Can a dash cam record when the car is not started?

[LeLilliana]

It depends on whether the installed dash cam has a parking monitoring mode. If it does not have this mode, it cannot record after the car is turned off. Even dash cams with a parking monitoring mode will only start recording when necessary. Power supply for dash cams with parking monitoring function: Dash cams with parking monitoring function abandon the traditional method of drawing power from the cigarette lighter or USB port, and instead use a step-down cable to directly draw power from the ACC fuse box. Usage of dash cams with parking monitoring function: After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam will automatically shut down and enter a low-power sleep mode. However, once it detects a collision or movement of objects in front, it will immediately wake up and record the surrounding images.

[AxelLynn]

I've driven for so many years and tried quite a few dash cams. Actually, many dash cams can still record when the car is off, depending on their type and settings. Like the one I use with parking surveillance function, when the vehicle is turned off, it can still work via the built-in small battery or by connecting to the car battery. If someone approaches the car or a slight collision occurs, the vibration sensor will trigger a short video recording, which is quite effective for anti-theft. But it's worth noting that prolonged operation like this may drain the car battery, especially for older vehicles, leading to failure to start the next day. I recommend choosing a low-power mode during installation, or only enabling this function at night to avoid unnecessary trouble. Of course, performance varies by brand, so it's safest to check the manual carefully or ask the store staff for advice before purchasing.

[AliceLee]

As a stay-at-home mom, I pay special attention to safety details when taking my kids out. The dash cam I installed can indeed record after the car is turned off, mainly to prevent accidents or theft when parked. For example, last month when my car was parked in front of the supermarket and got a small scratch, the dash cam automatically activated and captured the evidence. Most devices are connected to a constant power source or have built-in batteries to support this feature, but frequent use may cause the battery to age quickly. The model I chose only starts recording when motion is detected, which consumes less power and is more worry-free. If you're concerned about power issues, you can set time limits or turn off the monitoring. In short, this design enhances family safety, and it's always a good idea to talk to a technician before installation.

[JuniperLynn]

I'm a new driver and recently bought my first dash cam. I've asked many friends, and they all said it can still record after turning off the engine, as long as the device supports parking monitoring. My model is connected to the cigarette lighter, so it stops when the car is off; another model connected to the battery can keep recording. If vibration activation is set, it will automatically start recording if someone touches the car, which is suitable for roadside parking to prevent theft. However, the battery wears out faster, so I need to check its status regularly.