Most drivers are aware of the numerous advantages that come with investing in dash cameras. A dash cam is a device you can install in your car to record footage of the road while driving. However, installing a dashcam entails more than simply mounting it to the windshield. The key to getting the most out of any video recording device is understanding how to use it correctly. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your dashboard camera.
Clean your screen
Keeping your car’s windscreen clean is an important part of its upkeep and daily maintenance. You should check this every time you set off. But it is especially important to check when a camera tries to peer through it. Dirt and debris will degrade the video recording’s quality. In addition, it may cause the camera to focus on parts of the video that it should not.
Configure the Options Correctly
Your dashcam has a lot of features. However, you are unlikely to be able to use all of them simultaneously. You can select the video you want to record while driving from the settings screen. The dashcam offers options to select the video resolution, duration, and thus shortening the videos and saving space. But you must discover whether they provide enough information.
Time-lapse is another option, but make sure the car dashboard camera can overwrite the videos. Important videos are kept in a separate folder, but it overwrites routine, non-incident footage. However, these aren’t the only options available. You can enter relevant information, such as the car registration and date for video inclusion. If GPS information is available, the car tracking device will likely display the speed on your dashcam footage.
The Car Battery Can Hardwire Power to the Camera
For powering your dashcam, you typically have three options:
ü Cigar lighter receptacle
ü Hardwired to the vehicle’s battery
ü A USB portable battery
The car battery will give you the best results out of the three. It is possible to hardwire most car dashboard cameras to the battery. The fuse box makes this possible, but successful installation necessitates automobile electronics knowledge.
If you cannot wire the dashcam, use the cigar lighter socket, but the parking mode feature will not work. A USB battery is also a suitable alternative, especially if you can keep it charged. Hardwire the dashcam to your car battery whenever possible.
G-Sensor (shock) Sensitivity
A G-Sensor or shock sensor is mostly available in many modern dash cams. If this sensor detects the impact of an accident, it causes the camera to record and capture video footage. When this happens, the camera generates locked / protected files that consume space on your memory card.
Some vehicles, particularly sports suspensions, may inadvertently activate this feature, necessitating fine-tuning by your vehicle’s setup.
Reduce the Length of Recorded Files
Most dash cams record footage in pre-determined time intervals. Such intervals can range anywhere from 3 minutes to 10 minutes without the time limit affecting the video quality. Smaller files are easier to work with and transfer from the memory card.
Keeping the time length to a minimum will be extremely beneficial to others with Wi-Fi-enabled cameras. It will allow footage to go directly to a smartphone or tablet.
Determine the Best Location for your Dashcam
Finding a good location for your car dashboard camera can be challenging. However, the area after the steering wheel in the window’s corner is a suitable spot. Positioning as close to the rear-view mirror as possible is also a good option.
Consider the following factors:
ü Windscreen’s size
ü Whether you have a clear view with the dashcam installed
ü Power cord length
ü Distance from the power supply
ü Angle of the dashcam lens (140 degrees and more is not uncommon)
However, because of differences in automobile design, there is no hard and fast rule. Locate the best position for your dashcam that captures as much of the road as possible and install it accordingly.
It should be obvious by now that you cannot simply install a dashcam and hope for the best. It’s not a “set it and forget” device; you must ensure proper positioning, use the correct SD card, and check it regularly. However, you will be able to get the most out of your dashcam if you follow these few tips.
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