Checklist

If you're considering buying a car reversing aid, here's what to consider:

The Autoview ALRS35C is a wired system.

Wired or wireless?

Our test suggests a wired system provides a better image than a wireless one. All our recommended models are wired.

But wired models are more bother to install: they need to be hard-wired into the dash area for power and they have a cable that needs to be routed through the car to provide an AV connection between the camera and the screen. Wireless systems don’t need to be cabled through the car and some just plug into the cigarette lighter (12v output) socket for power. However, all the test systems required a hard-wired power connection to the reversing lights and this is the trickiest part of installing them.

Unless you're "handy", we recommend getting your system installed by the garage that services your car – or by an auto electrician.

Display type

A display screen can be mounted on the dashboard (with a suction mount or sticky pad) or on the windscreen (with a suction mount). Or it can be clipped over the mirror (the unit consists of a larger mirror surrounding the display screen).

A screen position on the windscreen near the mirror – or over it – is the most natural for rear vision. However, mirror-mounted screens tend to be darker than standard rear-vision mirrors because they’re anti-glare. There’s also more in-car reflection because of the screen’s gloss finish.

Camera position

Cameras mounted on the bumper require permanent alterations to the vehicle, and can still have large blind spots in the wheel tracks.

Wide-angle cameras mounted on or above the number plate can be sufficiently angled down to see all of the bumper and avoid the blind spots.

Auto start

It’s essential that the system starts automatically when reverse gear is engaged. The display should disappear when the car isn’t in reverse gear. Don’t buy a reversing camera that doesn’t automatically start when you reverse.

Infra-red

Some cameras have an infra-red feature for night vision, which could be useful if your reversing lights are particularly dim.

Types of reversing aids

There are three types of reversing aids:

• Reversing alarms beep when you’re reversing. They may alert adults but they’re no use for toddlers.
• Reversing sensors beep when they sense an object in their path. These work best for hard objects such as other cars and walls. Some ultra-sonic sensors can detect a child but may have blind spots.
• Reversing cameras on the rear of a vehicle work show images on an LCD screen on the dashboard, windscreen or rear-view mirror. According to Safekids (a national child-injury prevention service) these systems are just one tool to reduce driveway accidents. They’re not foolproof – there have been instances of children being fatally run over in driveways even when a reversing camera was used. Camera performance changes from vehicle to vehicle – and mud, rain and fog can severely reduce visibility on the screen.