Does the dash cam in the car record when the car is not running?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the dash cam will not record when the car is not powered on. Here are the relevant details: 1. Generally, dash cams can be divided into two types: one with parking monitoring and one without. The type with parking monitoring can continue recording even when the car is turned off. 2. Its working principle is that when the car body is impacted or when movement is detected in front of the car, the dash cam will automatically wake up and activate the monitoring function. However, this type of dash cam consumes power from the car battery. If left on for a long time, the car may not start due to battery drain.
As someone who frequently researches automotive equipment, whether a dashcam records when the vehicle is off depends on the specific model and settings. Most basic models rely on the vehicle's power supply and stop recording when the engine is turned off. However, if you choose a model with parking surveillance functionality and correctly connect it to a constant power source—such as a constant power port in the fuse box—it can detect collisions or movements and automatically start recording even when the engine is off. I recommend ensuring proper wiring during installation to avoid loose connections or short circuits. Some high-end dashcams also feature motion sensors or low-power modes to conserve battery life. For example, one of mine consumes minimal power while parked but still protects the vehicle from damage. Keep in mind that failing to set up this feature properly may result in missing nighttime incidents like scratches or draining the battery, so regular system health checks are essential.
