Can a Dash Cam Still Record After Formatting?
2 Answers
Yes, a dash cam can still record after formatting. Formatting is a routine operation performed on the memory card and does not cause any damage to it. After formatting, all data previously stored on the memory card will be lost, but the card can still be used to store new files. Once the dash cam is formatted, all recordings on the memory card will be completely erased and cannot be recovered. Dash cams automatically manage memory through a loop recording mode, meaning that when the storage is full, the dash cam will automatically delete older recordings. Steps to format a dash cam: Navigate to the settings menu, usually located on the far right of the dash cam interface. Scroll down in the settings menu to find the "Format Memory Card" option. Use the touch buttons or touchscreen to select the formatting option and proceed with the formatting operation.
I'm someone who enjoys tinkering with car electronics, and I've formatted my dash cam several times during installation. After formatting, the device can still record new videos normally—it just clears the old files from the memory card and lets the system start overwriting recordings anew. The key is to use the formatting function in the dash cam's settings menu, rather than randomly pulling out the card and messing with it on a computer, to avoid damaging the card's structure. I recommend checking the recording function after each format to ensure it works properly, as incomplete formatting may occur if the SD card is aging or infected by a virus, preventing new videos from being saved. Regular maintenance is crucial—for example, formatting the card monthly to maintain read/write efficiency—and ensuring the dash cam's loop recording feature is enabled to prevent automatic shutdown when storage is full. In short, feel free to format; recording new content won’t be an issue, doesn’t compromise safety, and can even extend the card's lifespan.
