It depends on the type of dash cam you have. Some dash cams are designed to stay on all the time, while others turn off after a set amount of time.
If your dashcam turns off after a set amount of time, it’s probably best to turn it off overnight so that it doesn’t run out of battery.
Should I Leave My Dash Cam On Overnight?
It depends on the camera.
Some dash cams, like the BlackVue DR650S-1CH, have a parking mode that activates when it detects motion or when it senses that it has been hit.
This mode records for a certain amount of time (usually about 30 seconds) after it’s been triggered.
Other dash cams, like the Rexing V1P, do not have a parking mode and will only record while you’re driving.
So if you want to record while you’re sleeping, you’ll need to have another camera that’s always recording.
Related: Can Thieves Steal Dash Cams?
What Are The Benefits?
If you’re worried about your car being broken into or vandalized while you’re sleeping, having a dashcam that’s always recording can give you some peace of mind.
And if something does happen, you’ll have footage of the incident.
There are also some insurance companies that offer discounts if you have a dashcam, so it’s worth checking with your insurer to see if they offer any discounts.
What Are The Drawbacks?
The main drawback of leaving your dash cam on overnight is that it will use up more battery power.
If your dashcam has a parking mode, it will only activate when it detects motion or when it senses that it has been hit, so it won’t be constantly recording.
However, if your dashcam doesn’t have a parking mode, it will be constantly recording, which will use up more battery power.
Another drawback is that if you live in a cold climate, your dash cam’s battery can drain faster in the cold weather.
So if you’re going to leave your dash cam on overnight in a cold climate, it’s best to plug it into an outlet so that it doesn’t run out of battery.
Bottom Line
Whether or not you should leave your dash cam on overnight depends on the type of dash cam you have and where you live.
If you have a dashcam with a parking mode, it’s probably best to leave it on so that it can record any incidents that happen while you’re sleeping.
If you don’t have a parking mode, or if you live in a cold climate, it might be best to turn your dashcam off overnight so that it doesn’t run out of battery.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you and will depend on your own needs and preferences.