Does the Dash Cam Continue Recording When the Car is Turned Off?
3 Answers
Normally, a dash cam cannot record when the car is turned off. If the dash cam has a parking monitoring function, it can continue recording after the vehicle is turned off, but the recording time is limited. This is because the dash cam's power is supplied by the car, so it can only operate when the car is running. Some dash cams have built-in batteries, but the battery capacity is too small to support prolonged operation. Connecting the dash cam directly to the car battery can cause prolonged discharge, which may affect the battery's lifespan. A dash cam is a device that records video and audio information during vehicle operation. After installation, it can document the entire driving process, providing crucial evidence in case of traffic accidents. Parking monitoring functions in dash cams come in two types: one is continuous recording, and the other activates short-term recording only when the vehicle detects vibration. However, there are currently no dash cams capable of continuous long-term recording after the car is turned off. For parking monitoring to work, the dash cam must either have an embedded rechargeable battery or be connected to the fuse box (ACC power). After the vehicle is turned off, it automatically enters parking surveillance mode, where sensors continuously monitor the vehicle's status. If any abnormal activity or vibration is detected, the dash cam automatically records and stores the footage separately. Compared to constant power connection, dash cams with parking monitoring connected via the fuse box (ACC) are more energy-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 the car.
As an average car owner who commutes daily, whether my dashcam continues recording after the engine is off depends on its power supply method. Mine is connected to the cigarette lighter, so when the engine shuts down, the power automatically cuts off, and the dashcam turns off and stops recording. However, if the parking monitoring feature is enabled—like in high-end models with battery backup—it will automatically start recording for a few seconds when detecting vehicle vibration or movement. I recommend choosing a dashcam with this feature when purchasing one, as it helps prevent theft, such as capturing the entire process if someone scratches your car while parked. However, be mindful of battery life—prolonged recording while the engine is off can drain the car battery too quickly, and if it’s completely depleted, you might face trouble starting the car. I regularly check the voltmeter to ensure everything is normal, which gives me peace of mind and practicality, making nighttime parking safer.
As a tech enthusiast, the possibility of a dashcam recording after the car is turned off mainly depends on the installation location and hardware design. Most basic models are directly powered by the car charger and stop recording when the power is cut off after the engine is turned off. More advanced models can be hardwired to the battery or an auxiliary power source, supporting parking monitoring mode with continuous recording via motion detection. I've personally modified mine by adding a voltage reducer to prevent battery over-discharge, enabling it to automatically activate when the car is turned off at night. The key is to set it up correctly, such as adjusting the sensitivity in the app to only record critical events and avoid unnecessary recordings that waste space. Battery management is crucial; otherwise, prolonged recording while the car is off could damage the car's electrical system. I generally recommend car owners consult professional technicians to ensure system compatibility.
