Does the dash cam only record when the car is started?
3 Answers
It depends on whether the installed dash cam has a parking monitoring mode. Without this mode, the dash cam naturally cannot record after the car is turned off. Even dash cams with parking monitoring mode will only start recording when necessary. Below is an introduction to parking monitoring dash cams: 1. Dash cams with parking monitoring function: Dash cams with parking monitoring function abandon traditional power sources like cigarette lighters or USB ports, instead using a step-down cable to directly draw power from the ACC fuse box. After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam will automatically shut down and enter a low-energy sleep mode. However, upon detecting a collision or movement in front, it will immediately wake up and record the surrounding scene. 2. Reducing battery drain: The parking monitoring mode of a dash cam is not always on. Typically, the dash cam uses a step-down cable with low-voltage protection to minimize battery drain as much as possible. After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam enters a low-energy state. If the car is hit or movement is detected, the system will immediately activate the parking monitoring function and record the monitoring footage.
I've been into car modifications for several years. The design of dash cams is actually quite flexible—they don't necessarily require the car to be started to operate. It mainly depends on the power supply method. Models using the cigarette lighter socket usually start recording only when the ignition is on. But if you hardwire it to the car battery or choose a model with a built-in lithium battery, it can continue recording after the engine is off, especially when the parking monitoring feature is enabled. For example, my dash cam is connected to a constant power source via a voltage reducer cable, set to low-power mode. The sensor wakes it up to record when detecting vibrations or movement, preventing scratches or accidents. The key to parking recording is balancing battery protection to avoid excessive drain. I recommend investing in a high-end model with a voltage protector. Ultimately, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation—checking product manuals and car enthusiast forums is the most reliable approach.
As a seasoned driver, I find dash cams quite versatile. My car is equipped with a standard dash cam that I initially thought only recorded when the ignition was on, but later discovered it supports parking mode. When plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, it activates only when the engine starts. However, after switching to a hardwired installation, it can monitor in low-power mode even after turning off the engine, recording when sensors detect an impact. Last time at the shopping mall, it captured the license plate of someone who scraped my bumper. Beginners should check the dash cam settings; not all models have parking mode enabled by default. Adding an external battery management unit can prevent battery drain, which is crucial. Overall, functionality depends on the installation method rather than whether the engine is running, and flexible adjustments can enhance practicality.
