With the advancement in technology, a dash cam (dashboard camera) is essential since it captures whatever is happening while you are driving.

It gives drivers peace of mind because if anything occurs on the road, such as an accident or any other unexpected incident, they will have proof of what happened.

Proper installation of your dash cam is very crucial. If your dash cam is not well installed, it means that you will not get all the video footage in case an accident occurs. Dash cam setup looks a bit complex, but it is straightforward with correct guidelines and instructions.

What You Need to Install A Dash Cam 

You will require the following tools for easy installation of the dash cam:

• Dash cam
• Cable ties
• Dash cam hardwire kit
• Trim tool
• Screwdrivers
• Socket set
• Multimeter
• Gloves
• Cable cutters
• Insulation tape

You can use various methods to install your dash cam, such as cigarette lighter installation and hardwire installation.

Dash Cam Setup Step-by-step Guide

The cigarette lighter method also referred to as Plug-and-Go, is one of the easiest methods for dash cam setup.

For easy and neat dash cam installation, follow these steps:

Step 1

Locate your car's fuse box. You can use the fuse box diagram in the car's user manual to find the ignition switched fuse.

Step 2

Place your dash cam in an ideal position where it can capture the prime road view. The best part to place your dash cam is behind the rear-view mirror on the passengers' side to prevent obstructing the driver's vision.

Step 3

Position the camera lens is within the windscreen wipers' swept area to ensure that the camera still records well even in wet conditions. This should be less than 40mm within the cleaned area.

Step 4

Establish a route to the fuse box from your dash cam. The most suitable way is the one that runs over the window's top and down the A-pillar.

Step 5

From the hardwire kit, tuck the cable neatly over the windscreen's top and then downwards. You can follow any existing wiring and ensure you avoid the airbags. Remove any trim carefully using a trim tool, and then use the cable ties to secure the dash cam cable.

Step 6

Plug out the existing fuse and plug it into the fuse spur. Plugin the spur into the fuse and ensure the circuit is not series but in parallel.

Connect the earth cable to an ideal bolt-on chassis or metal screw. This connection must have a low resistance to make sure the dash cam gets a 12V power supply. To check if the dash cam is receiving adequate power, connect a multimeter probe to a better earth point on your vehicle and another multimeter to the bolt you want to use.

Then measure the continuity or resistance between these two points. If the value is low, it means that the bolt you want to use will function appropriately as an earth point.

Step 7

This step will help to answer the question - how are dash cameras powered? Link the power cable into the fuse spur and use the insulation tape to insulate the connection. This helps prevent the spur and cable from disconnecting from each other and prevent the risk of frayed ends that might cause shorts.

Step 8

You can now test your dash cam to ensure its functioning properly. Besides, make sure that your dash cam turns off and on whenever you switch off and start your car. If the dash cam setup is done correctly, it will turn on after starting your vehicle and begin to record.

Tidy all the wires and use the cable tie to loosely tie them, though it's recommendable to place them behind the factory carpet. Also, secure the hardwire kit's components using the cable ties. In case you have removed any paneling, ensure you trim or re-secure it.

Benefits of Dash Cam Installation

There are many advantages of installing a dash cam on your car, as discussed below:

• Fraud Prevention

The common problem with vehicles and traffic is insurance fraud. Some drivers can cause an accident deliberately with the intention of extorting money. To ensure they get lump sum insurance money from the insurance companies, they blame other drivers and fake injuries.

Installing a dash cam in your car can help prevent such incidents since the camera will record all events. You will have some proof that you didn't cause the accident.

• It’s Adventurous

If you frequently have road trips, you need to invest in a dash cam. It will help you turn every road trip into a memorable adventure that is worth watching one time and again.

• Provides Evidence In Case of Car Accident

A dash can record everything that happens on the road. If an accident occurs, the police and general public say it's the driver's fault. If you have a dash cam in your car, you can prove and defend yourself in a court trial that it was not your fault by showing the videotape as evidence.

• Protects Your Teenagers

Teenagers attract high insurance rates since they tend to crash cars due to their lack of experience. Installing multiple dash cameras can help to protect your teenagers because you can see how they are driving.

If they are not paying great attention to the road or they are using their phones while driving, you can call them and tell them to stop. A dash cam setup can help prevent your teenager from causing an accident before it happens.

Conclusion

Installing a dash cam in your vehicle is essential. If you cannot install a dash cam yourself, you can ask an expert to set up the camera for you and record all events.

A dash cam can turn each of your road trips into a fascinating and memorable experience. It can also act as evidence in case an accident happens.