We’re living in a world now where the threat of theft and hit-and-run accidents is rising. A wireless dash cam can become your best defense in such a world. However, the market is full of dash cam options with competitive features and technological advancements.
But the actual consumers’ choice comes down to practicality: how to install them? Will they really need a hardwire kit or a wireless device?
This brief post will guide you step by step on installing your dash cam , particularly how to hardwire it for parking mode. At the same time, we will clear up the confusion about the wireless dash cam's front and rear cameras . After reading this, you might be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to install a dash cam like a pro. With DIY skills, you can save yourself from searching online for “dash cam installation near me”.
According to insurance statistics, vehicles with dash cams in a parking mode have settled 70% more claims . This study proves that surveillance is a lifesaver for your car, your pocket, giving you that added peace of mind in this part of your daily life.
How to Hide Dash Cam Wires for a Clean Installation
What makes drivers hesitant to buy a dash cam is the intrusive, unsightly cables dangling from their dashboard or windshield.
A neat, organized dash cam setup can be done by anyone. We’re here to help you do it. You just need to know how to tuck the wires into your car’s headliner and trim. If you carefully follow the techniques below, you’ll be able to make those wires disappear like a magician, without the need for stickers or suction cups.
Step 1: Gently Remove Trim Pieces
Use specialized plastic pry tools (don’t use metal because it can scratch surfaces). Carefully unclip sections of your A-pillar and headliner trim. These tools should make it easier for you to separate panels without causing damage. Begin at the edge and work your way through, feel the clips detaching. There’s no need to remove the whole panel; you just need to create enough space for your wiring run through it.
Step 2: Route Power and Data Cables
Once done with the wiring, route the data cables and the dash cam’s power through the edges of the headliner. Push them to fill the gap between the windshield/roofline and the headliner. And then guide the cable towards the A-pillar. Be sure that the cables are neatly tucked in. Use zip ties at places (where they are out of sight) to secure the cables and prevent them from dangling and changing places over time. Remember that all you need to do is guide the cable down to the car’s fuse box, which is located under the dashboard or in the compartment.
Step 3: Wiring for Rear Cameras
If you have a dual-channel system (front and rear dash cam), follow the same process. But this time, you’ll work your way further back. Hook the rear camera’s cable and stick it through the rubber door seals that run along the frame of the car. Typically, you can create space around these seals by pulling them just enough to create a gap for the wire to get through.
Continue channelling the cable along the base of the doors, under the plastic rim. You can even stack them under the seat tracks and then guide them toward the rear windshield. Take your time. Avoid pulling the wires in a hurry. Ensure all clips are installed correctly so the wires won’t dangle while you're driving.
Why Hardwiring a Dash Cam Is Best for Parking Mode
If you want your dash cam’s parking mode to operate 24/7, we recommend installing a hardwire dash cam rather than one that plugs into a cigarette lighter. Lighter sockets will not power devices when the engine is off, whereas a hardwired device is connected directly to the car’s battery, providing a small amount of electricity for surveillance.
You might be worried that this will cause battery drain. Again, modern dash cam kits require low voltage. It also features an automatic shutdown when the car battery itself is low.
DIY vs. Pro: Simple Fuse Tap Install
Essentially, you don’t need to search online for “dash cam installation near me” or pay professionals. If you have time and patience, you can easily install a hardwire kit. You just need these tools.
- Multimeter: To identify constant and accessory power fuses.
- Add-a-circuit fuse tap (15-20A rating): Lets you know whether the device matches your car's fuse type (ATO, mini, low-profile mini, micro2).
- Wire strippers
- Crimp connectors: To fasten wires.
- A variety of fuses: include a small 5A fuse for the dash cam and a fuse that matches the circuit you're tapping.
Installation Steps:
- Locate the Fuse Box: Browse through your vehicle's owner's manual and look for the fuse box section (it’s often found either under the dashboard, in the glove compartment, or under the hood).
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Identify Fuses: With a multimeter, check the exposed metal tops of fuses with the ignition off, then on.
○ Constant Power (Battery): Probe for a fuse labeled 12-14V with the ignition off. This will be the power sourcefor your dash cam's parking mode.
○ Accessory Power (ACC): Search for a fuse that shows 0V with the ignition off and 12-14V with the ignition on. This signals your dash cam on whether the car is running or not.
○ Important: Always use a fuse for a non-essential circuit (e.g., radio, power outlet, sunroof). This way, you won’t adversely affect or reduce power from critical safety systems.
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Install the Fuse Tap:
○ Uninstall the original fuse from the chosen constant power slot.
○ Insert the original fuse into the lower slot of the add-a-circuit tap.
○ Plug in a new 5A fuse (for the dash cam) into the upper slot of the add-a-circuit tap.
○ The add-a-circuit tap should be plugged into the now-empty fuse slot in your fuse box.
○ For devices that need a second connection, just repeat the steps above for the ACC fuse.
- Secure Ground: Look for a metal bolt or screw on the vehicle's chassis near the fuse box. This will be your ground point. Loosen the bolt, and then attach the hardwire kit's ground wire (black) using a ring terminal. Tighten the bolt.
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Test Connections:
○ With the car off, check if your dash cam turns on (to signal parking mode) and that the low-voltage cutoff is working.
○ Turn the car on and confirm the dash cam is in continuous recording mode.
○ Look at your multimeter readings: you should see 12-14V when the engine is on. Make sure the voltage drops below 11.8V (your kit's specified cutoff) when the engine is off, and the battery is drained (Don’t worry, this takes time)
Safety Notes: Start with a small 5A fuse for your dash cam in the tap. If the dash cam pulls in too much power, this fuse will blow first, so that the rest of your car’s wiring remains safe.
When you hire a professional to install your dash cam, this often costs between $100 and $200. A DIY fuse install with a couple of tools we mention will cost you less than $25.
Wireless Dash Cam vs Hardwired Dash Cam: What Really Works
A wireless dash cam may be easier to install. But they do not offer 24/7 protection. Most dash cams labelled “wireless” still technically require a power cable. Those that use internal batteries have limited capabilities. They get depleted in just 8 to 12 hours, which will not be enough to look after your car overnight. Also, these devices often bog down when used under extreme weather conditions.
Moreover, a wireless dash cam front and rear system reportedly suffers from data delays. The rear cam transmits data to the main unit, which experiences a 2 to 5 second lag. When accidents occur, this delay will render the whole system moot and void. All your investments are out the window because the device did not perform as it should.
On the other hand, ahardwired dash cam system offers better synchronization. You don’t have to worry about data latency and battery depletion
Conclusion
Hardwiring kits remain the gold standard for 24/7 surveillance. Its reliability is unmatched by wireless dash cams. With a simple fuse stap, you won’t need to search for dash cam installation professionals ever again. Again, for maintenance, remember to check your parking mode triggers, your car’s heat buildup, and always format your SD card every month.
Upgrade your car’s security now. Explore Vantrue’s Hardwire Kits today. Vantrue’s advanced system features conserve battery power with smart low-voltage protection and buffering, ensuring your wireless dash cam front-and-rear system captures every second of critical events. Don’t settle on your anxieties and uncertainties on the road–give your car the gift of serenity and yourself, a peace of mind.
