How to Install Dash Camera Properly

People now are spending a lot of money on getting dash cams for their vehicles, and there is a good reason behind it. They can use the footage for insurance claims and protect their belongings and vehicle from most dangers and damages.

But just owning the dashcam will do you no good. You have to properly install it and make sure it is placed properly for the recording to be done correctly. If you’re here, that means you probably don’t know how to install a dashcam properly, but you have us, so there is nothing to worry about.

Methods Used to Install Dash cam

There are a few different ways in which you can install the dashcams. We will be going over each one of them so you have a good understanding of how you must deal with the situation in hand. But if at any point you think it is too difficult, then you should consult with someone who knows what to do or go to a professional.

Hardwire the Dash cam to the Fuse Box

I know I’m starting off with the more difficult method of installing the dashcam. But if you give it a good read and understand what's happening, then you should not find this too difficult to follow.

The reason you would want to hardwire the dashcam to the fuse box is so that the camera is run by the car. Also, this way, all the wiring is inside, and you won’t have to see a mess on the outside.

Step 1: Get an Installation Kit for the Dashcam

In order for the process to succeed, you need to have the proper tools. You do not want to use the wrong things and end up damaging your car or the dashcam. So, you should look for a dashcam hardwire installation kit which has all the cables you need for the job.

Step 2: Position the Camera in the Right Place

Before you go into the actual work, you must set the camera where it is supposed to be. You can shift it around and find the correct spot so that the dashcam has the best view. The camera should have the full view of the road ahead, so placing it near the rearview mirror might be your best bet.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that different states have different laws about placing devices on the windscreen. So before you install it in, learn where it can be placed.

Step 3: Tuck the Cable and Bring It to the Fuse Box

At this point, you must tuck the cable that came with the kit between the roof lining of the car and the windscreen. Do this all the way till the cable finally reaches the passenger side footwell. That is the general area of where the fuse box is. Sometimes it beneath or inside the glove compartment. Other times, it is behind the plastic panel.

Step 4: Locate the Fuse and Test Where to Attach the Cable

You have to locate the fuse, which starts only when the car’s ignition is on. If you attach the camera to the fuse, which always runs, then your battery will drain very quickly.

Once you have located it, you must use a circuit tester to see where the cable has to be attached. You need to make sure it is hooked to the cigarette lighter fuse. The pillars will help remove the fuse and replace it with a plug from the kit. And the plug will ensure both the cigarette lighter and the dashcam work properly.

Step 5: Ground the Dashcam

Now you would want to ground the dashcam to the body of the car using the other end of the cable from the installation kit. The nuts and bowls of the body of the car are where you need to hook it. Once you locate them, undo the bolt, secure the cable, and then put the bolt back into place.

Step 6: See if It's Running

The last thing left for you to do is start the car and see whether the dash can really be working or not. If you are able to locate the fuse box properly, you should be done with this task in less than 40 minutes.

Using an Internal Battery to Fit the Dash cam

One of the easiest ways for you to install a dashcam would be using an internal battery. This would require absolutely no work, and you would be done in a very short time. Now, this seems too good to be true, right? Well, it is.

The main problem of using an internal battery is that this camera can only be used for very short journeys. And the battery runs out very easily. So, if you want to document something for an insurance claim, then chances are you won't have it on tape.

Installing the Dashcam in the USB Port

If you want something between the first and second methods, then this might be the one for you. All you have to do is hook the cable of the camera to the USB port or lighter socket in your car, and you are good to go.

You will not have a hard time putting this in place. All you have to do is plug it in, and your camera should start working. And your battery will not die out as it will draw power from the USB port.

But the problem here is that you will have a cable dangling in front of you, so you will have to try to tuck it in, to the best of your ability.

Final Words

Installing the dashcam is not very difficult if you really understand what you’re doing. And depending on the method you choose, you will get different results. But if all those seem hard, then pay a professional to do it for you.