Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you actually test these products?

No. Nobody at BaniCar owns or drives with the products we score. We score the specifications the manufacturer publishes, using the same five criteria for every product in a category. That lets us compare 40 dash cams on the same yardstick, which a hands-on reviewer with six units can't do. It also means we can't tell you how a vacuum sounds or how a camera handles glare. For that, read a hands-on review. Method: How We Score.

Why don't you show prices?

Amazon only allows live prices through its API, and they change daily anyway. When we quote a price it's the manufacturer's list price (MSRP) with the date we checked it. Check the listing for the current number. Full explanation: Affiliate Disclosure.

Why no Amazon star ratings?

Amazon's rules don't allow it outside the API, and we'd rather not borrow a signal we didn't produce. Our score is ours. The star rating is one click away.

How does BaniCar make money?

As an Amazon Associate, BaniCar earns from qualifying purchases. Commission rates are set per category, so a low-scored product pays us the same as a high-scored one. No brand pays for a score. About BaniCar

What does the score mean, and what are "Top Picks"?

Five criteria, each 1 to 5, averaged. 3.0 means "meets the category baseline." A product needs 4.0 or higher to appear in a category's Top Picks. Every score has a one-line reason that names the number behind it.

Are LED headlight bulbs street legal?

Usually not, if you're dropping an LED bulb into a housing built for halogen. Federal standard FMVSS 108 sets limits on replaceable light sources, and NHTSA recall records from 2020–2021 show several LED retrofit bulbs recalled for exceeding them. "DOT approved" on a listing is not a government approval; the DOT mark is the manufacturer's own certification. State inspection rules vary. Full breakdown with sources: Are LED Headlight Bulbs Legal? FMVSS 108, the DOT Mark, and State Inspections. Category: LED Headlight Bulbs.

Which dash cam should I get for a Tesla?

Start with the one you already have. Tesla's built-in Dashcam and Sentry Mode record to a USB drive you supply: Tesla's manual asks for at least 64 GB and a sustained write speed of 4 MB/s or better, formatted exFAT with a TeslaCam folder. Buy a standalone dash cam only if you want GPS speed stamping, higher resolution, or your model and build date don't support USB recording. Guide: How to Choose a Dash Cam. Category: Dash Cams.

How many peak amps do I need in a jump starter?

Peak amps aren't a standardized measurement, so look for the manufacturer's rated engine size in liters (gas and diesel listed separately) and buy headroom. Diesels need roughly up to twice the amps of a gas engine of the same size. Table and reasoning: Jump Starter Buying Guide: Peak Amps, Engine Size, Cold Weather. Category: Jump Starters.

Can a 12 V plug-in inflator handle truck tires?

Often, but slowly, and only if its max PSI sits above your placard pressure with margin. LT tires on heavier pickups can call for 60–80 psi, which is where many 12 V units get hot and hit their duty-cycle limit. Battery-clamp or cordless models are the safer bet for a half-ton and up. Portable Tire Inflator Guide: PSI, Flow, 12 V vs Cordless · Portable Tire Inflators.

I found an error. Can I suggest a product?

Yes to both. Email hello@banicar.com. Errors get verified against the manufacturer's page and fixed within three business days, with a note on the page. Product suggestions go into the queue for the next category update; we only add products with a public spec sheet and a valid Amazon.com listing.

Sources

• Tesla owner's manual, "USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos" — https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_ie/GUID-F311BBCA-2532-4D04-B88C-DBA784ADEE21.html — accessed 2026-10-16
• NHTSA recall report 21E-006 (Putco Nitro-Lux LED bulbs) — https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21E006-1588.PDF — accessed 2026-10-16
• AutoGuide, "How Many Amps Do I Need For A Portable Jump Starter?" — https://www.autoguide.com/auto/how-many-amps-do-i-need-from-my-portable-jump-starter-44609665 — accessed 2026-10-16