Key Takeaways:
- The Ring Car Cam monitors your vehicle both inside and out.
- It also offers crash assistance, records traffic stops, sends real-time alerts, etc.
- On the downside, it may have connectivity issues and data limitations.
- You need to buy Ring Protect Go subscription for full functionality.
- Ring has stopped selling the Car Cams for now – seemingly to improve and fix existing issues.
- Those who already have it, Ring says that their Car Cams will continue to receive updates and improvements.
- To install Ring Car Cam on your car:
- Find the OBD-II Port.
- Place the Power Cable.
- Connect Everything to the OBD-II Port.
- Stick the Cam in Place.
- Activate in the Ring app.
The Car Cam marks Ring’s debut in the auto security realm, but it leaves much to be desired. Having used the Ring camera in car for quite a few months now, I’ll share my experience of the same along with installation steps. Let’s dive right in!
Can I Put a Ring Camera in My Car?
Yes, you can use a Ring Car Cam in your car. It’s compact like a dash cam and has dual-facing HD cameras, provides real-time alerts, and records both while parked and in motion. You can also monitor your driving habits with it and keep your car safe when it is unattended. Just be sure to check your vehicle’s compatibility.
Below, I have talked in detail about my experience with the Ring Car Cam- highlighting both pros and cons.
Ring Car Cam – The New Ring Camera For Car
What It Does?
The Ring Car Cam helps you keep an eye on your car, whether you’re driving or it’s parked. It has two cameras: one facing the road ahead and another watching the inside of your car. These cameras work together to record video, which can be useful for documenting accidents, monitoring your car’s surroundings, or even catching a glimpse of memorable road trip moments.
Key Features
📹 Dual Cameras: The Car Cam features one camera facing the road and another inside, providing a comprehensive view of both the vehicle’s interior and exterior.
🆘 Emergency Crash Assist: In the event of a serious accident, the Car Cam automatically calls for help and provides your location to emergency responders.
👮♂️ Traffic Stop Recording: Activate recording with a simple voice command during traffic stops for added security.
🔒 Privacy Considerations: The Car Cam includes a physical privacy cover for the interior camera and microphones, allowing you to block recordings and audio for privacy.
📦 Subscription Services: Full functionality of the Car Cam, including cloud storage and live view, requires a subscription to Ring Protect Go, with limited capabilities without it.
Is The Ring Car Cam Worth It?
At this point, I’ve spent a good amount of time using the Ring Car Cam. The concept behind this device is pretty impressive because it has cameras that look both out onto the road and into the car. This setup is great for keeping an eye on everything that’s happening around and inside your vehicle.
One of the best parts of the Ring Car Cam is its Live View and Two-Way Talk features, just like in most Ring home security devices. These let you see what’s happening in real-time and talk through the camera if you need to (although I think it can be pretty distracting for the driver and even be dangerous on the road.
The camera also sends alerts to your phone if it senses something unusual, like someone bumping into your car. I found these alerts to be timely and helpful for keeping my car safe.
However, the camera uses a data plan that has a limit of 2GB per month, which can run out quickly if you use the Live View a lot. Also, the camera needs to be plugged into a special port in your car (OBD-II port), and some older cars might not have this port.
Other than that, I didn’t love the video quality. Plus, at times, it gets almost impossible to access the saved videos, whether you do it through the browser or the Ring app. In those times, they money spent on the camera and the subscription feels pretty wasted.
Overall, if you’re looking for an innovative way to keep your car safe and don’t mind keeping an eye on the data usage, the Ring Car Cam could work. However, Ring has put a hold on the production of the car cams for now. Although they have cited some “ongoing details” (pretty vague, if you ask me), it just seems like they know their product lacks in many areas and needs further improvements.
Maybe Ring will relaunch the car cam in the future, and for now, I think the Ring Car Cam is a work in progress. So, maybe you should wait to buy it, even if you could find it right now. But for those who have it, let’s remain hopeful and wait for Ring to roll out updates and improvements that will address all the issues.
How to Install Ring Camera for Car?
Installing Ring Car cam is pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to help you do it:
Before You Start
- Make sure your car works with the Ring Car Cam. Check near the driver’s side under the dashboard for the OBD-II port.
- Get the Ring app on your phone.
Steps to Install Your Car Cam
- Find the OBD-II Port: Look under the dashboard on the driver’s side for this port. Don’t use any extra gadgets with it, just what came with your Car Cam.
- Place the Power Cable: Take the power cable and lay it across the dashboard towards the driver’s side window. Then, connect this cable to your Car Cam and put the cam on the dashboard.
- Connect Everything to the OBD-II Port: Attach the other end of the power cable to the OBD-II adapter. Now, plug this adapter into the OBD-II port you found earlier. If the Car Cam doesn’t light up, turn on your car and wait for a green light.
- Tidy Up the Cable: Run the power cable from the port, along the dashboard, and into the gap by the windshield. Make sure there’s no loose cable hanging around, especially near your feet.
- Check the Cam Fit: Put the Car Cam where you want it on the dashboard. It should fit snugly. If it’s loose, use the toe clip that comes with it for a better fit.
- Clean the Windshield: Use the alcohol wipe from the box to clean where the Car Cam will stick to the windshield.
- Stick the Cam in Place: Peel off the backing from the adhesive on the Car Cam. Push it into the gap between the dashboard and windshield firmly. Make sure it sticks well to the glass.
- Hide the Cable: Use the special tool to push the power cable into the edges and gaps so it’s out of sight. Make sure the cable goes all the way to the Car Cam without any dangling parts.
After Installing
- Make sure everything is secure and tidy.
- Use the Ring app to finish setting up your Car Cam.
Ring Camera For Car — Bottom Line
This was all you needed to know about the Ring Car Cam. If you’re planning to buy one, you’ll have to wait as Ring has pulled it out from its website and Amazon. Even if you could find it, I’d suggest not to buy it right now but wait as there is a great scope for improvement in this product. But if you want to explore, I’d say it’s still not a total waste of money.
Liked this post? Check out more Ring guides:
- Why Is Ring Chime Reset Button Not Working?
- All You Need To Know About Ring Professional Monitoring
- Got Your Ring Motion Sensor Tampered? Do This
- How To Fix Ring Alarm And Ring Chime Stuck Updating?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a Ring camera in your car?
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Should I buy a dash cam for my car?
Will the Ring Car cam drain the battery?
Hashir
Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.
