Where is the ETC installed on the car?
2 Answers
For small vehicles, the ETC device is installed in the upper middle part of the front windshield, while for large vehicles, it is installed in the lower middle part. The ETC does not require charging or battery replacement as it has a solar panel on the back that can charge itself. When installing, avoid the black areas on the windshield and positions that may block the solar panel. Correct installation positions for ETC: 1. The height should be no less than 1.2 meters and no more than 2.5 meters; 2. The installation angle N should be between 30 and 90 degrees; 3. For vehicles with factory-installed or aftermarket anti-explosion film, the metal ions in the film may affect the signal transmission of the microwave communication link. Installation should be done in the microwave skylight area or by cutting an 8cm by 10cm rectangular area in the anti-explosion film.
I've been driving for so many years, and that little ETC box is usually stuck on the inside top center of the windshield, preferably near the rearview mirror. Why this spot? Because the toll booth antenna comes from the front, and the signal needs to be unobstructed for quick recognition. The glass allows radio waves to pass through, so it won't be blocked by the metal car body. I've installed it myself, but it's more reliable to have a professional do it. When installing, first clean the glass with alcohol, then peel off the double-sided tape and stick it firmly—don't press too hard to avoid damage. If the position is wrong, like if it's off-center or too low, the weak signal might cause delays at the toll booth, and how embarrassing it would be if the barrier doesn't lift. While driving, never pull or move it randomly—the adhesive can loosen in high temperatures, so check it regularly. Some newer cars now have built-in ETC in the dashboard, but most still use the old position for convenience. Don't take shortcuts by sticking it on the dashboard—it blocks your view and poses risks.
