you drive in inclement weather with muddy/gritty slop (think salted/gritted roads) the rear view camera is completely useless.

They should either provide a (headlight type) washer for the camera lens or as I have seen on vw's implemented a "hidden" rear view camera that is covered by the Acura badge until it is needed.

It seems like a little detail that should be a) rather obvious and b) easy to fix especially as the cameras are becoming required safety devices.

 

learn to not depend on it so much?? Not sure how many people would like the look of a washer nozzle on the back of their car, and due to aerodynamics it actually is a little bit harder than an easy fix to keep it from happening. Can it? Sure. Is it necessarily worth it??

 

I was thinking about that this morning as I was backing into my parking space at work. The camera is useless in the rain

 

few folks on the forum suggested a little bit of rainx to solve the issue. other ideas?

 

That's an interesting thought! I'm going to try it..... otherwise I always find myself wiping off the lens regularly. The one on the TL was better because it was somewhat hidden underneath the spoiler... the TLX is more exposed and sticks out.

 

The camera on my '12 SH-AWD is probably the best backup camera of any vehicle I've driven. Never had a problem in 3 years living in IL with it getting dirty, and the clarity in pitch black conditions is phenomenal. With the brightness cranked all the way up I can't see a damn thing on our MDX camera - If there isn't a decent light source behind me I've had the better half get out and direct me - can't see shit thru the tinted windows

 

Too bad they didn't do like Hyundai where the camera hides in and pops out when necessary...

 

Or like Volkswagen golf...

 

What a great idea! I'm going to give it a try. I just wipe the lens off every time I open the trunk, which is often.

 

Just learn how to optimize the use of all 3 mirrors

 

First world problems lol.
I actually prefer the less visible above the plate cameras.
A little dab of paint sealant on the lens works well also on those detail days. I treat all the glass except the windshield.

 

Or maybe do what we did for decades -- look over your right shoulder. They have tech now for things I didn't know I needed tech for. And now that I've had tech laden cars -- I've gone back to a car with little tech -- because once the novelty wore off I never used the tech although to be fair I do use the back up camera.

 

My kvetch wasn't about rain... (But the rainx or similar idea does seem like a great idea if you only have to deal with rain.)

I am talking the rear camera is completely covered with a fine gritty film, a combo of salt and sandy mud that dries on the lens and completely obscures the lens.

<sarcasm>I know how to use all 3 mirrors but when the back up sensors, or the cross traffic monitor goes off I would like to see what is happening, because it typically is something that was missed in the mirrors.

And of course I know I should learn not to rely on a safety function of the car.

And Yes it is a first world problem... (hence my qualification on my original post about I know it sounds picky). </sarcasm>

If I could delete this thread, I would and keep my out loud musings about my new car to myself.

 

^ I use the camera only for when I am close to the wall of my garage and parking garage space

 

This is all friendly ribbing, nothing to get upset over. I usually wet my thumb, and just wipe off the dirt.

I park in a busy parking garage, and the camera is great for backing up to within inches of the wall in my corner spot which is necessary to pull the front end out of harms way.

 

do you guys think Acura will address and fix the problem in their later models?

 

You have a favorite you want to recommend? I've been going back and forth on different waxes out there but I'm considering to bring some consistency in car care with the TLX.

 

Don't feel that way, you're amongst friends or look at it this way, people you may never see.

I am thankful for this thread to learn about Rainex.

 

Friendly kidding qwxilvr and maybe an attempt to put it all into context.

 

Sorry, having a rough couple of months (except for the new TLX...)

It's all good... I just would like to remind people that there aren't visual clues to sarcasm or humour when smilies aren't used, so it is easy for friendly kidding to be taken as snark or hostility.

Thanks for the clarifications everyone.

 

Technology already exists to make hydrophobic coating for glass. Some cars already use it on the side glass. Of course it is expensive to do this on all the glass all over the car but for a small part like a camera lens, it wouldn't cost Acura much and it make a lot of sense.

The only reason it isn't out there is it's not a big deal to most buyers, it's not something they think about in a purchase decision. So there is no real demand for it. I can bet one of the high end European makes will trailblaze and make it a new feature....(especially as side mirrors also start to become obsolete and become cameras too.) and then the rest of the industry will wait and watch to see if it is worth copycatting. As usual.

The Rain-X solution is good, I've tried it. Indeed it helps keep grime and stuff sticking to it. But beaded water doesn't necessarily help visibility. The only real solution is keep your car clean and in the winter belt pay special attention to clean the lens. I do it every time I fill gas in the winter.

 

I suspect the camera lens is glass, but if by chance it's plastic, I wouldn't use rain-x on it. It will turn it yellow and opaque over time.

 

For ease of use, and speed, Optimum makes some great products like their Opti-seal. Its my go to, especially when I don't have all day. Just spray on an applicator, rub onto the paint, and then let it dry, nothing to buff off, and it lasts for several months easy, even if your car is outside 24/7.

Nothing like washing a filthy, snow, and salt covered car, and seeing that your sealant is still there underneath protecting your paint.

This is just a final sealant though, so any scratches, swirls, and imperfections need to be removed via polishing first

 

I just try to remember to wet my finger and wipe it.

The lens.

Have to say the image isnt as clear as some Hondas. No idea why. But is good enough.