Back-Up Camera DIRT

[AXMACD]

I can't seem to keep my back-up camera clean! The weather hasn't been really cold yet this winter which is VERY nice but this also makes for slushy, dirty roads because the temperature hovers around the freezing mark. All that dirt seems to cover my camera lens making it useless. This isn't just a Toyota problem, I know a few other people with back-up cameras (Honda and Chrysler) and their cameras get just as dirty. I am wondering if anyone has come up with a solution like Teflon that would keep stuff from sticking to the camera?

[rsgunther]

Great idea - I have that problem on my new 2010 Highlander and also on my wife's 2007 BMW X5. They need to come up with some type of solution.

[TrailDust]

Sounds like they need to coat the lenses with titanium dioxide like they've been doing to some windows in office buildings. Dirt, bird poop, whatever cannot stick to the surface and sloughs off within minutes to hours (depending on the substance) keeping them clean and not requiring conventional cleaning. You guys ought to contact the manufacturer of your backup cameras whether OEM or not and let them know.

[AXMACD]

I might try to rain-x the lens.. hmm I'll let you know how it works

[rsgunther]

Sounds great - let me know - otherwise maybe we can get some of the titanium dioxide stuff to try? Do they sell that thru normal retail channels?

[RedLdr1]

I am using Rain-X on both my HL and my wife's Subaru Tribeca rear camera lenses. The HL had marginal improvement but now the Tribeca's stays pretty clear.... Comparing the two lens mounting locations the HL lens mounting is just begging to have stuff run on to it and hang on it until it drips...or dries... A little ledge made out of clear plastic, or something similar, glued above the lens is possibly a solution for all the runoff that coats the lens...

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by rsgunther

Sounds great - let me know - otherwise maybe we can get some of the titanium dioxide stuff to try? Do they sell that thru normal retail channels?

Titanium dioxide is added to the glass during manufacturing so it can't be added as an aftermarket product. That's why I'd recommend giving feedback to the maker of the camera units and suggesting it. TD works on a microscopic scale, and basically on an atomic level atoms of TD "slough" off from the glass and take anything sticking to the surface with it. Since it's on an atomic scale the TD lasts for the lifetime of the glass. Using this glass in office buildings is the most common usage, but there's certainly a niche market for it with backup cameras or security cameras...IMO.

[Caterpillar 60]

Mine was useless in the rain today, definitely needs an eyebrow--added to the list.

Can someone from a dry, dusty environment comment on whether the camera attracts dust and dirt any more than usual?

[kesawi]

Originally Posted by Caterpillar 60

Mine was useless in the rain today, definitely needs an eyebrow--added to the list.

Can someone from a dry, dusty environment comment on whether the camera attracts dust and dirt any more than usual?

It doesn't seem to attract dust and dirt any more than usual. I only ever have a problem when it rains.

[TrailDust]

Seems like the only resolution is for design changes to these cameras. I was thinking the other day and realized the only other way to keep the lens clear would be running a clear, flexible tape over the lens to keep "exposing" a clean surface. That's what they do in Formula One and NASCAR for the live video cameras in the race cars which get gunked up with oil and road grime. Again, an aftermarket product is not an option, but the companies that manufacture these cameras should consider something like that.

[nick1sp]

I think they need to have a better placement for the camera. like behind the window glass. having the wipers and cleaning solutions available to "clean" the window when it gets dirty. having the TD on the windshield and side windows would be a plus, no more rain-x.

[TrailDust]

I did a little bit of online research and found that self-cleaning glass made with titanium dioxide can also be added as a film after manufacture of the glass. Costs are estimated at 10-20% more than regular glass. Don't know if there's a company out there that has a DIY product, but for those interested some online research could possibly pay off with a solution. For consumption, here's a link to one web site I found.