Can a Dash Cam Continue Recording After the Vehicle is Turned Off?
3 Answers
It depends on whether the dash cam has a parking monitoring function. If the dash cam is equipped with parking monitoring, it can continue recording after the vehicle is turned off, but the recording time is limited. Since the dash cam's power is supplied by the car, it can only operate when the car is running. Some dash cams have battery power, but the battery capacity is too small to support prolonged operation. Connecting the dash cam directly to the car battery will cause prolonged discharge, which may affect the battery's lifespan. Functions and Categories of Dash Cams: Function: A dash cam is a device that records video, audio, and other relevant information during vehicle operation. Once installed, it can capture the entire driving process, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents. Categories: The parking monitoring function of dash cams can be divided into two types—one is continuous recording, and the other is triggered recording only when the vehicle detects vibration. However, there is currently no dash cam capable of continuous long-term recording after the vehicle is turned off. Solutions for Parking Monitoring Power Supply: To enable parking monitoring, the dash cam must either have an internal rechargeable battery or be connected to the fuse box (ACC power supply). After the vehicle is turned off, it enters parking monitoring mode, where the sensor continuously checks the vehicle's status. If any abnormality or vibration is detected, it automatically records and stores the footage separately. Compared to direct battery connection, dash cams with parking monitoring connected to the fuse box (ACC) are more power-efficient and reduce harm to the car battery. However, if the vehicle remains unused for several days, the battery may still drain, making it difficult to start the car. Another solution is to use a power bank to supply electricity for parking monitoring. However, this method has its drawbacks, primarily concerning the quality of the power bank. In high-temperature conditions, the power bank may overheat or even explode, leading to more severe damage.
Let me talk about this from a technical perspective. Most dash cams lose power when the vehicle is turned off because they're directly connected to the cigarette lighter or battery. Once you turn off the ignition, the power supply is cut. However, some high-end models have special features, like built-in small batteries or supercapacitors, allowing them to operate for a few minutes after the engine is off, mainly to record collisions or surrounding activities. This is called parking monitoring mode. I installed one of these dash cams—it starts recording as soon as it detects any vibration, which helps prevent hit-and-runs or theft, giving me peace of mind. But this feature consumes power, and prolonged use can easily drain the car battery, especially in older vehicles. It's recommended to hardwire it to the fuse box and add a voltage monitor to ensure it automatically shuts off when the voltage drops below a set level, protecting the battery's lifespan.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I've encountered this issue with dashcams. Whether it can record after the car is turned off depends on the dashcam's settings and wiring method. I've tried several types: those connected to the cigarette lighter stop recording immediately after turning off the engine, while others with built-in small batteries can last about half an hour to capture minor incidents when parked. Later, I bought one with parking surveillance that enters standby mode when the engine is off and only activates when a vehicle approaches or there's vibration. It's quite practical for preventing hit-and-run incidents. However, don't rely on it for too long. Once when I was on a business trip for a week without using the car, the battery almost drained completely, requiring a jump start. My personal advice: if you drive frequently, opt for this feature, but regularly check the battery's health.
