Can the dash cam continue recording after parking?
3 Answers
If the dash cam is wired to a constant power source during installation, providing 24-hour power supply, and features like parking monitoring, time-lapse recording, or motion detection are enabled on the dash cam, it will continue recording even after the vehicle is turned off. With parking monitoring activated, the dash cam will start recording upon detecting vibrations and automatically save the footage to prevent overwriting. When motion detection is enabled, the dash cam will automatically begin recording if any movement is detected within its camera range. Time-lapse recording allows the dash cam to record continuously around the clock, even when the vehicle is off. Although the dash cam can still record after the vehicle is turned off, it may have blind spots. Single-lens dash cams can only capture the front view, dual-lens dash cams can record both front and rear, while 360-degree dash cams provide all-around coverage. Therefore, for safety reasons, it is advisable to park in areas with surveillance cameras and not rely solely on the dash cam.
I've been driving for over a decade and have used various dash cams. Whether it can record after parking depends on whether the device has a parking monitoring function. For example, my dash cam, if equipped with this feature, enters standby mode when the car is turned off. It automatically powers on and starts recording when detecting vibrations or movement, relying on a built-in small battery or connection to the car battery for power. The advantage is that it can prevent theft or scratches in parking lots, but it tends to drain the battery quickly. So, I recommend installing a voltage protection kit or regularly driving to recharge. Different brands have different settings, which can be adjusted in the mobile app by turning on the option and adjusting the sensitivity. Remember, older models might not have this function and can only operate while the engine is running. Overall, models with monitoring support can record, but if you often park outdoors, investing in a good one will give you more peace of mind.
From a safety perspective, I believe it's crucial for dashcams to continue recording after parking, as they can protect the vehicle from harm in real-time. Modern devices like the one I installed come with parking surveillance—they remain on standby after the engine is turned off and activate recording upon detecting any movement, providing evidence in case of theft or accidents to assist with insurance claims. However, proper power setup is essential, such as hardwiring it to the car battery to avoid vehicle stalling due to low power. In practice, it's simple to use—just activate the surveillance mode via an app, with power consumption safely controlled under 0.5 amps. The downside is that it's not suitable for older car models, and prolonged inactivity can damage the battery. I recommend checking the dashcam's status weekly to ensure it functions properly, making it both a practical anti-theft tool and a useful device.
