I typically approach product reviews with an open mind, expecting to find value. While there are valid privacy concerns surrounding Ring products and their partnerships with law enforcement, I’ve generally appreciated their user-friendly design and their ability to deliver on their core promise: enhanced home security.
However, the Ring Car Cam falls significantly short of this promise as a dash cam alternative. Considering the substantial investment cars represent, and the inherent risks of leaving them unattended, a reliable car security camera with video storage, especially one capable of recording hit-and-runs or break-ins, would be invaluable.
Unfortunately, the Ring Car Cam is not the solution. My first experience involved the Ring app alerting me to a drained car battery after just one day of installation. Having to rush to disconnect a security device that simultaneously compromises vehicle usability defeats its entire purpose. A car camera that jeopardizes your car’s functionality while failing to reliably enhance security is simply not worth considering.
Installation Challenges
The Ring Car Cam itself appears robust, featuring dual cameras for front and rear recording, mounted on a wedge designed to fit between the dashboard and windshield. Ring’s reputation for easy installation is a key factor in its widespread popularity. However, the initial setup process hinted at potential issues. Being prompted for my car’s make, model, and year during setup was the first sign that this installation might not be universally straightforward.
The Car Cam is designed to connect to your car’s OBD-II port, typically located on the left side of the vehicle. If your car lacks this port in the specified location, compatibility becomes an issue. Ring provides a list of incompatible vehicles, highlighting that compatibility isn’t always obvious. For instance, while my 2018 Kia Sorento is seemingly compatible, other models from the same year, like the Kia Niro and Cadenza, are incompatible due to security light interference causing false motion alerts. This illustrates the nuanced and sometimes unpredictable nature of vehicle compatibility.
Legal and Practical Roadblocks
Beyond compatibility, legal restrictions present another hurdle. In Oregon, where I reside, and numerous other states, placing any obstruction on the windshield that impairs visibility or obstructs the view into the vehicle is illegal. While I proceeded with installation for review purposes, operating the Ring Car Cam could result in legal penalties. A traffic stop for windshield obstruction would certainly negate any perceived security benefit.
Even if legalities are disregarded, the physical installation process raises concerns. Ring includes tools to wedge the camera into the narrow gap between the windshield and dashboard. However, online user reviews reveal instances of windshield cracking during installation. This risk adds a significant layer of anxiety to what should be a simple setup.
Design Flaws and Functionality Issues
The design itself presents further puzzles. The USB port’s placement on the right side of the camera is perplexing, especially given Ring’s instruction to use it in cars with left-side OBD-II ports. This necessitates kinking the connecting cable during installation. This awkward cable routing is not only visually unappealing, creating a visible kink under the windshield, but also compromises the cable’s integrity and increases the likelihood of it becoming dislodged.
In conclusion, the Ring Car Cam, while conceptually appealing as a car security solution, suffers from significant practical flaws. From potential battery drain and complex installation to legal ambiguities and questionable design choices, it ultimately fails to deliver on the core promise of reliable car security. For those seeking genuine dash cam functionality and car protection, exploring alternative products beyond the Ring Car Cam ecosystem is highly recommended.
