Does the dash cam only record while driving?
2 Answers
Dash cams can record even when the vehicle is not in motion, but this requires the dash cam to have a parking monitoring function. Its working principle is that when the vehicle body is impacted or when movement is detected in front of the car, the dash cam will automatically wake up and start the monitoring function. When the dash cam is turned off, it is equivalent to being powered off. The device cannot operate without a power supply. When the vehicle is turned off and power is cut, the dash cam will use its built-in lithium battery to record, but the recording time is relatively short. If continuous recording is desired, the car battery can be used directly to replace ACC power supply. Dash cams with parking monitoring function abandon the traditional method of drawing power from the cigarette lighter or USB port. Instead, they use a step-down cable to draw power directly from the ACC fuse box. After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam will automatically shut down and enter a low-power sleep mode. However, once a collision or movement in front of the vehicle is detected, it will immediately wake up and capture the surrounding images.
As someone particularly fascinated by automotive technology, I can tell you that dash cams don't necessarily record only while driving—they can actually operate around the clock. Modern dash cams are powered either through the cigarette lighter or by directly connecting to the vehicle's battery, automatically starting video recording when the car is turned on. The key feature is parking monitoring: many models come with built-in motion sensors or G-sensors, which trigger recording if they detect impacts, vibrations, or pedestrians approaching while parked, protecting your beloved car. However, it's important to note that this mode can drain the battery, so it's recommended to install a voltage protector or opt for models with built-in batteries to manage power consumption. Having experimented with numerous brands, I've found that setting up this feature is as simple as a few taps in a mobile app—easy and practical.
