Does the Dash Cam Still Work When the Car Is Off?

[DeRyan]

This is not certain and depends on the power source it's connected to. 1. 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 and stop working. 2. Connected to the ACC power source: The dash cam will automatically turn on when the car key is turned to ACC or when the engine is started. If the car is turned off but remains in the ACC position, the dash cam will still work normally. 3. Connected to constant power: It will work 24 hours a day. 4. Another scenario is that the dash cam has its own battery. Even if the car doesn't supply power, the dash cam will continue to work if not turned off when exiting the car, until the battery is depleted.

[Blakely]

I found that whether a dash cam works after the car is turned off depends on the model and settings. The basic ones connected to the cigarette lighter socket lose power and stop working completely once the car is turned off. However, higher-end models connected directly to the car battery via the fuse box can continue to operate as long as the battery has power. This is known as parking surveillance mode, where the camera remains on standby when the vehicle is stationary and automatically starts recording upon detecting vibration or movement, protecting the car from scratches or theft. The one I use has this feature, allowing it to record all night when parked on the street, which feels much safer. However, be mindful of significant battery drain, especially in winter when the battery is weaker, as it can deplete the battery and prevent the car from starting the next day. It’s advisable to get one with a low-voltage cutoff function, which automatically shuts off when the voltage drops below a certain level, ensuring both peace of mind and safety.

[DanielRose]

Whether a dash cam works after the engine is turned off mainly depends on the power connection method. Those powered by the cigarette lighter will turn off when the car is shut down, but a constant power connection from the fuse box can provide continuous power to support parking mode. I think it's great because it allows monitoring of parking incidents. My car is equipped with this type, and it has recorded minor scratches before. However, battery health is a concern, as frequent use can shorten its lifespan. Therefore, it's best to prioritize dash cams with intelligent protection features, which are both power-efficient and reliable.

[Jean]

When using a dash cam, I noticed that it usually turns off after the engine is shut down, unless it's a high-end model connected to the car battery that can keep working. My old model stopped recording as soon as the car was turned off, but now I've upgraded to one with parking surveillance, which can capture situations when parked on the roadside and has been quite helpful. However, you need to be careful about battery drain issues.

[McJuniper]

To enable the dashcam to operate after the engine is turned off, proper wiring is required, such as connecting to the constant power terminal in the fuse box. I use one with parking monitoring that only records upon detecting an impact to avoid battery drain, protecting the car's security without harming the battery. It's recommended to choose one with an automatic cutoff function.

[DelMiranda]

My smart dash cam supports parking mode. After the car is turned off, it stays on standby and records when sensors are triggered. I've configured low-voltage protection in the app to stop recording, preventing battery issues. It's quite practical and convenient.