Can ETC be installed on the blackened area of the windshield?
4 Answers
ETC can be installed on the blackened area of the windshield, as long as it does not obstruct the driver's view and can sense the inspection equipment at the toll station. The ETC device can read the balance information on the bank card and communicate with the microwave-dedicated short-range communication device in the ETC lane at the toll station through the on-board electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield. It uses computer networking technology to perform background settlement processing with the bank, achieving the purpose of paying tolls without stopping at the toll station. Precautions for ETC include: 1. The transaction area is 8 meters. When there is a vehicle stopped ahead, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to prevent automatic sensing from paying the toll for the vehicle in front; 2. The recognition speed in the ETC lane should be below 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read.
The ETC device is not suitable for installation on the blackened area of the windshield. The ETC system relies on infrared or radio frequency signals to transmit data through the glass. The blackened area contains ceramic shading dots or coatings that can block or interfere with signal transmission, leading to failure in toll recognition, incorrect charges, or missed payments. Additionally, adhesive strength is weaker in that area, making the device prone to detachment, especially in hot weather when the adhesive may melt, increasing the risk of device loss or the need for repurchase. I recommend installing the device on a clean, transparent area at the top of the windshield to ensure uninterrupted signal transmission and reduce daily inconveniences such as manual toll payment errors. Vehicle manuals typically specify avoiding the blackened area to protect device longevity and functional efficiency. Consulting a professional before installation can minimize errors and enhance driving convenience and safety. In short, a simple adjustment in placement can prevent numerous issues and maintain stable device operation.
From my personal driving experience, I find placing the ETC in the blacked-out area to be a terrible idea. I once tried sticking it there to hide the device, but ended up having to stop and pay manually multiple times at toll gates because it failed to recognize the ETC. It was incredibly frustrating. After moving it to the transparent upper part of the windshield, everything worked smoothly immediately. The blacked-out area is designed with a UV-protective coating, but it coincidentally blocks ETC signals, causing interruptions. I wasted both time and money because of this. In daily driving, placing the ETC in the wrong spot can also leave adhesive residue on the blacked-out area, which is hard to clean and adds extra hassle. I recommend new car owners to choose the correct location during initial installation to avoid future troubles and ensure the ETC works automatically and smoothly, allowing them to enjoy a convenient life without making the same mistake. Additionally, the uneven surface of that area makes it hard for adhesive tape to hold the device securely, and if it falls off, it could damage the windshield or require professional repair.
In car repair work, it's common to see car owners placing ETC devices on black areas, which can cause issues like unstable equipment, detachment, or failure to be detected at toll gates due to weak signals, increasing the failure rate. The uneven surface of black areas and poor adhesive strength of the tape make the device prone to loosening and falling off, requiring repeated repairs. The coating interferes with signal transmission, leading to faster battery drain and necessitating replacements, which affects the device's lifespan. It is recommended that car owners follow the ETC manual and place the device in the upper non-shaded area to avoid these troubles. Simple proper handling can ensure normal functionality, reduce additional expenses, and eliminate future concerns. Correct installation protects the device and avoids unnecessary maintenance work, saving time and hassle.
