Some Car Backup Cameras Have a Secret Superpower
Backup cameras are widely installed in newer cars. In fact, since 2018, they’ve been required in all new American-market vehicles. In those “early” days, many of us were unsure of the technology, but I, for one, feel reliant on them at this point. I use the backup camera as a major, accurate tool when navigating in reverse. I recently saw a clip on social media that had me wondering how many other drivers could benefit from a handy “secret mental marker.”
An Australian-based automotive social account posted a reel featuring a compact SUV, the Hyundai Venue. The Venue’s backup camera uses the traditional grid pattern with three sections. The grid is all yellow, with a single red line closest to the vehicle’s rear bumper.
The creator pointed out that the Venue’s red grid line can be used in a special way. Yes, the line always means you have a specific amount of space behind your rear bumper. It might be one foot, for instance. However, you might be able to use it to determine how much space you have left to cleanly open the rear hatch.
It’s really frustrating to back up into your garage with a load of groceries only to discover you can’t fully open the hatch. The grid lines might help you with this conundrum.
How to check if your backup camera has a secret rear hatch marker
This secret “superpower” could be tested on vehicles with hatches, doors, or tailgates. Take some time to play around with your gridlines. Watch your screen and then get out at different points to test opening the rear door. Figure out the “final” reference point for opening your rear hatch cleanly.
Assuming the red grid line is a universal marker might get you in trouble. This won’t work on all cars, so it’s best to check yours in a test scenario before swinging your hatch open against a brick wall once you hit the red line.
Sedans, of course, don’t have hatches that require extra clearance after the end of the vehicle. Sedan trunks will never curve out past the rear bumper.
For anyone wondering how your backup camera works in general, watch the great deep dive below on how to read your backup camera grid lines.
