As someone deeply involved in car tech and safety at cars.edu.vn, I’m always eager to test out new gadgets designed to protect your vehicle. Ring, known for its home security systems, ventured into the automotive space with the Ring Car Cam. While I generally appreciate Ring’s user-friendly approach to security, after thoroughly testing the Car Cam, I must say it unfortunately misses the mark as an effective dash cam solution.
My initial optimism was quickly dampened when the Ring Car Cam presented problems right from the start. The first red flag was the alarming message from the Ring app indicating that the camera had drained my car battery. Imagine the irony – a device meant to enhance car security ends up rendering your car unusable! This immediately raised serious concerns about its core functionality and practicality for everyday use.
Setting up the Ring Car Cam also proved to be less seamless than expected, contrary to the typical ease of installation associated with Ring products. The company’s request for my car’s make, model, and year during the setup process hinted at potential compatibility issues. Unlike many universal dash cams, the Ring Car Cam’s compatibility is limited due to its reliance on the OBD-II port for power and data. This port, commonly located on the left-hand side of the vehicle, dictates whether your car is even compatible. Ring provides a list of incompatible cars, and it’s crucial to check this list before considering the purchase. Even within the same car brand and year range, certain models like the Kia Niro and Cadenza are incompatible due to security light interference causing false motion alerts, highlighting the nuanced and sometimes unpredictable nature of its compatibility.
Beyond compatibility, the physical installation itself presents further challenges. The Ring Car Cam is designed to wedge into the narrow gap between your dashboard and windshield. While this might seem straightforward, online user reviews reveal concerning instances of cracked windshields during installation, suggesting a potential risk for vehicle damage. Furthermore, the placement of the USB port on the right side of the camera is perplexing, especially since the device is intended for cars with a left-side OBD-II port. This design flaw necessitates kinking the power cable during installation to route it to the OBD-II port. This awkward cable routing not only creates an unsightly kink visible under the windshield but also increases the likelihood of the cable loosening or becoming dislodged over time, undermining the camera’s reliability.
Adding to the list of drawbacks, the legality of using the Ring Car Cam in certain locations is questionable. In states like Oregon, where I reside, and others with similar traffic laws, any obstruction placed on the windshield that impairs visibility is illegal. The Ring Car Cam, positioned prominently on the dashboard and windshield, arguably violates these laws. While I proceeded with testing for review purposes, users should be aware of potential legal ramifications and fines associated with using this device depending on their local regulations regarding windshield obstructions.
In conclusion, the Ring Car Cam, despite its brand reputation and promise of enhanced car security, falls short of delivering a reliable and practical dash cam experience. From battery drain issues and limited car compatibility to potentially damaging installation and questionable legal standing, the drawbacks outweigh any perceived benefits. For car owners seeking robust and hassle-free car security solutions, exploring alternative dash cam options would be a more prudent approach. The Ring Car Cam, in its current iteration, simply doesn’t fulfill the essential purpose of a car camera – to reliably protect and monitor your vehicle without causing more problems than it solves.
