Can the Dash Cam Still Record After the Vehicle Is Turned Off?

[McElliana]

If the dash cam has a parking surveillance function, it can still record after the vehicle is turned off. Below is an introduction to the functions of a dash cam: Recording Vehicle Driving Footage: It records information such as driving mileage and speed. Models with a GPS module can also record the vehicle's location and driving route. By analyzing and processing the collected vehicle data and driver behavior, it helps optimize vehicle performance and correct poor driving habits. Alert Function: According to national standards, continuous driving should not exceed 4 hours, and driving time within 24 hours should not exceed 8 hours; otherwise, it will be considered as fatigued driving. Assisting in Determining Traffic Accident Liability: It records the vehicle's driving status (speed, braking information, turn signals, doors, mileage, location, direction, etc.). By extracting the stored data from the dash cam, it can assist in determining traffic accident liability scientifically.

[Adeline]

Whether a dash cam can continue recording after the vehicle is turned off depends mainly on its power connection method. Most dash cams powered through the cigarette lighter will automatically shut down when the engine stops charging and the cigarette lighter loses power after turning off the vehicle. However, if the dash cam is hardwired to the car battery or equipped with a battery protection module, many models will enter a low-power mode and only activate recording when vehicle vibration or collision is detected. Having modified several vehicle systems myself, I've found that adding an auxiliary battery or using the OBD port can extend operation time, but be cautious as excessive battery drain may prevent the vehicle from starting. It's advisable to check if the dash cam's parking monitoring feature is enabled, which is increasingly common in high-end models, helping prevent theft of valuables without leaving recording gaps – both convenient and secure. For daily use, develop the habit of checking the dash cam's indicator light before turning off the vehicle to avoid missing critical footage during unexpected incidents.

[Colin]

As a daily commuter who has been driving for 20 years, whether a dashcam works after the engine is off really depends on how you've installed it. My dashcam is directly connected to the battery, so it keeps flashing and monitoring after shutdown, activating immediately if someone bumps the car. However, it consumes a lot of power and often drains the battery when it ages. For simpler setups using the cigarette lighter socket, the dashcam usually stops working after turning off the engine. Personally, I prefer setting up parking mode, which allows short-term recording after shutdown, but make sure to park in a safe area to avoid false triggers. New cars with smart systems support more features, with post-shutdown recording for up to half an hour being common, but I still recommend adjusting parameters according to the manual to protect battery life. Here's a tip: Clean the camera lens and connectors when washing your car on weekends to prevent poor contact and recording interruptions caused by dust.

[ChaseRose]

When I first installed the dash cam, I was curious whether it still worked after the engine was turned off. Later, I found that in most cars, the power supply from the cigarette lighter is cut off after the engine is turned off, so the dash cam will shut down unless it is connected to a constant power source or has a built-in battery. My first dash cam was a budget model that turned off immediately when the engine stopped, capturing nothing. I regretted it deeply when my car got scratched while parked but had no evidence. Now, I've upgraded to a higher-end model with a parking monitoring feature in the settings, which consumes little power but is reliable. I suggest beginners not skimp on this expense—choose a model with parking functionality. Installing a hardwiring kit is also inexpensive, costing just a few dozen yuan for a safety upgrade. If your car gets hit while parked, this investment is worth it to protect your property.