Parking mode records while the car is stationary. Depending on the model, it may save events detected by a G-sensor, detect motion, keep buffered footage from before an event, or continue recording in time-lapse or low-bitrate mode. Exact options vary by model and firmware.
Check these five things
1. Power with the car off
Check the manual for how to power the model while parked. Many installations need a compatible hardwire kit connected to the fuse box or a dedicated battery pack. Some cars switch off the 12V socket when the engine is off.
2. Battery protection
A suitable hardwire kit can cut power below a configurable voltage threshold or after a set time. Choose settings according to the manual, battery type and condition, and how you use the car. Continuous recording can still affect the battery; no kit removes that risk in every situation.
3. Exact compatibility
Check the kit’s model number, connector, supported voltage, and camera compatibility. Don’t rely on the product family name alone: cameras from the same brand can use different accessories. Also check whether the kit is included in the bundle being sold.
4. The right memory card
Parking mode keeps writing to the microSD card. Use the capacity and speed class recommended by the manufacturer, and consider a high-endurance card for frequent overwriting. Three-channel footage uses more storage than a single camera.
5. Safe installation
Route cables away from curtain airbags, pedals, sightlines, and moving parts. If you’re not familiar with fuse wiring or removing interior trim, use a qualified installer. Don’t connect a camera to a circuit you haven’t identified.
Which recording mode should you choose?
- Buffered event detection: records around a detected impact or movement; check how many seconds before the event are saved.
- Time-lapse: saves frames at intervals, reducing frame count and storage use.
- Low bitrate: records continuously in smaller files; check the resulting image quality and power use.
- G-sensor only: saves detected impacts, but light contact or a scratch may not trigger recording.
Feature names are not consistent across brands. Read the manual for your model and try the setup somewhere safe before relying on it.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Which kit powers the camera when the engine is off?
- Is the kit included or sold separately?
- Does the kit have a cutoff voltage or adjustable timer?
- How much microSD space do one, two, or three cameras need?
- Will the rear camera cable reach the back of my car?
- Can I install the kit without interfering with airbags or vehicle wiring?
Dash cams are not a substitute for an alarm and cannot guarantee that every parking incident will be recorded. Rules on camera use and recording retention depend on context; check what applies to your situation.