Will the Dash Cam Record When the Car Is Not Moving?
3 Answers
Under normal circumstances, a dash cam will not record when the car is not powered on. Here are the relevant details: Types of Dash Cams: Generally, dash cams can be divided into two types: one with parking monitoring and one without. Dash cams with parking monitoring can continue recording even when the car is turned off. How Dash Cams Work: The working principle is that when the car body is subjected to a collision or detects movement in front of the car, the dash cam will automatically wake up and activate the monitoring function. However, this type of dash cam consumes power from the car battery. If left on for an extended period, the car may not start due to battery drain.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have used several dash cams. Whether a dash cam can record while the car is parked depends on whether it has parking mode functionality. For example, the basic version I had in my old car would shut down as soon as the engine was turned off, recording nothing. But the new model I bought with parking surveillance, which is hardwired to the battery, can detect vibrations or movement to trigger recording even when parked on the roadside. It once helped me capture footage of a passerby scratching my car door. It's important to regularly check the device settings to ensure parking mode is enabled, while also considering battery consumption—opting for models with low-power design makes this worry-free. Remember to regularly clear the memory card, as recording will stop if it's full. This feature is quite useful for preventing theft or minor accidents, and I recommend all car owners install one.
Whether a dash cam can record while the vehicle is stationary mainly depends on its power supply method and functional settings. Most basic models operate only when the car is running, as they draw power from the cigarette lighter. However, mid-to-high-end products support parking mode, utilizing either a built-in small battery or a constant power connection to the vehicle's battery to remain on standby after the engine is turned off. Hardware-wise, this requires a three-wire installation or a dedicated kit, triggering recording when motion or changes in the scene are detected, thereby saving power while protecting the footage. When purchasing, check the device specifications—models with G-sensor functionality can achieve this. For maintenance, monitor the battery's health to avoid excessive discharge. For regular use, driving a few times a week generally poses no issues, and professional installation is recommended to ensure wiring safety.
