Why It's Important to Have a Dash Cam in Your Car

Every driver knows that practically anything can happen on the road. From unexpected accidents to reckless driving by others, the unpredictability of driving underscores the importance of being prepared.

A dash cam serves as a crucial tool for capturing real-time footage of incidents that may occur while driving, helping you have the peace of mind in knowing that you have a reliable witness in the event of an incident. So, whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a road trip or running errands around town, we will guide you through why it’s a good idea to have a dash camera in your car and how to choose the right one for your needs.

When it comes to dash cam pros and cons, the biggest advantage is how they can provide you with an extra layer of security on the road. Other benefits of using a dashboard camera include:

• Accident recording and evidence. Obtaining real-time footage of accidents or other incidents with a car cam is a significant benefit, helping provide video evidence in determining who was at fault.
• Protection against fraud. Unfortunately, scams like targeting unsuspecting drivers by deliberately causing accidents and then making fraudulent claims do happen. However, a dash cam can help make it much more challenging for scammers to manipulate the situation.
• Deterring theft and vandalism. Some dash cameras continue to record when your vehicle is parked, offering extra protection from potential vandalism, theft or hit-and-run incidents.
• Documenting road trips and vlogging. Similar to capturing high-quality video and photos with an action camera, your dash cam can document your adventures, allowing you to document, revisit and show the world your experiences.

We’ve established that dash cameras are beneficial in a number of ways, but what is the best dash cam for your vehicle? When choosing a good dash cam, you should first think about video quality. Most models are either Full HD or 4K, with 4K offering a sharper and more detailed image. However, 4K dash cams also require more storage space, so if the best car cam for you is one that provides the clearest footage, consider a 4K dashboard camera with a high-capacity memory card.

In addition to seeking out the clearest dash cam, you should also consider features like GPS tracking and built-in Wi-Fi. A dash cam with GPS can record your vehicle’s location, speed and the direction you are travelling, making it easier than ever to get to where you’re going. A dash cam with GPS tracking can also keep a log of your routes, which is particularly useful for long-distance drivers, delivery personnel or anyone looking to track their trips.

Meanwhile, a dash cam with Wi-Fi allows you to easily transfer footage from the camera to your smartphone or computer without needing to remove the memory card. This feature is especially convenient if you need to quickly access or share video clips.

Installing a dash cam is a straightforward process that most people can do themselves with minimal tools. Here’s some tips on how to set up a dash cam:

• Choose the right position. Mounting a dash cam on your vehicle’s windshield behind the rearview mirror typically provides an unobstructed view of the road while keeping the camera discreet. Even if you’re using a cordless dash cam, make sure the camera doesn’t block your line of sight or violate local laws.
• Attach the mount. Most dash cams come with either a suction cup or adhesive mount. If using a suction cup, press it firmly against the windshield and twist or lock it in place. For adhesive mounts, peel off the backing and press the mount securely onto the cleaned surface.
• Install the rear camera (if applicable). If you have a front and rear dash cam, you’ll need to mount the rear camera on the back windshield and ensure it is aligned correctly to capture the view behind your vehicle.
• Configure settings. Once your dash cam is mounted and powered on, you can configure settings like time and date, video resolution and loop recording duration. If you have a car cam with Wi-Fi, you can adjust these settings and more with an app on your phone or other device.

Once your dash cam is configured, you can start capturing footage as soon as your vehicle is powered on and drive with the confidence that your trips are being recorded.