Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular for drivers who want an unbiased record of any incidents on the road. But like any electronic device, dash cams draw power and will eventually drain your car’s battery if left on long enough. So how long can you really run a dash cam before it drains your battery? Here are some quick answers:
Factors That Affect Dash Cam Battery Drain
There are several key factors that determine how quickly a dash cam will drain your car battery:
Dash Cam Power Requirements
The power draw of the dash cam itself is important. Entry-level dash cams may use less than 200mA, while higher-end 4K models may draw over 500mA. The lower the current draw, the less battery drain.
Video Resolution
Higher video resolutions like 4K will require more power than lower 720p or 1080p resolutions. Setting dash cam resolution to the minimum you need provides longer run times.
Parking Mode
Most dash cams offer a parking mode to monitor for impacts while the car is off. But this requires the dash cam to draw constant power, draining the battery much quicker.
External Power
Using an external battery pack or hardwiring kit provides continuous power and prevents any battery drain when the car is off.
Battery Health
Older car batteries may not hold as much charge and drain faster than new batteries with higher capacity.
Ambient Temperature
Extreme cold or hot temperatures may decrease battery life for both the car battery and dash cam battery.
Typical Dash Cam Battery Runtimes
Under normal driving conditions, most dash cams can run for several hours before draining the car battery with the engine off. Here are some typical runtime benchmarks:
No Parking Mode
If parking mode is disabled, basic dash cams can run upwards of 6-12 hours on a full battery before shutting down, depending on the model and conditions.
Motion-Detection Parking Mode
With motion-based parking modes, run times are reduced to 8-24 hours in most cases before draining the battery.
Continuous Parking Mode
Constant parking mode puts the most strain on the battery. Runtimes are often limited to 6-12 hours before the battery is fully depleted.
External Power
Using a hardwire kit or separate battery pack can provide unlimited runtimes without any battery drain when the car is off.
Tips to Reduce Dash Cam Battery Drain
Here are some tips to help maximize battery life and minimize drain from your dash cam:
Use a Lower Resolution
Set the dash cam video resolution to 1080p or 720p instead of 4K if extended recording times are more important than maximum image quality.
Turn Off Audio
Disabling audio recording can help save power as well. The audio is rarely needed.
Disable Parking Mode
If constant monitoring while parked is not needed, turning off parking mode preserves battery charge.
Buy a Low-Power Model
Look for a dash cam with a lower power draw, under 200mA if possible. Lower current requirements mean less battery drain.
Use a Hardwire Kit
Hardwire kits connect the dash cam directly to the car’s battery and prevents any battery drain when the car is off.
Add an External Battery
A separate external battery powers the dash cam independently and provides backup power to extend recording times.
Update Car Battery
An old weak car battery will drain faster. Replacing it with a new high-capacity battery provides more reserve power.
Park in Shade
Avoid direct sunlight which can heat up the interior and place additional load on the car battery and dash cam battery.
Turn Off When Parked
Manually turning the dash cam off before leaving the vehicle eliminates any parasitic draw when parked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my dash cam from draining my battery?
The best way to prevent battery drain is to hardwire the dash cam directly to the vehicle’s battery. This provides power when the car is on and cuts power when it’s off. Alternatively, use an external battery pack only for the dash cam.
Should I be worried about battery drain?
With average use, most dash cams will not completely drain a healthy car battery in a single day. But it’s still a good idea to hardwire the dash cam or manually turn it off when parking for multiple days.
How long can a dash cam record without stopping?
Recording time depends on battery capacity, but most dash cams can record continuously for 4-12 hours on a full charge, depending on settings. Hardwiring with unlimited external power allows indefinite recording.
How do I know if my car battery is being drained by my dash cam?
Signs of excessive battery drain include slow cranking when starting the car, dimming headlights, and the car not starting at all. Draining beyond 50% capacity shortens battery lifespan.
Should I disconnect my dash cam when not using it?
It’s recommended to disconnect your dash cam when leaving the vehicle unused for more than a day. This completely eliminates any parasitic draw on the battery while parked.
Battery Drain Troubleshooting
If you notice your car battery being excessively drained by your dash cam, here are some troubleshooting steps to identify the cause:
Check Dash Cam Settings
Lower video resolution and turn off parking mode or other battery-draining features like WiFi or GPS.
Check Power Draw
Measure actual current consumption of the dash cam using a multimeter to see if it’s higher than manufacturer specifications.
Check Wire Connections
Inspect power cables for damage and loose connectors that can cause excess power draw.
Update Car Battery
Test car battery voltage and health. Old worn-out batteries drain faster. Replace if necessary.
Check Temperature
Very hot or cold temperatures de-rate battery capacity. Keep dash cam climate controlled if possible.
Try an External Power Source
Power the dash cam from an external battery pack or hardwire kit to verify whether battery drain stops.
Contact Manufacturer
If battery drain persists, contact the device manufacturer for troubleshooting tips or warranty service if applicable.
Ways to Charge a Dash Cam Battery
When your dash cam battery eventually runs down, here are some common ways to recharge it:
USB Charging
Most dash cams include a USB charging cable that can be plugged into a computer or USB charger.
Cigarette Lighter
Hardwire kits often draw power from the cigarette lighter outlet and can charge the dash cam battery during driving.
External Battery
Separate external battery packs can power the dash cam indefinitely and recharge the built-in battery.
Solar Charger
For outdoor cameras, attaching a small solar panel can provide direct charging from sunlight.
Battery Swap
Some dash cams allow you to hot-swap the battery and replace it with a freshly charged spare.
Car Charger
You can directly connect the dash cam’s USB cable to a standard 12V USB car charger while driving.
Average Dash Cam Battery Life
With regular recharging and care, most built-in dash cam batteries will last between 1-3 years before needing replacement. Here are typical average battery lifespans:
Lithium Polymer Batteries
1-2 years (300-500 charge cycles)
Super Capacitors
2-3 years (1000+ charge cycles)
Lithium Ion Batteries
2-4 years (500-1000 charge cycles)
NiMH Batteries
1-2 years (200-300 charge cycles)
Heat is the enemy of battery life, so avoiding direct sunlight exposure and extreme temperatures will help maximize dash cam battery lifespan.
Signs Your Dash Cam Battery Needs Replacement
Here are some signs that your dash cam’s battery may be worn out and due for replacement:
- Reduced recording time on full charge
- Camera shutting off prematurely
- Needing to charge more frequently
- Swelling or distortion of battery case
- Error messages related to the battery
- Failure to hold a charge
- Constant flickering or rebooting
- Overheating during use or charging
Replacement batteries can be purchased from the dash cam manufacturer or generic equivalents can sometimes be found online for less. Make sure to get the right battery for your specific camera model.
Conclusion
In summary, most dash cams can run for 6-12 hours on a full car battery charge with the engine off. Features like parking mode reduce this battery life significantly. Using a hardwire kit or external battery source is the best way to eliminate battery drain. With periodic recharging, average dash cam battery lifespan is 1-3 years before a replacement is needed. Following the tips and information above will allow you to maximize battery life and prevent unexpected dash cam shutdowns from battery drain.