Does the Dash Cam Still Work When the Car Is Parked?
4 Answers
When the car is parked, the dash cam will usually stop working. However, a small number of dash cams continue to operate even when the car is parked. Whether it works or not depends on which vehicle wire the dash cam is connected to. Some factory-installed dash cams are connected to a constant power source, in which case they do not automatically shut off and can record continuously for 24 hours. If connected to the ACC (Accessory) circuit, the dash cam will automatically turn off when the ignition is switched off, i.e., when the power is cut. A dash cam is a device that records video, audio, and other relevant information while the vehicle is in motion. After installing a dash cam, it can record the entire driving process, including video and audio, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents. For those who enjoy self-driving trips, it can also be used to document the journey through challenging terrains.
Whether the dash cam works after parking mainly depends on the power connection method. Most standard dash cams connected to the cigarette lighter will automatically power off and shut down when the car is turned off, so they stop recording while parked. If connected to a constant power source like the fuse box, the dash cam can continue operating while parked, especially those with parking surveillance features that automatically activate upon detecting vibrations or approaching people to avoid draining the battery. However, this constant-on mode can quickly deplete the car battery, potentially making it difficult to start the engine—I've seen several customers unable to start their cars because of this. It's advisable to check your dash cam's installation to confirm whether it's powered by the cigarette lighter or fuse box. Unless specifically needed, it's best to let it turn off when the engine is shut down.
The dash cam installed in my car keeps recording while driving, but it stops working after parking and turning off the engine because it's powered through the cigarette lighter socket. To keep it running while the car is parked, it needs to be connected to the car battery's constant power circuit during installation, or the device itself should have a small built-in battery to last for a while. I've tried a dash cam with parking mode, which starts recording upon detecting collisions or movements after setup, preventing situations where evidence is missing if someone scratches the car. However, this mode consumes a lot of power, and if the car is left unused for a long time, the battery might drain. My advice is to check the dash cam's manual first. If it doesn't have this feature, don't force it, or you might end up with a dead battery needing a tow truck.
The newly purchased dash cam can still activate after parking! Many high-end models support parking surveillance, allowing you to adjust settings via a mobile app; after the car is turned off, if vibrations or approaching objects are detected, it automatically starts recording a short clip to preserve evidence and protect your vehicle. Ordinary devices without this feature, if connected to the cigarette lighter, will completely stop recording when parked. Remember not to keep the always-on mode running continuously during use, otherwise the battery may not hold up, making it difficult to start the car or shortening its lifespan; it's best to only activate it in highly sensitive areas to ensure a balance between monitoring and safety.
