Can the Dash Cam Record When the Car is Parked?
3 Answers
Parking the dash cam can still shoot, and it will automatically shut down after recording for a period of time. Generally, the dash cam will not record when the car is not powered on. There is a dash cam with a built-in recording function, which can record even when the car is parked. Whether the dash cam works depends on which wire it is connected to. Some models come with a dash cam connected to a constant power supply, in which case it will not automatically shut down and can achieve 24-hour recording; if it is connected to ACC, it will automatically shut down, that is, when the engine is turned off and the power is cut off. The dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and other related information during the driving of the vehicle. After installing the dash cam, it can record the entire driving process of the car, including video images and sounds, which can provide evidence for traffic accidents. The video data recorded by the dash cam cannot be edited. If edited, it will not be able to provide assistance in the event of a liability accident. Components of the dash cam: Host: including microprocessor, data memory, real-time clock, display, lens module, operation keys, printer, data communication interface, etc.; speed sensor; data analysis software; infrared camera.
As someone who frequently researches automotive equipment, I know that dashcams can indeed record while parked, but this depends on several key factors. First, the dashcam must have a parking mode function, which typically relies on built-in G-sensors or motion sensors to automatically activate when the vehicle is impacted or someone approaches. Second, there's the power supply issue—if your dashcam is connected to the cigarette lighter, it won't record after the car is turned off. You'll need to switch to an OBD port or hardwire it to the vehicle's battery to ensure continuous power after shutdown. Additionally, some advanced models come with built-in batteries or low-voltage protection to prevent draining the car battery. When setting up, it's advisable to enable the parking surveillance option in the dashcam app and regularly check the camera's clarity to avoid overwriting old footage. Parking recording is particularly useful, such as in supermarket parking lots where your car might get scratched when no one is around—the recorded video can serve as evidence to hold someone accountable and enhance your peace of mind. In short, when buying a dashcam, prioritize models with parking mode functionality—don't compromise on this important feature.
I drive to and from work myself, so I have firsthand experience with this. Can the dash cam still work when the car is parked? It mainly depends on how the dash cam is installed. Simply put, if it's connected via a regular USB port to the cigarette lighter, it stops recording when the car is turned off. But if you use an OBD adapter or connect it directly to the battery, it can start recording when it detects movement even if the car is parked all day. I've tried parking my car on the roadside overnight a few times, and the dash cam captured footage of someone approaching the license plate, preventing potential vandalism. Don’t overlook this feature setting when driving—go into the app, select the parking monitoring mode, and adjust the sensitivity to avoid false alarms. Another thing to note is battery life; continuous recording while parked can drain the battery, so make sure the car battery doesn’t get over-discharged. For a more economical option, just get a dash cam with an energy-saving mode—safety first, after all.
