Is it necessary to install both front and rear dash cams?
4 Answers
It is not necessary to install both front and rear dash cams. The best installation position for a dash cam is near the center rearview mirror. If the dash cam is compact enough, it can also be installed on the back of the rearview mirror. The functions and installation precautions of dash cams are as follows: Functions of dash cams: The main function of a dash cam is to record the entire driving process, including video and sound, providing evidence for traffic accidents. It also records time, speed, and location in the footage, acting as a 'black box.' With the increasing prevalence of 'crash for cash' scams, dash cams have become particularly important. Installation precautions for dash cams: When installing a dash cam, it is important to clean the installation area with a soft cloth. For adhesive-mounted dash cams, ensure the area is dry. Heating the adhesive with a hairdryer can improve adhesion. For suction cup-mounted dash cams, applying a small amount of water to the installation area before attaching it to the glass can help it adhere more firmly.
I think installing a dual dash cam is absolutely necessary! I've been using a front and rear recording dash cam in my car for three years, and just last month I got rear-ended. The driver behind me insisted that I braked suddenly, but the traffic police directly retrieved the footage from the rear camera, which clearly showed he was looking down at his phone and not paying attention to the road. If I only had a front camera, this situation would have been hard to clarify. Especially now with electric bikes darting around and 'dooring' incidents being so common, spending 400 yuan to add a rear camera is like buying insurance for the back of your car. Installation is also simple—just stick the rear camera to the rear windshield with 3M tape, no need to dismantle the interior trim.
Have you noticed how powerful the rear cameras of dash cams are these days? The one I'm using has a 140-degree wide-angle lens and even features starlight night vision. Last time when my friend reversed into a stone pillar, the front camera couldn't capture it at all, but the rear lens recorded the entire collision angle perfectly. The parking surveillance mode is super practical too - when my rear bumper got scratched by a delivery tricycle in an open parking lot, it helped identify the responsible party. Just be aware that dark window tinting can affect night recording quality. It's worth opting for models with HDR function - they're pricier but truly make a difference in critical moments.
To be honest, it depends on your needs. In my seven years of driving, I've only installed a front-facing one, and it's been sufficient! After all, most accidents involve the front of the car. But for my wife, who's a beginner and often scratches the car while reversing, I added a rear camera to her car. However, you need to be careful about the installation position of the rear camera—don't block the license plate. I saw a news story where someone installed the rear camera on the license plate frame and got fined 200 yuan by the traffic police. Actually, many new dash cams come with front-and-rear recording packages, which are 30% cheaper than buying them separately.
