Is it necessary for a dash cam to record sound?
3 Answers
A dash cam needs to record sound, and its functions include: 1. Recording the entire video and audio of the driving process; 2. Serving as a parking monitor; 3. Providing footage to assist in accident handling. The usage method of a dash cam is: 1. Insert the memory card and press the power button to turn it on; 2. Press the mode button to select among three modes: video recording, photo taking, and preview; 3. Selecting the video recording mode will automatically start recording; 4. In photo mode, press the confirm button to take a photo; 5. In preview mode, you can view videos and photos stored in the memory card, press the OK button to play or pause, and press the ESC button to exit.
I think the audio recording feature of dash cams is quite important, mainly because it captures many unexpected details, such as honking or arguments during accidents, which is particularly useful in proving liability. Having driven for over a decade, I've seen many disputes where audio played a crucial role—it's often more convincing than video alone. Privacy is a bit of a concern, but modern devices allow one-touch deactivation, so you can usually keep it on. During heavy rain, the sound of wind and raindrops can also document environmental conditions. Overall, for safety's sake, I recommend enabling it, especially in congested areas or during long-distance drives where its value becomes even more apparent.
As a long-time car enthusiast, I consider audio recording one of the core functions of dash cams since it supplements visual evidence, such as capturing tire noise or collision sounds. Having tried several models, I find the on/off operation quite simple and recommend beginners try enabling it. While privacy concerns exist (like recording in-car conversations), the benefits far outweigh the risks—it makes insurance claims easier post-accident. Some premium dash cams even automatically filter out noise while focusing on alert sounds. Overall, this feature requires minimal effort yet significantly enhances safety.
