Do you hate dealing with messy sticky residue or bulky mounts every time you adjust your car dash cam? You are not alone! Many drivers do not install a dash cam due to leaving a mess or ruining the glass with traditional adhesives or suction cups. An Esticker for a dash cam is a simple solution to your problems.
This film is clear and sticks to a flat surface using static cling and not adhesive. No more rubbing the sticky residue off or worrying if the glass will crack if heated up from extreme temperatures. Electrostatic stickers are an affordable, reusable, and incredibly quick way to mount a dash cam.
Let’s see how to easily install your dash cam, where to put it for the best recording, and why a sticker is superior to tape and suction cups.
What Is the Use of an Electrostatic Sticker in a Dash Cam?
An Electrostatic sticker is a film that is thin and clear and sticks to the windshield by a static cling, not adhesive. Utilizing molecular adhesion (not traditional mounting!)Electrostatic stickers are great options for drivers who want both a clean and temporary hold.
Key Features:
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Residue-Free Mounting: Electrostatic stickers will not leave behind any sticky residue when taken off.
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Repositioning: You can change the angles of your dash cams without ruining your windshield.
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Compatibility: Electrostatic stickers will work with most types of dash cameras designed for static mounts.
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No Obstruction: The translucency of the sticker means you will have nothing obstructing your view.
Why Should I Use an Electrostatic Sticker for Dash Cam Installation?
If you are not convinced yet, here are a few reasons to consider electrostatic stickers versus user mounting methods:
They Don’t Leave Residue and/or Damage Your Windshield!
Adhesive tapes and suction cups will both leave tacky gunk or completely ruin your windshield in high heat. With an electrostatic sticker, there is no worry of ruining your windshield.
Heat resistant - In hot climates, tacky adhesives can leave a residue or melt and risk the camera falling. In direct sunlight, you can be sure the electrostatic sticker will "stick" tight!
They Look Great!
Unlike bulky suction mounts, electrostatic stickers are clear, which means they will not make your windshield bulky.
Perfect for Multiple Use of Vehicles:
This makes them very useful if you are riding sharing or frequently renting vehicles because you can swap the dash cam out in seconds!
Compatible with Advanced Technologies:
If you have advanced dash cameras (like Vantrue's LTE Dash Cam), you can attach the electrostatic stickers, and they will allow WiFi connectivity without the need to mount the gear permanently.
Where to Put the Electrostatic Sticker for Dash Cam Installation?
Once you know where you want to place the sticker and how to ensure the dash cam is secure and legally mounted, you can start thinking about placement for your dash camera so it is able to record.
Here’s how to identify the best locations:
Behind the Rearview Mirror
The ideal location to mount the electrostatic sticker is behind the rearview mirror. Positioning it here will allow you to keep your dash cam discreet. One advantage of this location is that you will get a nice, centered view of the road ahead without any obstructions. You will capture wide angles as well without taking away from your sightlines. This is perfect for the majority of drivers who simply want reliable footage but at the same time, a clean, low-profile installation.
Passenger Side Windshield
If your vehicle has any sensors, tinted areas, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) near the mirror, your best option is the passenger-side windshield. This will avoid any issues with technology, such as lane-departure warnings, or interfering with your windshield wipers. This still provides a great angle to avoid constant motion. Make sure to clean the glass well since the electrostatic sticker needs to stick as well as it can.
Legality
Always check with your local laws before installing your dash cam. In many parts of the world, and in some U.S. states, it is illegal to install any devices within the top 5 inches of the windshield or in any area that is covered by wipers. If you’re legally exempt from this requirement, then it protects you from being fined, and it also helps avoid the footage from being ruined for any future legal issues.
The dash cam location is very important because when you use dual-channel systems, like Vantrue’s front and rear dash cam package, the rear camera electrostatic sticker should be positioned towards the top of the back windshield. This maximizes any rear coverage while minimizing glare. Make sure to press down on the sticker firmly, since vibrations from driving may weaken the sticker’s adhesion.
How to Install a Dash Cam Using the Electrostatic Sticker: Step-by-Step
Once you have selected the perfect place for your dash cam, the next step is to install it properly. Installing it correctly means you will have clean footage and the sticker will have more push against it below tilt, and of course, gravity! Follow these instructions to secure and install your sticker with confidence and ease.
Wipe Windshield with Isopropyl Alcohol
Before you install the sticker, make sure to wipe the area where you want to place the sticker first with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. By doing this, you will remove dust, oils, and grime that will break the static cling. Pay special attention to the edges of the windshield as dirt can build up in these areas. You need the surface to be very clean to properly use the binding.
Completely Dry Surface
Once the wipe down is complete, use a microfiber cloth, and make sure the windshield is COMPLETELY dry. If you leave any wet or streaky areas, it could make the sticker less likely to stick. Also, make sure the glass is cool and not in direct sunlight, so you avoid immediate steam evaporation left from any polish or residue.
Peel and Press the Electrostatic Sticker
If you have reached this point, you are ready to peel off the backing of the electrostatic sticker and place it in position. After ensuring you have it right, keep your hand firmly holding the sticker in position, then press on the sticker for 10-15 seconds, especially the four corners. You want to lean into the sticker, the pressure is what makes a good static charge onto the glass.
Install the Dash Cam onto the Sticker Mount
If you have reached this point, you are ready to hang the dash camera onto the sticker mount. If you want 360 coverage of your vehicle, Vantrue makes a 360 car camera that allows for complete coverage of the passengers and drivers, as well as the exterior surroundings. You want to ensure your camera lens is pointing forward and is unobstructed by your vehicle's wipers or tint.
Check the Dash Cam to Ensure Stability
At this time, you want to gently tug on the dash cam to check and see if you have secured it. If the dash cam wobbles a lot, like the sticker is going to come off, you will need to repress the sticker down, or possibly clean the windshield again and repeat the process. Having a stable mount will allow the cam to provide you with the clarity of the video you set out for, and hopefully, reduce the vibration noise from the road.
What to Do If It Slips or Loses Adhesion
If your sticker has dropped, you will need to clean the windshield with isopropyl alcohol. Older stickers can often be lightly dampened with water to reactivate the static cling; pure harsh chemicals can destroy the film. In terms of long-term solutions, adhesive tape may provide intention, but electrostatic stickers are less complex and provide better flexibility and protection for the vehicle.
Electrostatic Stickers vs. Adhesive Tape: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Electrostatic Sticker | Adhesive Tape |
Residue | None | Leaves sticky marks |
Reusability | Reusable multiple times | Single-use |
Durability | Works in extreme temps | May melt or harden over time |
Installation Flexibility | Easy to reposition | Permanent, hard to adjust |
For long-term setups, adhesive tape might seem appealing, but electrostatic stickers are superior for flexibility and vehicle protection.
FAQs: Electrostatic Stickers for Dash Cams
How to make an electrostatic sticker sticky again?
If your electrostatic sticker has lost its grip, rinse it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use your fingers to gently rub the damage or dirt off the surface. Air dry the sticker completely before reapplying it. Do not scrub or use a rag to dry the sticker, as this can scratch the static cling surface and damage the cling. If clinging is still not great, an option is to lightly dampen the sticker again with water, reacting to the charges in the sticker.
Is it easy to reposition?
Yes, repositioning an electrostatic sticker is easy. Just peel it off slowly from one of the corners and move it somewhere else. The flexibility to reposition the sticker is great while testing camera angles, especially when using multi-camera systems, like Vantrue’s 4-channel dash cam. Make sure to verify the windshield is clean and dry before reapplying for the best adhesion!
How often should I replace an electrostatic sticker?
You should replace an electrostatic sticker every 6–12 months and possibly even replace the sticker if it isn’t slipping out of place often before its suggested blackout period. Over time, dust will build up, or small scratches will wear down the grip of the sticker. If you can see the static charge has been reduced since, or indications of wear on it, it is probably time for a new sticker. Out of precaution, always have extras lying around to avoid losing potential recordings during critical situations, especially if you rely on them for your occupation.
Conclusion
Electrostatic stickers are changing the game for vehicle dash cam installations, providing ease of use, safety, and aesthetics when recording videos. It doesn’t matter if you have a basic dash cam or a high-end 3-channel dash cam; electrostatic stickers will always hold your dash cam in place without damage. Are you ready to upgrade your dash cam setup? Look no further than the range of best dash cams available with electrostatic sticker installation at Vantrue for a true upgrade in performance.
Related Reading:
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Privacy vs. Protection: Can Police Use and Access Your Dash Cam Footage?