Does installing ETC in the black dot area affect its usage?
2 Answers
The ETC device should not be installed on the black dot area of the windshield as it affects normal usage. Installing it in the black dot area has drawbacks, primarily weakening the solar charging capability of the ETC device, which may lead to power depletion over time. Additionally, it is important to note that when installing the ETC, try not to obstruct the driver's line of sight. The best installation location is directly behind the rearview mirror inside the car, ensuring it looks aesthetically pleasing after installation. For small cars, the ETC is generally installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles like trucks and buses, it is installed in the lower middle part. The suitable installation position should be no lower than 1.2 meters and no higher than 2.5 meters, with an installation angle between 30 to 90 degrees. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket explosion-proof film, which may interfere with microwave communication signals, the ETC should be installed in the microwave window area. Here are some precautions for ETC installation: Avoid obstructing the view; installing it behind the rearview mirror is best: Many car models have windshields with a steep rearward tilt, which can reduce the driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it may increase the driver's blind spots. Installing it behind the rearview mirror on the right side helps avoid obstructing the view. Ensure it does not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power but generally does not require charging or battery replacement as it has a built-in solar panel for self-charging. Therefore, avoid installing it on the black dot areas of the windshield or any position that might block the solar panel. Do not remove it arbitrarily once installed: The adhesive backing has an anti-tamper lever connected to a switch. After installation, the windshield presses this lever in. If the device is removed, the lever pops out, triggering the switch and locking the electronic tag, rendering it unusable until unlocked at an ETC service point. This feature prevents multiple vehicles from sharing one device. ETC usage tips: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To avoid paying for the vehicle in front due to its ETC malfunction, maintain a distance of at least 10 meters. The ETC lane recognizes vehicles at speeds up to 20 km/h; exceeding this speed may cause the device to fail to read, leading to payment failure. Also, insufficient balance on a debit card linked to ETC will result in payment failure.
I installed an ETC device on the front windshield, and if it's stuck in those dotted black areas, it really affects its performance. Those black dotted areas are ceramic coatings, mainly for sunshade and aesthetics, but the ETC relies on solar panels for charging. If stuck there, light can't penetrate well, leading to reduced charging efficiency and the device easily running out of power and shutting down. When passing through toll stations, if the device has insufficient power, signal recognition is slow or the barrier doesn't lift at all, which is particularly frustrating. I tried sticking it there once myself, and within a few months, I had to recharge it several times. Later, when I moved it to the clear area in the middle of the glass, it worked much better. I recommend avoiding the black dotted areas during installation, choosing a well-lit spot to stick it firmly, and regularly cleaning the windshield to ensure dust doesn't block the light. This way, the ETC can last longer, saving you hassle and ensuring safer driving.
