How many days of content can a dash cam generally record?
4 Answers
Automobile dash cams can generally retain recordings for about 3 to 7 days, with larger memory capacities allowing for longer storage durations. A dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and related information during vehicle travel, consisting of a main unit, speed sensor, and data analysis software. Based on installation methods, automobile dash cams are categorized into rearview mirror dash cams and data dash cams. A dash cam records images, sounds, and related information during vehicle travel. Once installed, it can capture the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence for traffic accidents and serving as parking surveillance. The recorded video footage must not be edited; tampering with the footage may render it useless in the event of an accident, and it also helps prevent unavoidable fraudulent claims prevalent in society today. The functions of a dash cam include protecting the legal rights of drivers, enabling quick and accurate accident resolution through playback of recorded footage, reducing the occurrence of accidents, and serving as a tool to document scenic routes during road trips.
My dash cam uses a 64G card, and during my daily two-hour commute, it can store about three to four days of footage. However, everyone's situation is different. My neighbor, who drives long distances for seven to eight hours daily, can only use the same card for two days. Video quality and compression methods are crucial. For example, 4K ultra-high-definition takes up a lot of space, halving the storage time when enabled. It's best to choose a device with H.265 format, which can save 30% space at the same quality. Once full, it automatically overwrites the oldest videos, so important footage should be backed up to a phone promptly.
The storage duration of a dash cam depends on four key variables. Memory card capacity is fundamental—a 32GB card can store approximately 30 hours of footage at 1080p resolution, equivalent to about three days. Video format is even more critical, with H.265 saving 50% more space than H.264. I tested this with a 128GB card: it lasted five days at 1080p but only three days at 2K resolution. For loop recording, I recommend 3-minute segments to prevent single oversized files from causing missed recordings. Additionally, parking surveillance consumes significant space—once when I didn't drive for three days on a business trip, I found the dash cam had automatically overwritten three-quarters of the stored content.
A 64G memory card paired with a 1080p dashcam can normally store about 50 to 60 hours of footage. Based on two hours of driving per day, it can last approximately two weeks. However, real-world conditions are much more complex: using parking surveillance with the AC on in summer drains the battery faster, emergency recordings triggered by sudden braking bypass the loop protection mechanism and are saved permanently, and frequent starts and stops in congested areas also affect storage efficiency. I usually format the memory card once a month to avoid fragmented files taking up space. Important reminder: TF cards have a lifespan of about two years, after which issues like missed recordings and frame skipping may occur.
