Why does my dash cam not record when parked?
What we would buy
- Nextbasehardwire kit for Nextbase dash cams
Nextbase's own kit for its cameras: fits to the fuse box and frees the 12V socket.
Nextbase hardwire kit for Nextbase dash cams: see the price on Amazon → - Nextbase522GW 1440p dash cam
1440p camera with parking mode when hardwired.
Nextbase 522GW 1440p dash cam: see the price on Amazon →
Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are set by Amazon and change often.
What you need
- A camera with a parking mode.
- A permanent power supply: a hardwire kit on a permanent-live fuse, or the maker's OBD power cable.
- Parking mode enabled in the camera's settings.
What Nextbase says
Nextbase's support pages say the camera must be on a permanent live supply through a hardwire kit or OBD kit for parking mode, that it enters parking mode after the car has been stationary for about 5 minutes, and that you should unplug the camera if the car will be left for a long time, to avoid draining the battery. Its hardwire kit can be fitted to a switched or a permanent fuse, but only the permanent one supports parking recording.
Protecting the car battery
Hardwire kits made for dash cams include a low-voltage cut-off that switches the camera off before the battery gets too low to start the car. If the car sits for days, especially in winter, switch parking mode off or unplug the camera.
Where to buy
Prime members get free delivery on eligible items: try Amazon Prime free.
Frequently asked questions
Will parking mode drain my battery?
It uses some power. A kit with a voltage cut-off protects the starting charge, but for long stays unplug the camera.
My socket stays live with the engine off. Do I still need a hardwire kit?
A live socket can power the camera, but without a voltage cut-off it can flatten the battery. A proper kit is safer.
Can I fit a hardwire kit myself?
Many owners do, using a fuse tap. If you are unsure which fuse is permanent, have it fitted.