How often does the dash cam automatically delete recordings?

[DiHadley]

The frequency at which a dash cam automatically deletes recordings depends on the size of the memory card and the file format of the recordings. Larger capacity cards allow for longer recording times. Generally, a 16G card can record for 100 minutes, a 32G card for 200 minutes, and a 64G card for 400 minutes. Newer recordings will overwrite older ones. Most dash cams currently available come with an automatic overwrite function, enabling loop recording. If your dash cam has this feature, there's no need to manually delete recordings; when the memory is full, it will automatically overwrite the oldest content. Some dash cams may frequently go black during recording, but pressing a button will turn the screen back on. This is due to the screen protection function, which is a normal feature designed to prevent drivers from getting distracted by looking at the dash cam while driving, thereby avoiding potential accidents.

[LaKathryn]

I found that the recording duration of my dash cam mainly depends on the memory card size and recording mode. For example, with my 64GB card, if set to 1080P resolution, it typically gets overwritten in about 3-5 days, and even faster in high-speed mode. The key is that loop recording automatically deletes old files to free up space, but locked videos triggered by emergency braking or collisions won't be deleted. Once when I reversed into a pillar, the dash cam automatically saved the 20-second video before the collision - this feature saved me during insurance claims. However, I recommend manually formatting the memory card monthly, which effectively solves issues like missed recordings or lagging, preventing failures at critical moments.

[SanChase]

From practical experience, it's hard to say for sure—it depends on how the dashcam is configured. My friend's model has parking surveillance with time-lapse recording running 24/7, and a 128GB card lasts less than 48 hours. My basic version only operates when the ignition is on, so a 256GB card can store two weeks of footage. Note that emergency videos locked by G-sensor won't auto-delete, occupying storage space and easily shortening the loop cycle. Last time I suddenly changed lanes while driving, the dashcam clicked and locked that segment—later when reviewing the footage, I realized it was a food delivery guy riding against traffic.

[LouisMarie]

The core logic is loop recording where the oldest files are deleted once the storage is full. A standard 32GB card recording 1080P video will overwrite the footage approximately every 4 hours. However, there are three types of files that are exceptions: manually locked files, collision-triggered automatic saves, and parking surveillance-triggered videos. My neighbor learned this the hard way when they failed to export footage of a staged accident in time, and after three days, the automatic overwrite left them with no evidence. Newer dash cams now come with cloud backup functionality, which is highly recommended. Also, a reminder that high summer temperatures significantly impact memory card lifespan—last July, I burned out a card because of this.

[MacElle]

As a long-distance driver, I'll break it down by scenario: during normal driving, small-capacity cards get overwritten several times a day; during aggressive driving, the G-sensor frequently triggers video locking, halving the loop cycle; with parking mode enabled, faster power consumption leads to even shorter coverage cycles. Recently when helping a customer check their dash cam, a 64GB card cycled in less than 24 hours under 24/7 monitoring mode - crucial footage must be exported immediately. By the way, avoid off-brand memory cards - my auto shop has seen too many cases of missing seconds due to insufficient card speed.