Does the dash cam continue recording after the car is locked?
4 Answers
The dash cam continues recording after the car is locked, but the recording duration is not very long. The steps to playback the dash cam footage are: 1. First remove the TF memory card; 2. Insert the TF memory card into a card reader and connect it to the computer via the USB port; 3. Read the video files from the removable hard drive; 4. Select and playback the desired video files. The repair method for the dash cam is: 1. Remove the SD card; 2. Check the side of the dash cam, locate the reset hole, and gently push it with a bamboo stick; 3. Press the power button to start normally; 4. Format the SD card and reinsert it.
My dash cam is powered by the cigarette lighter, so it automatically shuts off when the car is turned off and locked. Later, I heard that some car owners specifically connect it to the battery's constant power line to keep it working after the engine is off, but I was worried about damaging the battery and didn’t make the change. Actually, dash cams have a parking monitoring feature—when enabled, they use a low-power mode to detect collisions and only start recording if there’s an impact. My neighborhood is pretty safe, so I think it’s sufficient. If you’re worried about car scratches, it’s best to buy a dash cam with a supercapacitor, as it won’t swell in high summer temperatures. Just remember to unplug it if you’re not driving for a long time—once, I left my car for two weeks on a business trip, and the battery was drained when I got back.
This mainly depends on two factors: First, how your dashcam is powered. If it's connected via the cigarette lighter, it typically turns off when the engine is off. If it's wired to the reading light or the fuse box for constant power, it can record 24/7. Second, check the device settings. Most mainstream dashcams now come with a parking guard feature, automatically switching to time-lapse mode after locking the car, capturing a frame every few seconds to save power. I personally use the 70mai dashcam in this mode, attaching it to the windshield with a magnetic static film. As a side note, it's best to remove it if the outdoor temperature exceeds 60°C, as lithium batteries can be risky under direct sunlight. If you install a voltage reducer, it will automatically cut off power when the battery voltage drops below 11.6 volts to protect the battery.
Families with children should consider parking surveillance. My dashcam is powered through the OBD port and activates time-lapse recording mode after locking the car, compressing 1 hour of footage into 2 minutes. Once, a neighbor backed into my front bumper, and this helped me find evidence. When choosing a dashcam, look for one with a G-sensor, and set the vibration sensitivity to medium—too low and it's not sensitive enough, too high and it triggers false alarms. Actually, models with built-in batteries can also record for about an hour after the engine is off, but their performance drops significantly in winter. The most practical design is the one fixed near the rearview mirror, as it won’t obstruct the view.
