Will ETC Malfunction Due to Prolonged Sun Exposure in Summer?
4 Answers
ETC will not malfunction due to prolonged sun exposure in summer. The ETC device was designed with harsh environments, including extreme summer heat, in mind. The power supply of the ETC device mainly relies on solar energy. If the ETC device is placed in a shaded area for an extended period, it may lead to insufficient battery power. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. When the vehicle in front stops, to prevent the vehicle in front from having a faulty ETC device or no ETC device at all, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle in front. The speed limit for ETC lane recognition is 20km/h. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle's device information cannot be read, leading to a failed transaction. Unauthorized removal or movement of the OBU device, detachment or loosening of the ETC electronic tag, etc., will cause the electronic tag to fail. It can be sent to the bank where the ETC card was issued or the highway service office for inspection. If the loosening or detachment is not due to human factors, it only needs to be reactivated. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also lead to a failed transaction. Follow the guidance of on-site staff to use the manual MTC lane, paying with cash or card. Poor sensing due to overly thick car windshields. This is especially important for vehicles that have had their windshields replaced after an accident or for those who have modified their front windshields.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of highway experience, I've seen plenty of ETC devices in summer heat. Although these gadgets stick to the windshield and bake in the sun, they're designed for extreme temperatures. Legitimate manufacturers produce devices with an operating range of -40°C to 85°C - even the hottest car interiors rarely exceed 70°C, well within tolerance. During my long-haul drives in temperatures above 40°C, my ETC has never failed. However, I've seen cheaper knockoff devices warp their circuit boards after sun exposure, causing connection issues. My advice: use certified ETC equipment, install it away from the high-temperature zone near the rearview mirror, and consider using a sunshade for extra protection. Ironically, sudden cooling poses greater risks than heat - blasting AC directly on a sunbaked device can cause condensation and short circuits.
With years of experience in automotive electronics repair, I can confidently say that ETC devices aren't easily damaged by sunlight. Current mainstream equipment undergoes high-temperature aging tests, uses heat-resistant lithium batteries, and features solar panels with UV-resistant coatings. However, prolonged exposure does accelerate aging, especially causing rubber seals to harden and potentially allowing water ingress. Just last month, a customer's ETC failed after three years of use - disassembly revealed dried-out thermal paste between the solar panel and circuit board. I recommend biennial checkups at service centers, particularly before rainy seasons to verify sealing integrity. When parking, position the vehicle with its rear facing the sun or use foil sunshades to reflect heat - these practices significantly extend device lifespan.
I've been commuting by car for five years, with my ETC device stuck on the top left corner of the windshield. During summer noons when the car thermometer shows 65℃, the device feels scalding hot to touch but functions perfectly normal. After consulting the manufacturer's technician, they explained that the device casing uses ASA engineering plastic, which is UV-resistant and deformation-proof. The internal circuit board is coated with conformal coating, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 130℃. The only concern is adhesive failure—my neighbor's ETC suddenly fell off last summer, and reactivation was quite troublesome. They recommend using the manufacturer-provided 3M VHB high-strength adhesive for new installations, which has three times the heat resistance of regular double-sided tape.
