With the increasing number of distracted drivers on the road, investing in a dash cam may be a smart move. These devices can help record evidence in the event of an accident, which can prove useful when dealing with insurance claims or legal issues. With smartphones and other distractions in the car, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times, and having a dash cam can provide some extra peace of mind. Additionally, dash cams can also help you become a better driver by allowing you to review footage of your driving habits and identify areas for improvement.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a small digital camera that sits on the dashboard of your vehicle and records anything that happens within its view. The camera itself can be rotated to record video of the interior of your vehicle or out of a side window. There are also camera options available that record from your rearview mirror.
How Does a Dash Cam Work?
A dash cam is typically mounted on the dashboard and powered through the car’s cigarette lighter port. They can also be professionally hardwired into your car’s battery. If the device is newer, you can likely transmit the video data to your smartphone or computer through bluetooth or WiFi. Some older models may use a MicroSD card that you’ll put into a computer to retrieve the data.
Most dash cams have a built-in screen to allow you to navigate through footage or adjust settings without using a phone or laptop. Dash cams can help you in a bunch of situations.
SETTLE INSURANCE CLAIMS
Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular as a tool for drivers to protect themselves on the road. Some insurance companies recognize this and offer discounts to drivers who use them. The reason for this is that dash cams can provide crucial video evidence when an accident occurs, helping to quickly determine who is at fault and allowing claims to be processed more efficiently.
In the event of an accident, dash cam footage can serve as a clear and unbiased record of what happened. This can help to eliminate disputes and speeding up the claims process by providing indisputable evidence of guilt. As a result, the resolution of the accident can happen much faster, sparing you time, stress, and money.
Moreover, if you’ve been involved in an accident, and the footage from your dash cam proves that you’re not at fault, you can rest assured that your premiums won’t be affected. This is because, with clear-cut evidence, the insurance company has no cause or argument to raise your rates. This can translate to significant savings over the long-term, making the investment in a dash cam well worth it.
CHECK THE SAFETY OF YOUR CAR
If you are parked on a street or in a neighborhood where you don’t normally, you can use your dash cam to check on the safety of your car. Some dash cams can be triggered by motion, so if someone tries to break into your car, the theft will be recorded.
DRIVE WITH EXTRA CAUTION AND CHALLENGE TICKETS
Dash cams serve a crucial role in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. They act as extra eyes, constantly recording and alerting drivers of any potential hazards. These devices can provide safety alerts such as speed limit violations, lane departure warnings, and collision detection.
Moreover, dash cam footage can be used as evidence to dismiss any wrongful moving violations. This can be a valuable asset in situations where a driver may have been wrongly accused of a traffic offense. With the use of dash cam footage, drivers can confidently challenge the violation and clear their record.
The benefits of using a dash cam extend beyond just safety and legal protection. They can also serve as a valuable tool for recording memorable road trips or capturing unexpected events during a commute. The footage captured by a dash cam can provide a unique perspective and serve as a lasting memory of the journey.
Here’s How to Install a Dash Cam
Generally, you have a few options for installing your dash cam. First, you can simply plug the power cord into the device and into the cigarette lighter port in your car. You can also power the dash cam with OBD cables or with a battery pack, which powers the cam when the car is in park.
The final option is to hardwire the dash cam to your battery with the following steps:
SELECT THE POSITION
Decide on how you want to position your dash cam on the dashboard. It’s best to have the dash cam arm lengths from the driver’s seat. Locate your car’s cigarette lighter or auxiliary port. These are usually located under the dash near the center console.
ARRANGE THE CABLES
Start by laying out the cable along where it will run behind the interior panels of your car. This will help you know how to route the cable and how much slack you need to reach the auxiliary port. Begin by inserting the power cable. Lightly pull on the rubber trim along the A-pillar to reveal a gap so you know where to run the cable from the headliner down to the auxiliary port. You can also remove the A-pillar, which will give you better access to run the power cable. Note that most A-pillar covers can be removed.
FUSE CABLES
Fuse the cable while the car engine is on. This makes it so that the dash cam automatically turn on while the car engine is on. Don’t forget to check that there are no cables that may interfere with your view of the road.
GARMIN DASH CAM 67W AUTO SYNC
The best front dash cam for 2022 is the Garmin Dash Cam 67w Auto Sync. This device has great video quality. Viewing angle is 180-degrees, with an integrated GPS. One downside is that you may need two additional cameras for the most video coverage. The battery for this dash cam only lasts 30 minutes, so we recommend permanently hardwiring it to your car.
THINKWARE U1000
If you are looking for a high-quality dash cam, the Thinkware U1000 is another great option to consider. With a 4k front camera and a 156-degree field of view in the front and rear of your vehicle, this dash cam can capture clear and detailed footage of your surroundings.
One standout feature of the Thinkware U1000 is its speeding and red light warnings, which can be particularly useful for families with teen drivers. These warnings can help ensure that your teen is driving safely and responsibly, and may ultimately help to prevent accidents or other dangerous incidents.
NEXBASE 622GW
The Nextbase 622GW is another alternative. It gives you the ability to see both front and rear views and comes with built-in Amazon Alexa technology. The voice-activated feature allows you to adjust your music or ask for directions without having to use your hands, and there is an emergency response feature as well. It has a 4k screen display and a 140-degree lens.
So, are Dash Cams Worth It?
If you’re looking for a way to protect yourself in the instance of tickets or accidents, or if you have a new driver in your family, a dash cam might be a good idea for you. Dash cams are small, easy to use, and can provide extremely useful information in certain situations. For a small investment, you can make a big difference in your safety.