Does the Dash Cam Still Work After the Car Is Turned Off?
4 Answers
There are many scenarios, mainly depending on how it is wired. The details are as follows: 1. Connected to constant power: Works 24 hours. 2. Connected to ACC power: Automatically turns on when the car key is turned to ACC or the engine is started. If the car is turned off but still in the ACC position, it continues to work normally. 3. Connected to the cigarette lighter: If the cigarette lighter still has power after the car is turned off, the dash cam will continue to work. If the cigarette lighter loses power after the car is turned off, the dash cam will shut down. 4. Dash cam with built-in battery: Even if the car does not supply power, if the owner does not turn it off when leaving the car, it will continue to work automatically until the battery is depleted.
Whether the dash cam works after the engine is turned off mainly depends on how it's installed. Generally speaking, if it's powered through the cigarette lighter socket, it will automatically shut off when the engine is turned off and stop working. I've personally experienced this - the dash cam screen goes black every time I park, which is hassle-free but means missing out on parking surveillance opportunities. If you want it to keep working after turning off the engine, you might consider changing the wiring method, such as connecting directly to the car battery or using a dash cam with a built-in battery, which allows it to stay in standby mode and monitor movements. However, be aware that frequent use may drain power quickly, potentially leading to a depleted car battery over time, especially in older vehicles that might struggle to start after being parked for a few days. I recommend checking the user manual or consulting the installation shop - they can help adjust the settings, such as enabling parking recording mode where the camera automatically activates upon detecting collisions or movement while remaining dormant otherwise, ensuring both safety and power efficiency. Avoid casually activating it during routine parking to prevent accidental damage to the device.
The dash cam in my car is connected directly to the battery terminal, so it sometimes operates even after the engine is off. The key lies in the power supply method. Most car owners prefer using the cigarette lighter socket for power, which cuts off when the engine is turned off—very convenient but lacks flexibility. I enjoy tinkering with wiring methods: if the dash cam has a parking mode or built-in battery, it can be set for 24/7 monitoring, recording suspicious activities when parked to prevent incidents. However, be cautious about battery health, as continuous operation drains power quickly and accelerates battery aging. I recommend using a low-power model with motion activation or a timer, so it only works when needed after the engine is off, protecting the car while enhancing security. Don’t neglect battery maintenance either—regularly check the voltage to avoid the hassle of a dead battery on the road.
The operation of the dash cam after the car is turned off varies from person to person. I think it depends on the connection location. The cigarette lighter power usually cuts off when the engine is turned off, and the dash cam stops as well. However, some car models have different settings. For example, if there is power on the constant power supply line, the dash cam can continue to operate. When parking, it's best to check the indicator light status of the dash cam first to confirm whether it is in standby mode. For safety reasons, don't leave it on for a long time to avoid draining the battery, which could affect its lifespan or prevent the car from starting. I recommend using a product with an automatic sleep function, which can be activated when needed.
