5 Ways to Maximize Your Dash Cam to Its Fullest Potential

A dashboard camera, also known as a dash cam, is a useful tool used by many individuals, including drivers, driving instructors, and police officers. This type of camera is mounted on your car's dashboard to record images and sounds. 

Putting a dash cam in your vehicle can help you record every detail that happens inside your car and on the road while you are driving. The recorded details can be used as a piece of compelling evidence when an accident occurs. This one of the reasons why dash cams are becoming more popular nowadays.

If you have one in your car, it is vital to learn how you can maximize your dashboard camera to its fullest potential. Doing so will not only help you if an unfortunate event happens, but you can also enjoy all the dash cam's features.

 

How to Use Your Dash Cam to Its Fullest Potential

It is important to learn the best practices to use your dash cam properly and get the clearest footage. The following tips will help you get the best from your dash cam:

1. Identify the best position for your dash cam. Most of the time, dash cams are placed behind the steering wheel in the window's corner. Some car owners place it close to the rear-view mirror. However, these two locations are not always the best positions for all types of vehicles.

To locate the perfect spot, you have to consider several factors including the size of your car's windscreen, the length of the power cable, the distance to the power supply, and the dash cam's angle. Moreover, you also have to ensure that the camera doesn’t obstruct your view of the road. 

2. Set your dashboard camera into proper settings. Your dash cams may be different from other dash cams. This is why it is necessary to be aware of your dash cam's features and what each can do. You have to configure the settings correctly before using it.

Consider the video resolution and recording duration. You may also want to turn the G-sensor in your dashboard camera. G-sensor stands for Gyroscopic sensors which automatically saves the recorded footages in the memory card. It could help you log incidents or accidents happening on the road.

3. Use the appropriate SD card for your dash cam. Not all SD cards are suitable for your dash cam. It is why it is vital to pick the right one for your dash cam. You may choose at least a 64GB SD card if you have an HD dashboard camera. Instead of choosing class 4 or 6 cards, you may opt to use a class 10 card because it is the one used for storing HD videos.

4. Use the car battery as a power source. You have several options for powering your dashboard camera. You can use a portable USB battery, cigar lighter socket, or car battery. Among the three, using the car battery as a power source is most recommended. You may ask for an expert to make your dash cam hardwired to the car's battery to ensure a successful installation.

5. Clean your windshield. Even though your car's windshield is not part of your camera's features, it is essential to clean it regularly. A Dirty windshield can affect the quality of the videos recorded in your dash cam. You may find that part of your video is unclear or looks blurry if your windshield is left uncleaned.

 

Installing Your Dashboard Camera

In choosing a dashboard camera, you have to consider several things. It is crucial to check the video resolution to ensure that it can record clear footage. The essential details that must be seen in your camera are the license plates and car models. You may also want to check the night vision feature so that you can also use it properly at night. The camera size, storage capacity, and loop recording should also be given proper attention. Having a GPS and impact sensor can be optional.

Before putting it in your car, you may answer these questions below:

  • Did you already find the best spot to place your dash cam?
  • Are you done with configuring the settings?
  • Have you decided what SD card and power source to use?

If all your answers are "yes," then you are now ready to install your dashboard camera in your car. Here are the necessary steps in installing your dash cam.

Step 1: Mount the camera in your dashboard. If you have already chosen the best spot for your dash cam, then you may now mount it in the panel. It should be placed within your reach but also make sure that it will not block your view on the road ahead.

Step 2: Insert the memory card. You may now insert the SD or Micro SD card in your dash cam once it is mounted. As mentioned earlier, choosing the appropriate SD card should be taken into consideration. You might insert at least  64GB SD card if you got an HD dash cam.

Step 3: Plug the power cord into the power source. You may choose from the portable USB battery, cigar lighter socket, or your car's battery.

Step 4: Check if your camera is working. Configure the settings of your dash cam and make sure that the record light is on. You can test it to know if it is already working. After doing all the four steps, you are now ready to go.

 

If you find it difficult to install your dashboard camera, you can always seek help from an expert. It is important to mention that the dash cam should not become a distraction for the driver. Remember to focus on the road and always follow all the traffic laws, regulations, or requirements wherever you are. It is always important to remain safe by driving in a responsible way.