Do you have a car? Do you drive? Then this blog post is for YOU! We’re going to talk about why having a dashcam in your car can be important. There are so many people on the road these days, that one day something is bound to happen.

And BAM! There, you are ready to catch it. Is it something weird, is it an accident, are you a parent worried about your kid? There are many reasons why it is important to have a dashcam. Let’s take a look at a few.

A dashcam records everything that happens while you’re driving, so it’s like being able to watch your back 24/7. Let’s get started! Here are 12 reasons why owning a dashcam is important for everyone in the car.

You Have First-Hand Evidence Of A Car Accident
A Dashcam Can Help You Prevent Fraud  By Identifying Vandals and Hit-and-Runs
The Dash Cam Is Awesome For Worried Parents
Proof to Get out of a Ticket
A Dash Cam Is The Perfect Solution For Reckless Drivers
Dash Cams Have A Ton Of Useful Extra Features And Functions
Perfect for Driving Instructors
You Could Save Thousands of Dollars
You Can Record Your Entire Road Trip
Monitor Drivers In Fleet or Commercial Vehicles
Could Possibly Help You When Dealing With Unethical People
You can document all of the weird stuff that goes on in this world

You Have First-Hand Evidence Of A Car Accident

Some people are very skeptical about the use of dashcams because they don’t know what they could potentially be used for. However, if you’re involved in an accident with someone else, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to get some important evidence on them by having a dashcam.

Even if you’re not involved in an accident, chances are that you can film the person who commits a hit-and-run and share their footage on social media.

The best thing about this type of footage is that it’s all first-hand – you can’t dispute its authenticity the way that people sometimes do with other types of evidence, such as photographs and video footage.

A Dash Cam Is The Perfect Solution For Reckless Drivers

I don’t know about you, but I think I am a pretty good driver. I’m sure you feel similarly, not about me but yourself. You see, that’s a problem because the general attitude of most drivers is that they’re better than other people on the road.

This can make it difficult for you to deal with reckless drivers because they are a menace on the road, and it doesn’t look like the trend is getting any better. But now, at least, you have footage of their bad driving.

If it is someone you know, you can show them footage to show them their mistakes and hopefully get them to change their driving habits for the better. 

Or if you catch a random act of stupidity, you now have footage of that which can be used as evidence against them.

The Dash Cam Is Awesome For Worried Parents

This is something that I will be dealing with in a few short years. A dash cam is perfect for parents who want to keep track of where their children are. With something like a GPS tracker, you can see where they are, but it’s not the same as seeing them on film.

Most car accidents happen during the day, so if you’re worried about your children driving to and from school or partying with their friends, installing a dash cam will give you peace of mind and enable you to keep an eye on what they’re doing.

A camera is a great teaching tool that can also be used as a tracking device for parents who are concerned about their children’s driving habits.  Why not use a dashcam as a lesson planner and keep track of your kid’s driving habits? Why not? Why not use a dashcam for its features for tracking and recording lessons?

Good For Driving Instructor

A car dashcam is indeed very important for driving instructors and parents. Why? If you are a driving instructor or parent, it would be very beneficial if the learner has a recording device to assist them in their driving lessons. That way, they have something to show you where they went wrong when they made mistakes during the course of the lesson.

You Can Record Your Entire Road Trip

Recording everything for posterity is an amazing way to review what you have seen on your trip. You can replay it and reminisce about the sights or any other memories that made a special impression on you while on a road trip.

Could Possibly Help You When Dealing With Unethical People

It’s a sad world we live in but a reality we all must face. There are many unethical people out there who, at any given moment, can spark a violent reaction. This could happen at any time and any place.

If you have been a victim of an unethical person, then it would be evidence against them to help prosecute their actions in court to get justice done.  Dashcam footage can be used as evidence against someone who did bad or illegal behavior.

A Dashcam Can Help You Prevent Fraud  By Identifying Vandals and Hit-and-Runs

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, or your car is vandalized, a dash cam can help identify the culprit and provide evidence to report it. You can use a dashcam as evidence against people who committed vandalism. 

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, or your car is vandalized, a dash cam can help identify the culprit and provide evidence to report it.

Proof to Get out of a Ticket

So, this particular use does have some caveats. First, you shouldn’t be breaking the law! But stuff happens, and sometimes we get caught.

Now, having a dashcam may or may not prove to be helpful, depending on the type of traffic offense that you committed. Speeding tickets may be more difficult to get out of because dashcams with GPS have not been validated as an official source for speed accuracy.

This is in contrast to a police radar gun, which is often calibrated and considered to be very accurate. So, if you are going 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit, you may have difficulty proving your innocence.

However, if you are accused of exceeding the speed limit and you were not, you may have a little bit more wiggle room to prove your case.

Now, a dashcam could prove useful in proving your innocence in running a red light or a stop sign. You can show more definitive proof in this type of situation—it’s been done before.

Lastly, I must say I do not condone the breaking of traffic laws. They are there for a reason: to protect us. But things don’t run perfectly, so another perspective is useful. We should all do our best to obey the traffic laws for everyone’s safety.

I make no guarantees that having a dashcam will get you out of a ticket. I merely present it as a reason you may want to purchase one.

Dash Cams Have A Ton Of Useful Extra Features And Functions

Many dashcams actually have a ton of useful extra features like GPS tracking, lane monitoring, speed cameras, voice activation, etc. Why not take advantage of the many functions and additional features your dashcam offers.

Using your dashcam’s additional capabilities as well will make you more attentive to your driving and help ensure a safe journey.

You Could Save Thousands of Dollars

If you ever experience an accident, then having video evidence can save you thousands of dollars in court costs, so why not invest in something that could potentially save you money down the road?

Dashcams have been proven to be an invaluable safety tool that can prevent you from making costly mistakes. In a time of increased customer fraud and hit-and-runs, it’s important to get documentation for one’s claim. Dashcams also provide insurers with better information on potential claims so they know who is covered

Monitor Drivers In Fleet or Commercial Vehicles

If you have a fleet of commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, trucks, etc., then having a camera installed will help you monitor your drivers and spot any illegal activity that may be occurring within them as well. 

You can use dashcam technology to ensure that all your drivers are following the rules. This is a way to keep track of what they’re doing on the road while also making sure it’s safe for everyone involved.

You Can Document All of the Weird Stuff That Goes On in This World

You can capture some cool stuff with a dashcam, like all the scenic views and sights your drive offers. The dashcam is perfect to record your trip along with anything important that happens while you travel. You can even capture cool stuff with the camera that is in the car, so it never goes unseen.

Final Thoughts…

It’s not just for car accidents, reckless drivers, and hit-and-run incidents. A dashcam can also be a perfect teaching tool to help teach your kids how to drive (or at least keep an eye on them). You could even use it as a great way of tracking their progress. Although, I don’t think they will see it like this, but… oh well.

Besides proof if you disagree with another driver, you can record long road trips. Are dashcams necessary? Probably not, but given the society we live in, it’s not a bad idea to have one, either.

There you have it: 12 good reasons to own a dashcam. So what are you waiting for? For starters, here is an excellent choice for testing the waters. It is the Rexing V1P. Go check it out!

Rexing V1P 4K Dual Channel Dash Cam

You May Want to Check Out Next

• Will a dashcam drain my car battery? Three things you need to know
• 5 Ways to Protect Your Dashcam From the Heat or Cold
• Will my Dashcam Work Without an SD card?
• Should you use a portable baby monitor in your car?

Dashcams are a nifty piece of technology. I mean, who doesn’t want the surety that comes with having a record of your actions on the road? However, like all things electronic in a car, there is the potential to have that device siphon power from the battery. This article will address the question, will a dashcam drain my car battery?

Unfortunately, the answer is ‘YES’ it will. The good news, however, is there are ways to prevent your battery from being drained.

Before we get to that, though, let’s discuss why a dashcam may drain your battery.

How Can a Dashcam Drain Your Battery?

The battery will be drained by the dashcam because of three main reasons:

1. Dashcams will automatically start recording when you turn on your car, which will also drain your battery. Now, this will not be such an issue if your car is running. However, if you simply turn your key to the ‘ON’ or ‘ACC’ position, you will run the risk of draining your battery.
2. Dashcams also leave the light on when operating, which will shorten the life of the battery.  Again, if your car is running and drawing power from the alternator, this is not an issue.  But, if you are running on pure battery power, you do run the risk of having your car battery die.
3. A third reason is that some cars require a constant connection to their GPS system and this too will deplete your batteries much faster than it would without a dashcam installed.

Can I Leave My Dashcam Plugged Into A Cigarette Lighter?

The short answer is ‘Yes,’ you can. However, you still run the risk of draining your battery.

One fellow left his device plugged in for three days, and his vehicle started just fine. The amount of power that a powered-down dashcam draws is very low, so three days was no big deal. 

But if you are going to have your car stored for any length of time, it’s probably best to unplug your dashcam and all of your devices. Eventually, this will drain your battery. And you will have the unpleasant experience of finding yourself with a dead battery.

This leads to the question we posed at the beginning of the article:

How Do You Stop the Dashcam from Draining Your Car Battery?

Keeping your dashcam from draining your car battery depends on two basic things.

1. Whether or not the dashcam is connected properly, and
2. Take advantage of some built-in dashcam safety features

If you are plugging your dashcam into a power outlet, make sure to keep it unplugged when not in use. As you probably know, most modern cars have a continuous power outlet and one that turns off when the car turns off. 

Just be mindful of which outlet you are using. If you don’t need your dashcam plugged in, unplugging it is the safest thing. But, if you do need it to be on most of the time, option 2 is what you need.

Option 2 requires hardwiring your dashcam to your car’s electrical system. Dashcams usually come with an installation kit that includes all necessary items, such as a dashcam mount and wires.

Installing one can take under 15 minutes, depending on how long it takes you to find where you would like it mounted before getting started! Now, I am not recommending this to everyone. There is a certain level of mechanical aptitude that is needed before installing a dashcam this way. 

If you choose to hardwire your dashcam to the car, do your research!  And possibly consider hiring a professional to do it for you.

One more option you have to keep your dashcam from draining your car battery is getting a dashcam battery. Obviously, this will supply power from an external source and this may be the option for you. Let’s look at this a little further.

Final Thoughts

Will a dashcam kill your car battery? Yes, it will, but only if you don’t take the proper precautions when installing your new piece of tech.

The key points to remember when using a dashcam are:

1. Use the proper installation kit and equipment.  If necessary, seek the help of professionals to install your dashcam.
2. Make sure that if your dashcam comes with built-in safety features, these are engaged.  So you don’t find yourself with a dead car battery.

Dashcams should remain unplugged when not in use to avoid draining the battery. To extend its life, always ensure that your dashcam has a continuous power supply by plugging it into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter as needed.

Are you doing some research to see if you want to purchase a dashcam? If so, check out this article on 12 reasons why you should have a dashcam.
If you will in or will be visiting a place prone to extreme heat or cold temperatures, make sure you have a dash cam that can cope with weather extremes
Will you need to purchase an SD card in addition to your dashcams internal storage? We look at the dashcam with the largest internatl storage – but why you’ll likelt still want an external SD card to store your dashcam footage.

Now that you have a nice shiny new dashcam, how does it work? One of the most basic things you need to consider is where you are going to store all of that wonderful new video footage. So, will a dashcam work without an SD card?

The short answer is ‘YES’ if …and this is a big IF…if your dashcam has internal storage. Even then, the storage is limited, so having an SD card on hand may not be a bad idea.

So, if you’re wondering whether or not dash cams need an SD card, then this article is for you! We’ll talk about how cameras work, what internal memory means in dashcam terms, how much space you need on your dashcam’s memory to get started recording videos, and more. Let’s get started!

Do you need an SD card for a dashcam? No, not all cameras require one. Dashcams come with several ways to record or stream the video.

• Internal storage
• Streamed over wifi and recorded on a computer
• And, of course, an external SD card

Let’s take a look at some other questions you may have about using an SD card in a dashcam.

Can a dashcam record without an SD card?

Yes! If, it has onboard memory storage. This is very important because if it doesn’t have onboard storage, then it will not be able to record. 

Some dashcams have internal memory, which allows you to record without an SD card. How much you are able to record depends on how many gigabytes of memory your dashcam comes with.

This leads to the next question: do dashcams have internal storage? It’s important that you have enough storage space within the camera for this process to work properly or else there will be errors that may cause your dashcam not to function properly.

Do Dashcams Have Internal Storage?

Some cameras do come with internal memory, but since these are usually only 16 GB, 32GB, or 64GB (the most we’ve seen), you’ll need to add an SD card before recording anything.

Internal memory is best for cameras without a screen or that are meant as secondary devices like those used in your car’s dashboard, but it can’t be relied on since the total space available will vary from camera to camera, and there may not be enough room if you plan on constantly using the dashcam.

Turns out, it is very difficult to find a dashcam with built-in memory. However, I did find one: the DDPAI Mini5 4K Dash Cam has 64 gigabytes of internal memory.

How Much Space Do I Need On My Dash Cam Memory?

Well, this really depends on what you will be needing the dashcam for. That being said. A rule of thumb I go by is to get as much memory as you can for your budget.

You can never have too much memory. If you don’t need it now, you will most likely need it at some point in the future.

Now, whether you are going with an internal-based storage device or a removable memory card, we recommend going with one that has at least 128GB of space so that you always have plenty of record time available, even when you’re constantly using the dashcam.

What is the Best SD Card for my dashcam?

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best SD card for your dashcam. Which I will get into in another article. In the meantime, check out this video to help you make a decision:

How Do I Clear My Dash Cam SD card?

The easiest way to clear it is to format the card in your dashcam. This can be done by clicking Settings > Storage Card and then selecting Format All on the drop-down menu option that appears.

You’ll need to select yes when asked if you’re sure about formatting everything, as this will erase all of the data from your memory card, including anything saved there before or after installing a new one. so make sure they are safely backed up somewhere else first!

What Is The Average Recording Time For A Dash Cam Memory Card?

It’s difficult to answer this question as it varies depending on the camera you’re using and how often you want to record.

That said, if your SD card has 128GB of space, then that would hold two hours’ worth of footage at 1080p resolution with a 30fps frame rate (which is typical of what dashcams use).

If you have less than 64GB, then expect about an hour or so, which may get even lower for cameras that don’t shoot in full HD.

What Do I Do If My Dash Cam SD Card Can Not Be Detected?

If your dashcam doesn’t detect the memory card when inserted into the slot, make sure it isn’t upside down! The majority of cards come outfitted with a small switch that needs to be flipped from the side it was inserted into, so make sure this is in a position where you can see it.

If your card still isn’t detected, power up your dashcam and then remove the SD card using one of these two methods:

• Power off your camera first by unplugging or turning it off (only if the battery has enough charge!) and take out its memory card before powering back on again

• Remove all batteries after shutting down the dashboard cam (if possible) but leave them out for a few minutes–then insert just one battery while plugging the dashcam’s charger in as well, which will cause the device to boot up without any need for an SD card! Plug the entire cord set back in after a few seconds and wait for the camera to boot up.

• Remove the SD card from the slot by sliding it out gently with a fingernail or screwdriver (if the memory card is unresponsive) before power cycling the device, then reinserting it in the right way (face down!) once the dashboard cam has rebooted.

Final Thoughts…

Will a dashcam work without an SD card? Yes, but only if the dashcam comes with internal storage. Which, I have found in my research, is a hard thing to find.

Most dashcams these days require an SD card to function. So armed with this little piece of knowledge, go check out why it’s important to have a dashcam these days. And find a dashcam that suits your needs. Until then

Safe travels…

More Useful Gadgets For Your Family Road Trip

Check out these articles about dashcams and other tech that you may find useful for your vehicle:

Will a dashcam drain my car battery? 3 things you need to know
How can your dashcam deal with extreme heat or cold climates?
Benefits and best types of baby monitor for your car

Summer is here and we all know how hot our cars get in the summer. In fact, here in Florida, the average cabin temperature for a car is 116 degrees! Yikes! Now we ALL know how we feel when stepping inside a 116-degree car. Blah!

How do you think your sensitive piece of electronic equipment feels sitting inside that car all day? So now that you have invested some money in a nice dashcam, how do you protect your dashcam from such extreme temperatures?

5 Ways To Protect Your Dashcam From Heat

There are five main ways to help with this issue:

1. Keeping it out of direct sunlight – You should also choose an area on your dashboard where there is airflow around or under your camera so that it doesn’t get too warm sitting right next to other objects like heated seats or steering wheel.
2. Using a reflective cover – A clip-on or magnetic style mount for your dashcam means that you can place it in an area where it still has access to sunlight. This ensures your recordings are not interrupted, and also keeps the camera from getting too warm all day long while sitting in direct sun.
3. Take it down – Simply remove the dashcam from the window. If you are going to be out of the car for an extended period of time…say at work. Take the dashcam down. You most likely will not be needing it while your working. It will still be hot in the car but at least it will be out of the direct sunlight.
4. Another alternative is to mount a small fan to the dashcam. This will take some ingenuity on your part, as you will need to supply power to the fan. And if your car reaches temperatures in excess of 120 degrees, you would just be blowing hot air around.
5. Get a dashcam that uses a capacitor rather than a battery. A lithium-ion battery is great for moderate climates. However, if you live in an area where you know it’s going to be hot a capacitor-powered dashcam will be a better alternative for you.

Best Heat Resistant Dashcams

All of the REXING dashcams have an incredible temperature range of -20 (F) to 176 (F).

When exposed to sunlight, dashcams can experience heat buildup, which causes the camera’s fan to run continuously. Leaving it plugged in will also cause this problem due to continued power output.

While dash cams are built to withstand high temperatures safely, they occasionally overheat if left on constantly or used extensively in a hot environment. Prevent this by switching off your camera when you park and ensuring power-on fans face away from direct sunlight.

Some dash cams are more sensitive to heat than others and can increase their internal temperature too rapidly on hot days unless they’re cooled with a fan or air conditioning while parked in direct sunlight. If this happens, try parking your car in the shade if you can find one, turn off the power-on fan if it has one, or keep the car’s air conditioning on.

Can a Dashcam Catch Fire?

Most dash cams are built with a metal housing that dissipates heat from the camera lens to prevent overheating. This is not only important for your safety but also prevents damage to the electrical components and circuitry of the dashcam.

No one can say for an absolute certainty that a dashcam will not catch fire. However, the likelihood of that happening is extremely rare. I have scoured the internet looking for instances where a dashcam caught on fire and found none.

That being said, if you attempt to hardwire the dashcam to your car and you don’t know what you are doing. There is a possibility of fire, albeit a small one, from improperly connecting the dashcam to the car.

So if this is the route you are going to take, either

1) make sure you take your time and use the proper equipment to hardwire the dashcam, or

2) have the dashcam installed by a professional.

Important Features in A Heat Resistant Dashcam

The best way to protect your dashcam from heat is to buy a heat-resistant dashcam. So what are some features to look for in a heat-resistant dashcam?

Dashcams can be damaged by high temperatures because they are designed to operate in a certain environment. There is no dashcam on the market that’s resistant to all extreme temperatures but there are some things you can do to help protect your camera.

Overall temperature range of the dashcam
Using a capacitor rather than a battery
The position of the dashcam
Making sure the dashcam is properly vented
The type of mounting you use

My recommendation for a dashcam that offers versatility in positioning, a huge temperature range, and uses a capacitor is the REXING V5. In addition to this, it offers very generous support for external memory storage.

Overall Temperature Range

The first place to look is at the overall temperature range of the dashcam you are interested in buying. Where do you live?

If you live in the south (of the United States, anyway), your summers are verrrry hot. You will want to ensure that the dashcam you are looking at can withstand that extreme heat.

Conversely, if you live in the North, you will want to ensure that your dashcam can handle the extreme cold of winter.

Using a Capacitor Powered Dashcam rather than a Battery

Choose a camera that uses a capacitor rather than a battery. A lithium-ion battery is great for moderate climates. However, if you live in an area where you know it will be hot, a capacitor-powered dashcam will be better for you because the capacitor will not get as hot as a battery on those days.

Position of Dashcam

Mount it low. Mounting the camera at a lower point will allow air to flow around it better. This means the heat generated from direct sunlight won’t hit the lens directly and could prevent the camera from overheating. If you need to mount it higher, then try using some duct tape or insulation material to protect the lens.

Proper Venting

Proper venting is essential to your dash cam’s longevity. The cooler the air that flows over the internal components, the longer they’ll last. Ideally, you want to mount your dashcam so it can be in close proximity to your car’s air conditioning system or in a location that is constantly receiving cool air.

Mounting Type

Dashcams can be mounted in several different ways. You should decide how you want to mount your dashcam before purchasing it. Some people prefer the dashboard type of mounting while others go with a suction cup-type mounting that attaches the dashcam to any window surface from its underside on the outside of the vehicle or a magnetic mounting.

A dashboard mount is an ideal option for people who don’t like the look of their dashcam mounted on top of their windshield. Dashboard mounts attach to your car’s vents and work by drawing cool air in from them, which leads to a cooler camera surface that preserves battery life over time because it operates at lower temperatures.

On the other hand, a suction cup can allow you to mount your dash cam on any window surface from its underside outside of the vehicle. The downside to this type of mounting is that it doesn’t provide as much protection for your camera because there’s no insulation around it like with an internal dashboard mount.

Magnetic mounts are similar in concept and design, but they work by attaching one magnet side onto the glass while another attaches directly to your dashcam’s body so that when you move them apart, air flows freely through their space, creating even less heat buildup over time than with a standard dashboard mount.

If you’re not sure which mounting option would be best for your needs or what kind of car vents will work well with certain types of mounts, check the dashcam manufacturer’s website for more information.

More Dashcam And Gadget Guides

You may also be interested to know more about:

12 great reasons why your vehicle needs a dashcam
Will a dashcam drain my car battery? 3 things you need to know
Do you need a separate SD card for your dashcam?
Why you’ll want a car baby monitor when traveling with an infant