Should the Time-Lapse Recording Feature of Dash Cams Be Enabled?
4 Answers
Whether to enable this feature depends on individual needs and driving frequency. Below is a detailed introduction to the time-lapse recording function of dash cams: To Enable or Not: If you drive frequently, it's advisable to enable time-lapse recording. This allows for round-the-clock vehicle monitoring and protection, and the battery consumption will be replenished during vehicle operation. However, if you don't drive often and the car remains parked for extended periods, such as half a month, it's not recommended to enable this feature as it may adversely affect the car battery. About Time-Lapse Recording: Time-lapse recording ensures the integrity of recorded content while significantly saving storage space. Typically, recording for 24 hours only requires about 5GB of storage space, enabling effective all-day vehicle monitoring to a certain extent.
I drive quite a lot, especially often parking in outdoor parking lots, so I always keep the time-lapse recording function on. That time when I parked at the supermarket entrance and came back to find a scratch on my car door, luckily the recording caught the license plate number, which helped resolve the dispute. Although it records slower than the normal mode, it doesn't consume much power overnight, and the memory card won't get filled up. I think if you often park in unfamiliar places or there are frequent minor scratches and bumps nearby, it's definitely useful to keep it on, as it saves power and preserves evidence. However, if your new car's battery is strong enough, the impact is minimal, but for older cars, it's best to regularly check the battery level to avoid draining it. This feature is quite hassle-free to use, and I've never had to worry about replacing the memory card.
From a technical perspective, time-lapse recording is quite practical as it extends the monitoring time by dozens of times. For example, a full day's recording might only occupy the storage space of one or two hours under normal conditions. I recommend turning it on for those who frequently park in the city, as it can capture incidents like cars or people brushing past. In case of a scratch, you can at least identify the responsible party. However, be mindful of the car battery's load, as older models might struggle to handle it. Based on my experience, it's advisable to activate it when parking for more than half a day, while it can be turned off for short stops or when parked in your own garage to save hassle. Pairing it with a high-quality memory card ensures better durability—avoid cheap cards that might fail at critical moments. Ultimately, whether to use it daily depends on your needs; there's no need to overthink it.
I personally support keeping the time-lapse recording function on, primarily because safety is not something to be taken lightly. Last time, a friend's car was parked in the community and someone dented the bumper before fleeing. If the recording function had been on, at least they could have held the responsible party accountable. Although it consumes some battery, newer car models can handle it just fine, and the impact on the battery is minimal, especially during hot weather. The memory card usage is also much lower—recording for a week might only take up half the space. If you drive long distances daily and the parking area is secure, you can turn it off. However, if you frequently visit unfamiliar places, it's best to keep it on as an extra layer of protection. It's simple to set up and provides peace of mind for everyday parking.
