There's something inherently safe and cautious about the sight of a dashcam in a car. Perhaps owing to the lack of early years of constant car theft and vandalism— when there was no means of getting evidence in case of road accidents or recorded memories of long journeys.
A well-installed dashcam exemplifies a safe modern driving experience and gives a feeling of confidence knowing that there is evidence in case of minor road mishaps. An additional joy to record beautiful scenic views when you are on a road trip.
In addition to the feeling of safety a dash cam gives, it really isn't that hard to install. Sure, you'll have to read through the manufacturer’s manual, but in about 10 minutes, you can get it done.
Below, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you're recording in no time.
Before Installing Your DashCam: A Helpful Guide
- Check if the dashcam model is what is written on the box.
- Go through the manufacturer’s instructions to know if it is updated or needs one before you start using it.
- Check if the features match what is written on the box.
- Confirm that all buttons and everything is functional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dash Cam
Begin by unpacking your dash cam and ensuring all parts are complete. Take out the accessories if it has any. Attach any part that needs to be attached to it. Place it aside to get the mounting surface ready. Check the user manual for any specific setup instructions.
2. Choose the Best Mounting Location
According to the United States Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a dashcam can no longer be mounted lower in the windshield on private and commercial motor vehicles.
Ideally, the dash cam should be placed behind the rearview mirror(above it), in some cases, it can be also placed at the the corner of the windshield.
3. Install the Mount
Most dashcams come with a suction cup or an adhesive mount.
Installation Tips When Using a Suction Cup:
Dash cams with suction cups do not need special clips, bolts, or clamps to get the gadget installed on your windshield. Here is how to mount it;
- Clean the windshield area thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, and ensure there is no debris left.
- Clean the suction cup you are about to use thoroughly, avoid using hard fabric. Don't apply liquid(including oil) on the surface of the suction cup.
- Press the suction cup firmly against the clean surface.
- Lock the suction mechanism if applicable. Let out any air bubbles from underneath the cup to create a tight seal.
For an adhesive mount:
- Clean the surface and wait for it to dry completely.
- Peel the adhesive backing and stick the mount to the desired location.
- Press firmly for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.
4. Route the Power Cable:
To hide the power cable and keep your cabin tidy, route the cable as follows:
- Drop the cable and dash cam on the dashboard.
- After sucking the dash cam to your windshield or the console that houses the rear mirror, straighten the wires.
- Draw the cable and tuck it between the headliner and the windshield.
- When you get to the sides, tuck it in between the frames as well. Tuck it all the way down to the sides of the dashboard.
- You can use tape or an adhesive clip to hold it below the glove box.
- Keep going till you get to the cigarette lighter/USB port and plug it in.
Note: Before installing your dash cam, make sure the entry and exit points of the power cable are far apart. You can measure the cable to help you know the parts that should be inside when running the cable along the top edge of the windshield.
5. Connect the Dash Cam:
Plug the power cable into your dash cam and plug the other part into the power source. Turn on your car and the dashcam. If it powers on, it will automatically start recording.
6. Adjust and Test:
Adjust the angle of the dash cam to ensure it captures the road clearly. Avoid over-tilting it to the right or left so you can get an all-round view. Take a short drive and come back. Go through the dashcam to check for recorded footage, if the image quality doesn't match what the manufacturer said, try resetting it and recording again.
Conclusion
As you can see, if you want to install a dashcam in your car, we have simplified the process for you. With different types of dash cams, there is bound to be the right one for you. Even though selecting and installing a dashcam can be relatively easy, it can also get complicated really quickly if you choose the wrong place or are unsure of the type of dash cam you are dealing with. Dashcams at Hainatech are easy to set up with no complex instructions.