Have you ever wondered if a dash cam can record when your car is parked? Well if this is the case you have come to the right place to figure this out.
In short, the simple answer is yes and it depends on the make and model of your dash cam and if you have wired this cam to a permanent feed. For example, the Halo ultra 4k will record when you park up. This dash cam will automatically know you have parked and turn up when it detects movement there for only recording when the g sensor detects someone or something.
The best advice to answer this question is to check the dash cam before you buy it to see if it has this feature as standard.
Top 10 dash cams with parking mode.
| Brand | Model | Parking Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Nextbase | 622GW | Yes, with motion detection and impact detection |
| Garmin | Mini 2 | Yes, requires Garmin’s Constant Power Cable, sold separately, which hard-wires the Mini 2 to your car. |
| Thinkware | Q800PRO | Yes, with motion and impact detection and time-lapse parking mode |
| Vantrue | E1 | Yes, with motion detection and time-lapse parking mode |
| Road Angel Halo Go | Halo Go | Yes, with motion detection and time-lapse parking mode |
| Garmin | Dash Cam 66W | Yes, with motion detection and impact detection |
Can a Dash Cam Record When Parked?
Now, let’s answer the big question: Can a dash cam record when your car is parked? The answer is yes! Some dash cams can keep recording even when your car is not moving. They’re like little guards, protecting your car while you’re away. 🚗🛡️
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a small camera that you can attach to the inside of your car’s windshield. It’s like having a little friend who always keeps an eye on what’s happening around your car. 🚗👀
How Does a Dash Cam Work?
A dash cam has two main jobs:
Video Recording
The most important job of a dash cam is to record videos. When you turn on your car, the dash cam starts recording everything it sees. It’s like a little movie director, always capturing the action! 🎥
Audio Recording
Some dash cams can also record sounds. This means they can hear things like honking horns, people talking, or even music playing inside your car. 🎶
Why Do People Use Dash Cams?
Dash cams are useful because they can help you remember what happened during your car rides. Sometimes, accidents happen, and a dash cam can show who was at fault. Other times, dash cams capture funny or amazing things that happen on the road. 🚦😂
Types of Dash Cams
There are two main types of dash cams that can record when your car is parked:
Battery-Powered Dash Cams
These dash cams have a battery inside them, so they can keep working even when your car is turned off. They’re like little superheroes with their own power source! 💪🔋
Hardwired Dash Cams
Hardwired dash cams are connected to your car’s electrical system, so they can use the car’s power to keep working even when it’s parked. They’re like a team, working together to keep your car safe! 🚗🔌
How to Set Up a Dash Cam to Record When Parked
To make a dash cam record when your car is parked, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Choose the right dash cam: Make sure you pick a dash cam that can record when your car is parked. Remember, you need either a battery-powered or hardwired dash cam for this. 🛍️
- Install the dash cam: Ask an expert to help you install the dash cam in your car or check out this guide here. It should be placed on the inside of the windshield, facing out. 🔧
- Turn on parking mode: Some dash cams have a special setting called “parking mode.” This tells the dash cam to keep recording when your car is parked. Make sure to turn this on! 🅿️🎥
- Test it out: Before you leave your car parked, make sure the dash cam is working properly. You can ask a grown-up to help you check the video recordings. 📼
Parking Mode: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Parking mode is a special setting on some dash cams that makes them record when your car is parked. When parking mode is turned on, the dash cam keeps an eye on your car, just like a security guard. If something happens around your car, the dash cam will capture it on video. 🎥🚗
Advantages of Using a Dash Cam When Parked
There are many good reasons to use a dash cam when your car is parked:
- Extra security: A dash cam can help keep your car safe from thieves or vandals. If someone tries to break into your car or damage it, the dash cam will record what happened. 🚓
- Evidence for insurance: If something happens to your car while it’s parked, like an accident or damage, the dash cam video can help you prove what happened. This can be helpful for insurance claims. 💼
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your car is being watched by a dash cam can make you feel safer and more relaxed when you leave it parked. 😌
Disadvantages of Using a Dash Cam When Parked
There are also some downsides to using a dash cam when your car is parked:
- Battery drain: If you use a battery-powered dash cam, it might use up its battery quickly when recording for long periods while parked. This means you might need to recharge it often. 🔋
- Possible damage: Some people might not like the idea of a dash cam watching them. If they notice your dash cam, they might try to damage it or steal it. 😠
- Privacy concerns: Some people might feel uncomfortable being recorded by a dash cam without their permission. It’s important to be respectful of other people’s privacy. 🤔
How to Choose the Right Dash Cam for You?
When choosing a dash cam, think about what features are most important to you. Some things to consider are:
- Video quality: Look for a dash cam that records clear and sharp videos, so you can see all the details. 📹
- Battery life: If you want to use a battery-powered dash cam, make sure it has a long-lasting battery. 🔋
- Easy installation: Pick a dash cam that’s easy for you or a grown-up to install in your car. 🔧
- Price: Dash cams come in many different prices.
Choose one that fits your budget and has the features you need. 💰
Dash Cam Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to using a dash cam, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Read the instructions: Before you start using your dash cam, read the instructions that come with it. This will help you understand how to set it up and use it properly. 📚
- Practice using it: Spend some time practicing how to turn your dash cam on and off, and how to review the video recordings. This will help you become more comfortable using it. 🎥
- Keep it clean: Make sure to keep the lens of your dash cam clean so it can record clear videos. You can use a soft cloth or a special lens cleaner to wipe away any dirt or smudges. 🧹
Things to Remember When Using a Dash Cam
When using a dash cam, always remember these important things:
- Be responsible: Only use your dash cam for good reasons, like keeping your car safe or capturing fun memories. Don’t use it to spy on people or invade their privacy. 🕵️♀️
- Follow the law: In some places, there might be rules about how you can use a dash cam. Make sure to follow these rules and respect other people’s rights. 🚦
- Stay safe: While your dash cam can help keep your car safe, it’s still important to take other safety precautions, like locking your doors and parking in well-lit areas. 🚧
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dash cam drain my car’s battery?
If you have a hardwired dash cam, it might use some of your car’s battery power when it’s parked. However, most hardwired dash cams have a feature that prevents them from draining your car’s battery too much.
How long can a dash cam record when parked?
This depends on the type of dash cam you have and its storage capacity. Some dash cams can record for several hours or even days when parked. Make sure to choose a dash cam with enough storage for your needs.
Is it legal to use a dash cam when parked?
Laws about using dash cams vary depending on where you live. In most places, it’s legal to use a dash cam when parked, as long as you follow certain rules and respect other people’s privacy. Be sure to check your local laws to know what’s allowed.
Will a dash cam record at night when parked?
Yes, many dash cams can record at night when parked. Some dash cams have special night vision features that help them see better in low light. Make sure to choose a dash cam with good night vision if you want to record when parked at night.
How do I know if my dash cam is recording when parked?
Most dash cams have an indicator light or screen that shows when they’re recording. You can also check the video recordings to make sure they’re capturing everything you want them to.
Will a dash cam work when plugged into a cigarette lighter port in parking mode?
No most dash cams will not work when plugged into a lighter unless they have a battery back up in place. This is because the cigarette lighter isn’t a permanent live feed from the battery.
What is buffered parking mode?
Buffered parking mode is a feature in some advanced dash cams that allows them to continuously record and store a short period of video footage, usually a few seconds, even when the vehicle is parked.
When the dash cam’s motion or impact sensors detect an event, such as a collision or a person approaching the car, the buffered parking mode ensures that the video footage from a few seconds before the triggering event is saved, along with the footage during and after the event.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dash cams with parking mode offer drivers valuable protection and peace of mind when their vehicle is parked. Equipped with motion detection and impact sensors, these advanced dash cams can automatically record incidents around your car, providing crucial evidence in case of vandalism, theft, or collisions.
The best dash cam models, such as Blackvue, Thinkware, and Garmin dash cams, offer a range of parking mode types, including buffered parking mode and time-lapse parking mode. Buffered parking mode allows the dash cam to record a few seconds before the detected motion or impact, ensuring you capture the entire event. Time-lapse parking mode, on the other hand, reduces power consumption and saves storage space by recording at a lower frame rate or taking still photos at regular intervals.
To ensure your dash cam works effectively in parking mode, it is essential to consider its power source. Hardwiring the dash cam to your car’s fuse box or using a dedicated battery pack can ensure continuous recording without draining your car’s battery. You should also invest in a high-quality memory card or SD card to store the recorded footage.
When buying a dash cam, consider factors such as video quality, the field of view, and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy access to the dash cam footage. Rear cameras can also enhance parking protection by covering both the front and rear of your vehicle.
In summary, a dash cam with parking mode can be a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to protect their parked vehicle. With various features and options available, it’s essential to research and finds the best fit for your needs and budget. So, don’t wait any longer – get a dash cam and ensure the safety of your car, even when it’s parked on a busy street. 🚗🎥
