Dashcams are compact devices installed on dashboards or windshields to record the view of the road while driving.
Their purpose is to capture significant occurrences.
While dashcams remain constantly active when the vehicle runs, they usually function in a loop recording mode.
They continuously overwrite old footage with new recordings to conserve storage space.
However, some dashcams also have features such as motion or impact detection, which can activate recording even when the vehicle is parked.
Additionally, dashcams may have standby modes that reduce power consumption when the vehicle is stationary.
Functions of Dashcam
Dashcams require a power source to operate and stay active.
They are typically connected to the vehicle’s power supply through the cigarette lighter adapter or hardwired to its electrical system.
When the vehicle’s ignition is turned on, the dashcam receives power and starts recording automatically.
This ensures that the dashcam is always ready to capture footage while you’re driving.
Dashcams operate using a continuous loop recording function, continuously recording video footage in segments.
Once the storage is full, the oldest recordings are overwritten by new.
This allows the dashcam to maintain a constant recording cycle and ensures that important events are captured.
Benefits of Using a Dashcam
Accident Evidence
A dashcam serves as an impartial witness in case of accidents, capturing valuable footage that can be used as evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
It ensures a fair resolution and protecting your rights.
Prevent Insurance Fraud
Dashcams help combat insurance fraud by recording incidents accurately.
In staged accidents or fraudulent claims, the recorded footage can expose the truth, saving you from unnecessary financial losses and potential rate hikes.
Safer Driving
Installing a dashcam encourages responsible driving behaviour.
Knowing their actions are being recorded, you and other drivers are more likely to adhere to traffic rules, reducing the risk of reckless driving and promoting road safety.
Parking Security
A dashcam can also be used as a parking security tool.
With features such as motion detection and parking mode, it can capture vandalism attempts, hit-and-runs, or theft incidents.
It helps in identifying culprits and providing peace of mind when leaving your vehicle unattended.
Capturing Memorable Moments
Dashcams aren’t just for emergencies; they can also capture unexpected beautiful scenery or memorable road trips.
Dashcams allow you to document your travels and relive those moments later, adding an extra dimension of enjoyment to your journeys.
Privacy and Data Management Considerations
Data Encryption and Secure Storage
Ensure your dashcam provides robust data encryption and secure storage options to protect your recorded footage from unauthorized access or tampering, safeguarding your privacy and sensitive information.
User-Selectable Recording Settings
Look for dashcams that offer customizable recording settings, allowing you to adjust parameters such as video resolution, audio recording, and recording duration to balance capturing necessary footage and preserving privacy.
GPS and Location Tracking
Consider whether you want your dashcam to include GPS and location tracking capabilities.
While these features can be helpful for navigation and incident documentation, they also raise privacy concerns regarding the collection and storage of your location data.
Audio Recording Policies
Understand the laws and regulations regarding audio recording in your jurisdiction.
Some regions require consent from all parties involved before recording audio.
Ensure your dashcam allows you to disable audio recording to respect privacy rights easily.
Is It Safe To Keep A Dashcam On All The Time?
If your dashcam does not have a parking mode feature, it is generally not recommended to leave it in your car overnight.
Keeping the dashcam visible can draw attention to your vehicle and potentially attract unwanted attention.
In such cases, removing the dashcam from the windshield when it is not in use or when leaving your car unattended for an extended period is advisable.
This precaution helps to prevent theft or damage to the dashcam and ensures the device remains secure.
How Much Time Does A Dashcam Battery Last?
Dashcams typically use either capacitors or lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are more common and can provide power for approximately 5 to 10 minutes on a full charge.
However, it’s important to note that the primary function of a dashcam is to operate while the vehicle is in motion and it is connected to a vehicle power source.
The battery backup is a temporary power supply in case of power loss or when the engine is turned off.
Does My Dashcam Record All The Time?
In most cases, dashcams are set to record continuously while your vehicle is in motion.
Continuous recording ensures that important events, such as accidents or incidents, are documented and can be used as evidence.
It is important to note that dashcams typically use loop recording, which means that once the storage is full, the oldest recordings are overwritten by new recordings.
This allows the dashcam to maintain a continuous recording cycle without running out of storage space.
Can I Stop My Dashcam From Recording?
You have the option to manually turn off your dashcam if you prefer to stop it from recording.
Most dashcams have a power button or a dedicated switch that lets you easily turn off the device.
However, it is recommended to keep your dashcam on and continuously recording while driving.
This ensures that important events on the road are captured, providing you with valuable evidence in case of accidents or other incidents.
It’s advisable to consult your dashcam’s user manual or settings to learn how to turn it off properly when needed.
What Happens When The Storage Of The Dashcam Is Full?
When the storage capacity of your dashcam is full, it will employ a loop recording feature.
This means the dashcam will automatically overwrite the oldest recorded files with new files.
By continuously replacing old footage with new recordings, the dashcam ensures it can keep recording without interruption.
As a result, you can rely on your dashcam to capture ongoing events on the road, even if the storage becomes full.
It’s worth noting that important footage can be protected from being overwritten by manually locking the files or using other advanced features available on some dashcam models.
