Set up your dash camera and get it ready to go
Please stay with us because I will tell you the easy way How to install a dashcam.
If you’ve been looking for the best dash cam for your car, you’ve probably realized that there are a lot of options. There are alternatives for all types of drivers, from forward-facing to front-and-rear cameras. But, regardless of which option you choose, there’s one final step to work out before it’s up and working: installation.
Thankfully, this is usually a rather simple procedure, and now we’ve put together this helpful guide to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Our advice may even assist you in determining which type of dashcam is appropriate for you, as well as provide instructions on how to install it once it arrives.
Because the inventors of dash cams have already done most of the legwork, they can usually be installed in no time. Establishing a dashcam doesn’t take much technical knowledge unless you pursue the hard-wired option. At the very least, most models come with a simple installation manual.
There are, however, a few measures that can facilitate installing a dashcam much easier. The basic methods for connecting your in-car camera to the internet are detailed here. While the theme may vary slightly based on the model you’ve purchased, the general approach remains the same.
Table of Contents
WHAT YOU WILL REQUIRE
Most dash cameras are intended to fit in any car, so you should be able to get your selected type up and running as quickly as possible.
A microSD card will most likely come with your dashcam, but you may want to upgrade to a larger storage one for extra recording options. For some inspiration, see our recommendations for the best microSD cards – and don’t forget to insert it properly into the built-in slot before starting your installation.
It’s also possible that you’ll need to install more than one dashcam. For enhanced security, some versions, such as the Nexar Pro, include an additional interior camera. If you believe that interior security is a must-have, consider this option. A rear-mounted camera is included in other front-and-rear combinations.
You’ll need to set aside some time for implementation, but the tools required are simple. To keep things in place, get a screwdriver and several tapes. If you’re operating inside the vehicle or crawling around under the dash, light is also useful. The second set of hands is usually helpful.
Select A Position
This is a simple phase in the process, but it does necessitate some planning. You’ll need uninterrupted eyes on the road ahead from a centrally located vantage point if you’re installing the front dashcam.
A standard option is located just beneath the rear-view mirror. Low down near where the windscreen meets the dashboard, on the other hand, is a reliable vantage point.
The most important thing to remember is that the dashcam must not hinder your view in any manner in order to be legal. This is also true if you want to install a rear-facing dashcam.
You should also set the dashcam such that it catches a consistent, center view of the road. Check that it can see far enough ahead of it without being obstructed by pillars, the hood, or even the rear-view mirror.
It’s a good idea to have a dry run at this point to ensure the dashcam is in the best possible location.
Installation styles
A mount is normally required to secure your dashcam in place, and there are two types available. There’s the suction mount (seen below), which is the more realistic choice because it allows the mount to be relocated easily. This is very important if you need to utilize the dashcam in multiple vehicles or if you don’t like the exact location and need to change it.
A mount with a tacky identity pad is commonly used in the other sort of mount. This adheres to your windscreen, dash, or other comparable surfaces in a semi-permanent manner. The disadvantage of this installation style is that you must get the dashcam location right the first time or be ready to remove it and start again. Most models are available with extra sticky pads that can be used for this, although it’s less desirable than using suction mounts.
In any case, the essential goal is to get the dash cam to align with the horizon. Because each vehicle is unique, this needs some serious analysis and testing.
One sometimes gets fortunate and gets it perfect the first time, but if you’re using a sticky pad-type mount, you should practice a few times beforehand. Before you fasten the camera into place, use some tape, a wipe-off marker, and, preferably, the second pair of eyes to help position it correctly.
HARD-WIRED OR PLUG-IN
Because sprint cams are third-celebration accessories, you may cope with wires, that’s the maximum hard part of the process.
Plugging your dashcam into your car’s cigarette lighter/auxiliary socket is the most basic approach to power it. Many models are available with a bundle chord for this, although if you’re trying to wrap it around your screen and underneath seats, make sure it’s a long one (at least 4 meters, ideally).
It’s not always easy to figure out how to do this, but the large bulk of dash cams come with features that allow you to tuck the cable below trims, flooring, or the headline.
Longer cables are commonly routed in the back of the automobile’s headlining (someplace above the windscreen), then in the back of the door’s climate seal, and down below the automobile seat earlier than being plugged into the cigarette lighter/auxiliary port (see above).
Another high-quality answer is to plug your powered rear-view reflect in there instead. The gain is that it is a purifier installation, and the digital digicam may not want electricity whilst the automobile is switched off, decreasing any issues approximately the battery being drained. The downside is that you may nearly really want to buy an adaptor, inclusive of the ones presented through Dongar Technology, and there may be constraints on factors inclusive of the voltage of your dashcam.
Another option is to connect your dashcam to your vehicle’s OBD2 port (above). This is typically used for diagnostic inspections, although using an OBD2 to mini-USB adapter is another option to investigate.
The port isn’t always easy to detect, although it’s usually hidden beneath the dashboard in most new cars.
The best option is to install a dashcam is to attach it directly to your car’s wire harness. Many dash cams arrive with the necessary kit, while others may require the purchase of a third-party device. In either case, this requires attention, and a system may be preferable.
The end solution will almost always be cleaner, but given the technical sophistication of several cars, the damn difficult route may not be for everybody. Due to the more permanent nature of the fitting, there is less versatility if you want to change the dash cam between other vehicles.
CLEANING UP AND PERFORMING CHECKS
Ensure that no cables are pinched or chafed by trim components or are fouling on any impediments. Any pressure spots on the cable could cause wear and tear over time, resulting in a malfunction or the dashcam not operating at all.
It’s important double-checking this after the system has had a chance to settle in, specifically if you have an older vehicle with a lot of vibration. This is typically the cause of a dash cam’s failure, as poor connections rattle loosen or cables might fall out entirely.
Many dash cams come with a companion app, which you’ll most likely use to examine any footage you capture if the need comes. If the dashcam doesn’t have a preview screen, this will be the best way to confirm everything works as it should. It’s important to drive around the block to make sure your equipment is set up correctly and collect the footage you want.
Now, Using your dashcam
This might be the most straightforward portion of the procedure. When you turn on your car and start driving, most dash cams will start automatically. It’s worth mentioning that while the car isn’t running, your dashcam drains power from the battery, which can occur with some versions. To avoid draining your battery, you may need to physically turn it off or unhook the wire.
The surveillance video is either kept on the inner microSD storage card or downloaded to your phone, depending on the model. Some models can accomplish both, with the additional benefit of being able to save any video on the web, which is important for long-term video archiving.
It also means you’ll have a permanent backup in case you need to bring up any video proof later on.
- Check our Services Page for more greatest deals
- Check our list of The Best Laptops Of 2022.