How to hardwire a dashcam?

Most new cars have a dashboard camera or “dashcam” already fitted. However, if your car doesn’t have one, or you want to upgrade to a better model, you can easily fit one yourself. This guide will show you how.

What you’ll need

Before you start, you’ll need:

A dash cam (of course!)

A power socket (usually 12V) in your car: most cars have one of these near the cigarette lighter socket. You can buy a power socket that fits into the fuse box under the dashboard if yours doesn’t.

An SD card (if your dash cam doesn’t have built-in storage): make sure it’s a high-capacity SD card, as dash cam footage can take up a lot of space.

A length of electrical wire (around 2m should do it)

Wire strippers

A small screwdriver

Zip ties or cable ties

Steps to hardwire a dashcam:

Step 1: Start by finding a suitable location for your dash cam. It needs to be close to the power socket and positioned to have a clear view of the road ahead.

Step 2: Once you’ve found the perfect spot, use the screwdriver to remove the screws from the mount. If there are no screws, the mount will probably peel off.

Step 3: Feed the electrical wire through the mount and position the dash cam on top of the mount. If your dash cam has a rearview camera, make sure that this is also positioned correctly.

Step 4: Once the dash cam is in place, use the zip ties or cable ties to secure the electrical wire to the mount. Ensure that the wire is not hanging loose, as this could be dangerous if it got caught on something while you were driving.

Step 5: The next step is to connect the electrical wire to the power socket in your car. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your car’s handbook or an experienced friend or family member.

Step 6: Finally, replace the screws in the mount and give everything a final check to ensure everything is secure. And that’s it – you’re ready to start using your new dash cam!

Video Guide:

FAQ:

Is it easy to hardwire a dash cam?

Dash cams are an increasingly popular vehicle accessory, and for a good reason. They can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident and can even help to deter crime. However, many worries that installing a dash cam will be complicated and time-consuming.

Hardwiring a dash cam is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes. Most dash cams come with all the necessary cables and adapters, and plenty of step-by-step guides are available online.

In most cases, finding a suitable spot to tuck the cables out of sight is the hardest part. With patience and careful planning, anyone can hardwire a dash cam quickly.

Is it good to hardwire dash cam?

While many people rely on their smartphones to capture important moments, there are certain advantages to hardwiring a dash cam to your vehicle.

For one thing, hardwired dash cams are less likely to be stolen than devices that are left plugged into an outlet or mounted to the windshield. Additionally, hardwired dash cams can start recording automatically when the ignition is turned on, so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to hit the record button.

And because your car’s battery powers them, hardwired dash cams can stay on for hours at a time, providing a continuous record of your drive. So if you’re looking for a reliable way to capture footage of your travels, consider hardwiring a dash cam to your vehicle.

Which fuse should I hardwire dashcam?

If you’re looking to hardwire your dashcam, you’ll need to choose the correct fuse. The best fuse to choose will depend on a few factors, including the make and model of your car and the wattage of your dashcam.

In general, you’ll want to use a mini or low-profile fuse. These fuses are designed for low-current applications so they won’t overload your electrical system.

You’ll also need to choose a fuse rated for at least ten amps. This will ensure that your dashcam has enough power to operate correctly. Once you’ve chosen the correct fuse, connect it to your dashcam’s positive and negative terminals. Then route the power cable to your car’s battery, and you’ll be ready to start recording those long road trips.

How long does it take to hardwire dash cam?

Depending on the make and model of your car, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to hardwire a dash cam. The first step is to find a suitable location for the camera. Most people place the camera behind the rearview mirror, giving the best view of the road ahead.

Once you have found a location, you must route the power cable through the headliner and down to the fuse box. This can be tricky, as you will need to avoid sharp edges or moving parts. Once you have connected the cable to the fuse box, you must test the connection to ensure it is drawing power correctly.

Finally, you will need to secure the camera and test it to ensure it is recording correctly. Hardwiring a dash cam is not a complex process, but taking your time and doing it carefully is essential.

Conclusion:

That’s all there is to it! Fitting a dash cam is a relatively simple process, and it’s well worth doing if you want the peace of mind of knowing that your journey is being recorded.