The popularity of dash cameras is constantly increasing, and when you think about the benefits one can enjoy, this is not surprising at all. This device doesn’t only improve your safety on the road, but it can also lower the insurance premium for your vehicle significantly and even prove to be crucial in liability disputes in case of an accident.
Now, even though many people believe that these are simple to install and use, and there are still several things you need to know and do. In the following article, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make during this process and provide you with additional tips.
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1. Clean the windshield beforehand
This is the most important step you have to make regardless of the adhesive the device uses. It is the only way to have a piece of mind that the dash cam is mounted securely. Otherwise, it may not only get damage, but it can pose a danger if it unsticks while you are driving. The first thing you have to do is clean the area thoroughly with the appropriate solution. Then, you need to dry it off and only mount the camera when the windshield is at room temperature. You should follow the same process step-by-step if your device uses a suction cup.
2. Don’t mount it in a corner
This probably sounds obvious to you, but you would be surprised to learn how many people fit their dash camera in the corner of the windshield. Naturally, you need to mount in the middle of the windshield, or at least as close as possible. This way, the camera will have a wider field of view and provide you with better quality footage.
What’s more, you should also remove everything from your dashboard. We are talking about items and decorative pieces that don’t need to be there. This way, you will reduce the glare and get better recordings.
3. Choose the right angle
Now that you have found the perfect place for the dash cam on the windshield, it is time to adjust the angle. Here, you need to be careful. Your goal isn’t only to get the highest-quality recording but also to ensure that the lens can film everything. Due to reason, you should adjust it so that 40% of it displays the sky and the rest 60% the road. If you don’t set the device properly, the glare of the light won’t be your only problem, but the footage will be darker, making it impossible to see the details on the other vehicles. If you got a campark dash camera that connects to your phone, you should use this app while determining the right angle.
4. Set the video quality
As you can assume, this is one of the most important things you need to set correctly when installing a dash cam. Depending on the model you choose, you will be presented with several options, and you can learn more about them on campark.net. The trick is to find a resolution and frame rate that works perfectly both during the day and night. Naturally, your goal is to get the best quality footage possible. Nowadays, most devices include the WDR feature, which increases the light during the night, and hence, increases the video quality. Still, keep in mind that this mode can add noise to the footage, and reduce its quality during the day. Because of this, you should consider your driving habits, play with the settings until you find the perfect one.
Source: sassytownhouseliving.com
5. Consider the audio
The next thing you have to think about is whether you actually need audio recordings. This isn’t necessarily a mistake people make, and it all comes down to your personal preference. Although it may sound like a great feature in case of an accident, you have to keep in mind that it will record everything. Plus, the main reason for using a dash cam is to get the footage, while the audio is just an additional feature.
6. Select the right fuse slot
As you probably know, wiring this device to the vehicle’s fuse box is a standard installation method since it powers the camera and enables it to record even when the car is parked. Obviously, this is only possible if your device has the parking mode feature and most dash cameras 2024 have it.
If you are not sure where to find the fuse box, make sure to go over the vehicle’s manual. However, once you find it, there is another thing you have to consider. That’s right. We are talking about the fuse slots. When it comes to this, you need to understand the purpose of each slot, and therefore, avoid those connected to the safety properties, such as the horn, airbags, and so on. In addition, you should make sure to go with the one between 10A and 30A to ensure optimal power.
Source: pocket-lint.com
7. Follow the manual
As already stated, installing a dash cam is not too challenging, but this is only the case if you follow the instructions closely. However odd it may seem, many people neglect to do this, which is why they encounter problems they cannot solve. Just like any other device, there are numerous models of this one available on the market. Even though these all may seem similar, the thing is that the setting up process can significantly differ. Because of this, you need to consult the manual before you install it. Most of these will provide you with a step-by-step explanation on how to properly mount and install this device, so as long as you follow the instructions, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
Wrapping up
To sum up, these are some of the most common things people forget to think about when they install their brand new dash cam. As you can see, not all of these can be defined as mistakes, but the truth is that these tips can prevent several problems in the future, which is why you should follow the guide meticulously and check everything.
