Will the dash cam record if the car is not started?
2 Answers
It depends on whether the installed dash cam has a parking monitoring mode. If it has this mode, it will start recording when necessary. Here is some relevant information about dash cams: 1. Dash cams with parking monitoring function: These dash cams abandon the traditional power supply methods like cigarette lighter or USB interface, and instead use a step-down wire to directly draw power from the ACC fuse box. After the vehicle is parked and turned off, the dash cam will automatically shut down and enter a low-power sleep state. However, once it detects a collision or movement of objects in front, it will immediately wake up and capture the surrounding images. 2. Functions of dash cams: To protect the legitimate rights and interests of drivers. In case of a scrape or collision with pedestrians crossing the road, cyclists, or motorcyclists, drivers might face extortion. Having a dash cam can provide drivers with valid evidence.
I've tested it several times on my own car - whether a dash cam can record when the engine is off entirely depends on how you connect the power supply. Most basic dash cams are powered through the cigarette lighter or ACC port, so they shut off immediately when you turn off the engine, only recording while driving. However, if you connect it to a constant power terminal in the fuse box, or if the dash cam has its own small battery, it may continue working. This is especially true for models with parking surveillance features, which can activate recording by detecting vibrations or moving objects. The one I use has this mode - last time I forgot to turn it off when parked roadside, and by morning the battery was drained and couldn't start the car. Later I set up automatic voltage protection shutdown to avoid wasting power. My advice is to always check your settings when parking, don't leave it running for too long, otherwise the cost of replacing the battery could cover several repairs.
