Cameras help the vehicle identify certain objects and surfaces that visually stand out against their backgrounds. This includes things such as road markings, traffic signs, pedestrians and other vehicles.
Camera information in the parking view can provide you with an additional way to monitor the vehicle's surroundings.
Light conditions
- Strong light sources, such as the sun, can cause glare and reflections that negatively affect camera detection.
- Low light can negatively affect certain types of camera detection.
- Some detection types require low-light conditions. When it's dark, the lights from other vehicles can be identified, as they stand out against the background.
Important
Camera detection in darkness
For the vehicle to be able to identify other vehicles when it's dark, the other vehicles must have their headlights and taillights turned on and be clearly visible. While the vehicle also uses other types of detection, such as radar, it may not have enough information to reliably identify vehicles that are not seen by the cameras. Several driver support features can be affected by this, such as safety interventions, collision warnings and features that provide distance-keeping.
Visibility
- Fog, heavy rain, snow or dust storms can severely limit visibility for the cameras.
- Beware of dust, water or snow on the ground that may be disturbed and kicked up into the air by your vehicle, other traffic or the wind.
Field of view and obstructions
Cameras see in the direction they're facing and only within their field of view. The field of view differs for each camera and depends on their intended purpose.
- Make sure that any mounted accessories, extra equipment or externally-stowed cargo don't block part of the cameras' fields of view. For example, far-extending roof loads may block part of the top view for front- and rear-facing cameras.
- Trailers, bike racks or other towbar-mounted equipment can block the rear camera view.
- Dirt, ice, snow, water droplets and condensation on camera lenses obstruct the cameras' view to some extent. In some cases, the vehicle may be able to identify that something is in the way and notify you. However, it is still recommended to regularly inspect the cameras and make sure that they are clean and unobstructed.
Warning
Clean regularly
Camera, sensor, lidar and radar locations on the vehicle must be cleaned on a regular basis and kept free from labels, objects, dirt and other potential obstructions. Otherwise, vehicle functions may respond incorrectly or become less responsive or deactivated.
Other limitations
If the cameras become too hot, they can be temporarily switched off to protect them from damage. This can happen when starting the vehicle after being parked in high temperatures in combination with direct sunlight hitting a camera. The camera will become available again once it has sufficiently cooled down.
Important
Windshield damage
Windshield damage in the camera area, including small chips, scratches or cracks, can negatively affect performance of the camera and features that use it. This may reduce functionality, cause unreliable vehicle responses, or disable features. If damage occurs, follow this manual's separate recommendations for handling windshield damage.
Camera calibration
After replacing your vehicle's cameras or any of the surrounding parts, such as the windshield, door mirrors or front bumper, the cameras might take a while to recalibrate themselves. This can cause some driver support features to be unavailable for a short time after the vehicle is serviced. You can find messages about ongoing camera calibration in the instrument panel.