Can the Dash Cam Continue Recording After the Vehicle is Turned Off?
3 Answers
If the dash cam has a parking monitoring function, it can continue recording after the vehicle is turned off, but the recording time is not long. Since the dash cam's power is provided 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 the battery to discharge continuously, affecting its lifespan. Functions and Categories of Dash Cams: Function: A dash cam is a device that records images, sound, and other relevant information during vehicle operation. Once installed, it can record the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents. Categories: The parking monitoring function of dash cams comes in two types—one is continuous recording, and the other only activates short recording when the vehicle detects vibration. However, there are currently no dash cams capable of continuous long-term recording after the vehicle is turned off. Solutions for Parking Monitoring Power Issues: To enable parking monitoring, the dash cam must either have an embedded rechargeable battery or be connected to the ACC fuse for power. After the vehicle is turned off, it automatically enters parking monitoring mode, where sensors continuously monitor the vehicle's status. If an abnormality or vibration is detected, it automatically records and stores the footage separately. Compared to constant power connection, dash cams with parking monitoring connected to the ACC fuse are more power-efficient and less harmful to the car battery. However, if the vehicle remains unused for several days, the battery may still drain, making it difficult to start. Another method is using a power bank to supply electricity for parking monitoring. However, this approach has its drawbacks, primarily concerning the power bank's quality. If temperatures rise too high, the power bank could potentially explode, leading to more severe damage.
To be honest, as someone who drives frequently, I have experience with several dash cams. Whether a dash cam continues recording after the vehicle is turned off mainly depends on how it's installed. For example, my first one was powered through the cigarette lighter, so it stopped recording immediately after turning off the engine, which is quite common. But later, I switched to one with a voltage reduction cable connected to the ACC power in the fuse box, allowing it to keep recording after parking—super useful, especially for preventing scratches or collisions. In terms of settings, many dash cams have a parking mode that activates only when the G-sensor detects vibrations, reducing battery drain. Remember, don't forget about battery risks. If the car is parked for too long and the battery drains completely, it may be difficult to start. It's recommended to install an automatic voltage reduction accessory to protect the battery and regularly check the settings.
From my perspective as a car enthusiast, whether a dashcam works after the engine is off depends on power management. Cigarette lighter installations usually lose power when the engine is off, but if you use a hardwiring kit connected to key circuits in the car's electrical system, it can maintain power for parking mode recording. Dashcams with built-in small batteries or supercapacitors may operate briefly, but won't last overnight. Enabling parking features like motion detection optimizes efficiency and reduces battery strain. During my DIY experiments, I found higher-end models with adjustable G-sensor sensitivity help prevent false recordings, and adding a battery monitor prevents drain. Over-reliance can shorten battery life, so professional installation is recommended to avoid short circuits.
