Can a dash cam record when the car is not in motion?
2 Answers
A dash cam can record when the car is not in motion, but only if it has a parking monitoring feature. The working principle is that when the vehicle body is impacted or when movement is detected in front of the car, the dash cam will automatically wake up and start the monitoring function. When turned off, the dash cam is equivalent to being powered off, and the device cannot operate without a power supply. When the vehicle is turned off and the power is cut, the dash cam will use its built-in lithium battery to record, but the recording time is relatively short. If you want the dash cam to record continuously, you can directly use the car battery to replace the ACC power supply. When the car is turned off, the dash cam will continue to record, but this will consume the car battery's power. It is recommended that car owners park their vehicles in a safe and reliable place when parking outdoors to prevent collisions.
My dash cam can indeed record while parked, and I've personally tested it to be effective. Once the parking surveillance mode is activated, the device enters standby after the vehicle is turned off, and automatically starts recording upon detecting vibrations or movement in the frame. For example, if parked on a residential street and someone lightly bumps the car body, it immediately captures and records the evidence. This feature is incredibly useful. The model I use has a built-in small battery that supports several hours of recording without draining the car battery. However, it's important to note that if it's only connected to the cigarette lighter power source, the power may cut off after parking, so it's best to choose a design that supports a hardwire kit connection to the fuse box—though then you'll need to be cautious about battery drain. The setup is straightforward: connect via Bluetooth to the mobile app and check the parking surveillance option. I think this feature is worth the price, offering protection against window smashing and scratches, especially in crowded urban parking areas. Check your dash cam's manual to see if it has this setting, and ensure the sensitivity is adjusted to avoid false recordings. Overall, it's both safe and convenient, just remember to regularly clear the memory card.
