Camera detection and limitations

The car's cameras capture the surroundings in a similar way to the human eye. This comparison is useful for understanding their capabilities and limitations.

Cameras help the car 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 car's surroundings.

Light conditions

Cameras need light to work and are affected by 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 car to be able to identify other vehicles when it is dark, the other vehicles must have their headlights and rear lights turned on and be clearly visible. While the car uses other types of detection as well, 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

Poor visibility for the driver typically means poor visibility for the cameras. Objects that are hard to detect for the human eye can sometimes be hard to detect for the cameras as well. This can include well-camouflaged objects or objects where the outlines don’t stand out against the background.
  • 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 car, 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.

Obstructions limit what the camera sees. Each camera views the surroundings from where it's mounted, and anything that enters its field of view blocks what's behind the obstruction. Objects close to a camera will block more of the camera's field of view than objects that are further away. If the car detects that a camera is blocked, it can disable certain features that rely on that camera.
  • 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 car 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 car must be cleaned on a regular basis and kept free from labels, objects, dirt and other potential obstructions. Otherwise, car 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 car after being parked in high temperatures in combination with direct sunlight hitting a camera. The camera can become available again once it has sufficiently cooled down.

 Important

Windscreen damage

Windscreen damage in the camera area, including small chips, scratches or cracks, can negatively affect performance of the camera and features that use it. This can cause reduced functionality, unreliable responses from the car and disabling of features. If damage occurs, follow this manual's separate recommendations for handling windscreen damage.

Camera calibration

After replacing your car's cameras or any of the surrounding parts, such as the windscreen, wing mirrors or front bumper, the cameras might take a while to recalibrate themselves. This can lead to some driver support features being unavailable for a short time after having the car serviced. You can find messages about ongoing camera calibration in the driver display.