Dashcams can be a great way to capture footage of an accident or crime, but they can also take a toll on a car’s battery. Depending on how the dashcam is used and when it’s put on, there are lots of ways to prevent your battery from dying. ..
What are dashcams?
Dashcams are digital cameras that are placed on the dashboard of most cars. They help record footage of your trip through the windscreen, and they have a high initial cost but they can save you money in terms of insurance and providing evidence that would help make your case. ..
Types of dashcams
Dashcams are divided into two major categories according to their purpose: security and photography. Security dashcams are designed to record video footage of people or objects in order to protect the owner or occupant from potential harm. Photography dashcams, on the other hand, are designed to capture images of things that may be interesting or beautiful and can be used for creative purposes.
A network camera is a camera that is connected to the internet. SD cameras are cameras that are not connected to the internet.
If your SD card becomes full, any footage taken after that point won’t be recorded. You’ll have to take it out and replace it with an empty one. ..
The cloud-based storage of footage from network cameras provides more reliability in terms of data backup, according to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The study found that when footage is stored on the cloud, there is less chance that it will be lost or corrupted.
How exactly does a dashcam drain your car battery
Dashcams are electronic devices that need power to run. The dashcam starts recording immediately after you turn on your car. This would not be a problem if the dashcam is consuming energy from the car battery when the car is fully on because the car battery would be charged by the alternator; if you don’t start the engine and you simply just turn the car key slightly enough to power your radio, the dashcam would consume energy directly from the battery even as it is not being charged by the alternator. Dashcams when powered on, constantly use your car lights and if they are consuming energy directly from your battery, this could also help in running down your battery. Also, dashcams constantly use GPS when they are functional; this could also contribute to draining your car battery. ..
Will the dashcam still drain my car battery if I leave it plugged in a car that is powered down?
dashcam battery life
How to prevent: dashcam drain your car battery
-Install the dashcam in a well-ventilated area -Avoid using the dashcam in direct sunlight -Keep the battery fully charged -Remove the battery if you are not going to use it for an extended period of time ..
Only plug in the dashcam when it should be in use
When you want to start a trip, connect the dashcam to the power outlet. When you end a trip, disconnect the dashcam from the power outlet. Doing otherwise would only lead to complications regarding battery charging and battery power management.
Connecting the dashcam directly to the car’s power system
This means that the dashcam would not be able to record video unless the car is ignited. This task requires some knowledge of car mechanics and would probably need a technician to install it.
Purchasing a separate battery for the dashcam
This would allow you to leave your dashcam connected even when your car is off so it can have round-the-clock surveillance. Getting a separate battery for the dashcam would help preserve your car battery as a load of devices it powers reduces as a result. ..
Can dashcams cause other problems?
Some other problems caused by dashcams include: -The footage can be used as evidence in court. -It can be difficult to erase the footage. -Dashcams can be hacked. ..
The dashcam footage on the car’s windshield can be distracting to drivers, as it blocks a particular spot on the screen that drivers cannot avoid. This attention from pedestrians could lead to unexpected pilfering.
Conclusion
Dashcam footage can drain your battery, which is evident by the fact that it needs a source of energy to function. You can take care of negligence on your part and this could help save your battery from draining faster than it used to be.
