It doesn’t matter how safely you drive. Accidents can happen unexpectedly in the blink of an eye. In the aftermath, settling disputes can be a nightmare unless you have decisive evidence. When it comes to disputing roadside incidents, nothing beats the peace of mind that an LTE dash cam can provide, making them essential for car security.
Dash cams with LTE (Long-Term Evolution) go far beyond the basics of traditional dash cams. Using a cellular data connection, they are able to transmit data over the internet, giving enhanced safety and convenience by allowing remote viewing of your dash cam’s feed with automatic uploads to the cloud.
The Key Benefits of LTE Dash Cams
Real-Time Video Streaming
Being able to share and view the live video can add a layer of security. LTE dash cams support real-time video streaming, which can be invaluable when you want to check in with your vehicle in emergencies or if you want to make sure whoever is driving it is doing so responsibly.
Enhanced GPS Accuracy
By combining GPS functionality with LTE connectivity, they can provide more accurate location tracking and speed data even in difficult areas where GPS signals can be unreliable, like in urban areas.
Immediate Incident Reporting
You can be freed from the stress of manually reporting any incidents. Because the dash cam is already connected to the internet, it is capable of immediately reporting and transmitting footage to your insurers or relevant authorities. The entire process can be expedited for you.
Cloud Storage Solutions
Cloud storage makes it easy to access and view the footage at any time from anywhere. The footage can automatically be securely stored in the cloud, making it easier to share and download whenever it’s needed, especially if the dash cam gets damaged or stolen.
Integration with Mobile Devices and Apps
The best LTE dash cams are able to be integrated seamlessly with mobile apps and devices. This allows you to view the feeds, manage settings, and download the videos through the convenience of your mobile device, which can be particularly useful for fleet managers.
Automatic Firmware and Software Updates
There’s no need to worry about any firmware or software updates. These types of dash cams can automatically download and install the latest updates without the need for manual intervention, ensuring that they’re always ready to record without any downtime.
LTE vs. Non-LTE Dash Cams: A Comparative Overview
The central difference between dash cams with LTE and their non-LTE counterparts is that while traditional dash cams only record and save the footage on the device, LTE dash cams have a 4G LTE module that lets them use cellular data to provide access to live tracking and cloud access.
Because of this connectivity, you can have real-time alerts to your phone or computer, GPS tracking, and live stream access to your dash cam. Automatic cloud uploads can help save up memory, and they can even come with dedicated apps that let you view and control the dash cam easily.
To have the same performance, non-LTE models need to rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, which can be less reliable. Additionally, typical dash cams have the footage saved on their SD card, which may need regular backups or replacements if it ever gets full.
The benefits of LTE models can be reflected in their initial price point. Unlike standard Wi-Fi dash cams, LTE dash cams require a SIM card and a mobile data plan to function, meaning you have to pay for a monthly plan in order to keep the dash cam connected.
Important Considerations When Buying LTE Dash Cams
Since they need a data plan, be sure to pick an affordable data plan that provides enough for your needs. You will have to think about whether the costs are suitable for you, especially when paired with how long and how frequently you will be driving and going out.
Then, verify if the LTE network coverage in your area is strong enough to support the dash cam. Poor signal strength can lead to delays in live streaming, slow cloud uploads, or connection drops. It would be wise to check the coverage map of the provider before buying to be sure that you have reliable coverage.
For added security, you might want to consider features like G-sensors for detecting collisions, parking mode for 24/7 security, automatic collision alert systems for immediate contact, and cloud storage capabilities for safekeeping the footage so it doesn’t get lost.
More expensive dash cams may offer more features and better quality, but you should make sure that the dash cam fits within your budget. Balance your budget with the functionality and video quality you are looking for. After all, having a dash cam is better than not having one.
Use Cases and Practical Applications
Roadside incidents can cause devastating financial losses. However, having an LTE on your dash cam can save you the hassle of providing video evidence in the event of such an incident.
For commercial drivers and fleet operators, they can share continuous data for real-time monitoring, which can help fleet managers ensure drivers are following safety protocols.
Security-conscious drivers can also rest easy. The remote-monitoring capabilities also extend to getting real-time alerts to your phone. If there’s a collision or incident that needs your immediate attention, you’ll be notified instantly, and in case it gets damaged or stolen, the footage won’t be lost since you can access the backups in the cloud.
Conclusion
When it comes to dash cams, it’s better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it. Dash cams with LTE capabilities provide an underrated but critical layer of vehicle security.
When looking through the market, the number of choices can be overwhelming. But the best LTE dash cam is the one that suits your driving needs. For that added layer of security, it’s hard to beat LTE-enabled dash cams.
Need a good place to start? Click here for Vantrue’s LTE dash cam front and rear collection, featuring easy-to-install options that offer clear 1080p full HD and 4k video so you can keep you and your loved ones safe while driving on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need LTE on my dash cam?
You don’t necessarily need to have LTE on your dash cam. However, an LTE connection can let you remotely access your dash cam at any time and view its live stream.
What are the differences between LTE and Wi-Fi dash cams?
While both allow you to download and view footage wirelessly, LTE dash cams don’t rely on a nearby network to stay connected to the internet, unlike Wi-Fi-only dash cams.
How to manage data and footage transfer?
First, download the dash cam’s app. Once downloaded, follow the app's instructions to pair it with your dash cam so you can access the live streaming, footage downloads, and remote settings features.
