Should the Dash Cam Be Turned Off After the Car Is Off?
2 Answers
When the vehicle is in the off state, the engine is not working, so the vehicle's alternator is also not functioning. If the dash cam is turned on, it can only rely on the battery for power, which will consume the battery's charge. It is not recommended to use it this way for extended periods. More information about dash cams is as follows: 1. Power Supply from the Car: The dash cam's operating power is provided by the car, so it can only work when the car is running. Some dash cams have battery power, but the battery capacity is too small to support long-term operation. Connecting the dash cam directly to the car battery will cause the battery to discharge continuously, affecting its lifespan. It is recommended to switch to in-car monitoring devices that can maintain long-term recording, although the power supply issue inside the car remains troublesome. 2. Related Features: Most dash cams on the market now come with matching mobile apps. Through the app, you can set functions such as shutdown time after the car is off, audio and video recording, and more. You can also view dash cam playback in real time, but note that the dash cam will stop recording while playback is being viewed. The playback of the dash cam footage is crucial for determining fault in accidents and serves as the only evidence. It is advisable to lock accident footage for permanent storage. Different brands of dash cams offer varying features. Many dash cams now come with built-in G-sensors that automatically lock footage when sudden acceleration or deceleration exceeds a set threshold, preventing data loss.
After turning off the car, I recommend turning off the dash cam as well. With over 30 years of driving experience, I've seen plenty of troubles caused by small oversights. If the dash cam doesn't have an auto-shutdown feature, keeping it running after engine shut-off can drain the battery, especially for older cars with lead-acid batteries that already have limited lifespan. For short stops like buying cigarettes, the battery might hold up; but parking for hours or overnight could lead to deep discharge, potentially leaving you stranded with a dead battery - a real hassle. My dash cam has parking surveillance, but I've made it a habit to manually check the power switch after turning off the engine to ensure complete shutdown. This prevents emergency calls for jump-starts, saving both money and frustration. Developing this safety habit protects your battery and saves you money.
