Car security is a growing concern for vehicle owners. With cars being such valuable and often unattended assets, the desire to protect them from theft, vandalism, and hit-and-run incidents is understandable. Dash cams have emerged as a popular solution, offering video evidence and peace of mind. When Ring, known for its home security cameras, announced the Ring Car Cam, it seemed like a promising addition to the car security market. However, after testing the device, it becomes clear that the Ring Car Cam falls short of fulfilling the fundamental purpose of a reliable Dash Cam For Car.
Installation of the Ring Car Cam presents immediate challenges. While Ring products are typically praised for their easy setup, the Car Cam deviates from this reputation. The first indication of potential issues arises when the company requests the car’s make, model, and year during the setup process. This is because the Ring Car Cam relies on the OBD-II port for power and connectivity, a port that isn’t universally located on the left-hand side of all vehicles, as assumed by Ring’s design. Compatibility issues are not always apparent, with certain models within a car’s range being incompatible due to factors like security light interference causing false motion alerts. Checking Ring’s list of incompatible vehicles is crucial, but the limitations extend beyond just model specifics.
Further complicating the installation is the physical placement of the camera. The Car Cam is designed to wedge between the dashboard and windshield. While this might seem straightforward, the process is not without risk. Online user reports detail instances of cracked windshields during installation, highlighting the pressure required and the potential for damage. The positioning of the USB port on the right side of the camera, while the OBD-II port is typically on the left, creates an awkward cable routing situation. This necessitates kinking the cable to connect, a visible and potentially damaging bend that can lead to the wire loosening or disconnecting over time.
Beyond the installation hurdles, the Ring Car Cam suffers from critical functional flaws. The most significant issue encountered during testing was excessive battery drain. On the very first day of use, the Ring app reported that the camera had drained the car battery to a critical level. This is a fundamental failure for a device intended to enhance car security. A dash cam for car that renders the vehicle unusable due to battery drain is not only ineffective but actively detrimental.
Legal restrictions also pose a significant barrier to using the Ring Car Cam in certain locations. Many states and regions have laws prohibiting obstructions on windshields that could impede the driver’s view or external visibility into the vehicle. Placing the Ring Car Cam on the windshield, as intended, may violate these laws, potentially resulting in fines or legal complications. This legal ambiguity further diminishes the practicality and appeal of the Ring Car Cam as a dash cam for car.
In conclusion, the Ring Car Cam, despite its intentions, fails to deliver on the core promises of a reliable dash cam for car. Installation difficulties, battery drain issues, and potential legal conflicts overshadow any potential benefits. For those seeking effective car security through video recording, alternative dash cam options that are easier to install, more energy-efficient, and legally compliant are strongly recommended. The Ring Car Cam, in its current iteration, is simply not the solution for safeguarding your vehicle.
