If you’re a Subaru owner with the Eyesight safety feature installed in your car, you might be interested in using it as a dashcam. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also adds an extra layer of safety and convenience to your driving experience.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of turning your Subaru Eyesight into a dashcam. We’ll cover the necessary hardware and software requirements, any potential limitations or drawbacks, tips on how to troubleshoot potential issues, and how to properly record and store footage.
What Is Subaru Eyesight?
Subaru Eyesight is a safety system available in most newer Subaru models. It uses a set of cameras and sensors to detect potential hazards on the road and can assist the driver with steering, braking, and more. It’s a fantastic safety feature that can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall driving experience.
Why Turn Subaru Eyesight into a Dashcam?
There are several benefits to turning your Eyesight system into a dashcam. For one, you won’t need to purchase a separate dashcam, saving you money. Additionally, having a dashcam can be incredibly helpful in the event of an accident or other incidents on the road. It can also provide a record of your journey, which may come in handy for some drivers.
The Hardware and Software Requirements
To use your Subaru Eyesight system as a dashcam, you’ll need a couple of things. Firstly, you’ll need to purchase a microSD card. Depending on the length of your trip, a 32GB or 64GB microSD should be adequate. Additionally, you’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space.
Once you have those items, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Locate the two Eyesight cameras on your Subaru, which are typically located on the windshield.
- Connect your USB flash drive to the designated port on your car’s console.
- Insert the microSD card into the slot on the Eyesight system located inside your Subaru.
- Access the Eyesight system settings on your Subaru’s display.
- In the settings, select the "Recording" option.
- Choose the "Record to USB" option and format your USB flash drive.
- Once the formatting is complete, select your preferred video quality and hit record.
Potential Limitations, Drawbacks, and Risks
While turning your Subaru Eyesight into a dashcam is relatively simple, there are a few potential limitations, drawbacks, and risks you should be aware of.
Firstly, depending on the video quality you choose, the recording may take up a lot of storage space on your USB flash drive. Be sure to regularly delete old footage to ensure you don’t run out of space.
Additionally, the recording may be affected by external factors such as glare, weather conditions, or passenger interference.
Lastly, keep in mind that recording while driving may be illegal in some regions or countries. Be sure to check local laws and regulations before recording your drives.
Troubleshooting Potential Issues
If you run into issues when turning your Subaru Eyesight into a dashcam, there are a few things you can try.
Firstly, make sure all your equipment is properly connected and formatted. If the issue persists, try double-checking the settings in the Eyesight system.
Lastly, if you continue experiencing issues, refer to your car’s user manual or speak to a professional for further assistance.
Proper Recording and Storage of Footage
To ensure your footage is properly recorded and stored, it’s important to follow a few best practices. Firstly, be sure to regularly delete old footage to free up space on your USB flash drive.
Additionally, make sure to review your footage periodically to ensure it’s recording correctly and covering the areas you need it to. You may also want to invest in a backup storage solution such as cloud storage to ensure your footage is properly stored in case of theft or damage.
FAQ
Q: Is it legal to record while driving with my Subaru Eyesight dashcam?
A: Depending on where you live, it may be illegal. Be sure to check local laws and regulations before recording your drives.
Q: Will recording on my Subaru Eyesight dashcam take up a lot of storage space?
A: Depending on the video quality you choose, the footage may take up a lot of storage space on your USB flash drive. Be sure to regularly delete old footage to ensure you don’t run out of space.
Q: Can I use cloud storage to back up my Subaru Eyesight dashcam footage?
A: Yes, investing in a backup storage solution such as cloud storage can be a great way to ensure your footage is properly stored in case of theft or damage.
Conclusion
Turning your Subaru Eyesight into a dashcam is simple and cost-effective, offering a great way to enhance your overall driving experience. Just be sure to keep potential limitations, drawbacks, and risks in mind, regularly review your footage, and troubleshoot potential issues if they arise. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to recording your drives like a pro!