A dash cam is one of the most important and useful car accessories. It has become a necessity in many unsafe areas where people don’t drive responsibly.
A dash cam can help you settle disputes on the road, as you will know who was at fault. It will keep you covered when you are driving. But can dash cam work when car is off? If you have such questions in mind, you have come to the right place.
Can Dash Cam Work When Car Is Off?
Most older models don’t work when the car is off, as they get power from a cord that connects to the car’s cigarette lighter or USB port. They work only when the engine is running. However, many modern dash cams can keep you covered 24/7.
Such models usually come with a built-in battery or fittings that connect to the car’s battery. The units that have a battery are easy to install, as well as reliable. The battery charges automatically when the engine is running and takes over when you turn off the car.
Dash cams that rely on the car’s battery are comparatively hard to install, and you may need professional help to get them running. They don’t have a battery, but they keep running when the car is parked.
They won’t drain your car’s battery, as they automatically deactivate when the battery is running low. However, it can also represent an issue, as your dash cam won’t be recording during this period.
I recommend models that come with a built-in battery, but there are many other important features that you will have to consider while shopping around. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Read more: Can I Power A Dash Cam With A Power Bank?
Important Features to Consider When Buying a Dash Cam
Storage
If you want your dash cam to keep working even when the car is off and you are away, storage plays an important role. Video files are usually heavy; nevertheless, the file size will vary depending on the video resolution. You should be clear about the expandable memory when choosing a model.
Some dash cams also have the loop recording feature. This feature allows them to keep recording even after they run out of storage, but the new files replace the older ones.
Battery
As I mentioned above, dash cams generally rely on one of these sources to run – the car’s power, built-in battery, and car’s battery. If your dash cam has a built-in battery, it’s important to know how long it runs when fully charged. It will be useless if it runs out of battery shortly after you park your car.
High-end models usually run for 48-72 hours on battery, but the number can vary. If it has a built-in display, you should turn it off before leaving.
Wi-Fi connectivity
Many modern dash cams support Wi-Fi connectivity, and this feature can come in handy when you are not in the car. You can easily download the video files to your smartphone and take action quickly. You will also have peace of mind.
Night vision
Accidents can happen at night too. What if someone hits your parked car at night and runs away? A normal dash cam will be completely useless when it’s dark, but a unit with a night vision feature will keep you covered.
Well, these are the important factors to consider if you want to get a dash cam that works even when your car is off. A basic unit that doesn’t have these features can be useless in tricky situations.
Do I Need a Dash Cam When I’m Not Driving?
What will you do if someone hits your parked car? Dash cam footage can help you track down the guilty person and get compensation. You will have the evidence the police will need.
Generally, dash cams are important, but the ones that work when the car is off are even better. Such a model can help prevent crime and settle disputes.
Also read: Do You Need Cloud Storage For Dash Cam?
Conclusion
So, can dash cam work when car is off? If you have read this article carefully, you will know they can work even when the car is off, but you will have to buy a model that has this feature. You should also consider the other important features I have discussed above when buying a new dash cam.