Can the Dash Cam Still Work After the Vehicle is Turned Off?
2 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 engine 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 prolonged discharge, which can affect the battery's lifespan. Functions and Categories of Dash Cams: Function: A dash cam is a device that records images, sounds, and other relevant information during vehicle operation. After installation, it can record the entire driving process, providing video and audio 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 activates short-term recording only when the vehicle detects vibration. However, there is currently no dash cam capable of continuous long-term recording after the engine is turned off. Solutions for Parking Monitoring Power Supply: To enable parking monitoring, the dash cam must either have an internal rechargeable battery or be connected to the ACC fuse for power. After the vehicle is turned off, it automatically enters parking monitoring mode, where the sensor continuously checks the vehicle's status. If any abnormality or vibration is detected, it automatically records and stores the footage separately. Compared to a constant power connection, dash cams with parking monitoring connected to the ACC fuse are more power-efficient and reduce harm 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 to use a power bank to supply electricity for parking monitoring. However, this approach has its concerns, primarily regarding the quality of the power bank. If the temperature is too high, the power bank may explode, leading to more severe damage.
As a young commuter who frequently uses a dashcam, whether it keeps working after the engine is off really depends on your car and setup. My dashcam is powered through the cigarette lighter, and in most cars, the lighter loses power when the engine is off, so the dashcam shuts down naturally. But if you get one with a built-in battery or wire it directly to the car battery for constant power, it can keep recording to prevent theft or minor collisions. Be careful, though—prolonged use might drain the car battery, leaving you unable to start the car, which is especially annoying in winter when batteries are more prone to issues. I recommend checking the dashcam manual to enable parking mode, where it only records when motion is detected, or getting a dedicated low-voltage protection cable to prevent battery drain. This way, you save hassle and stay safe, protecting your car without wasting money.
