Why You Should Mount a Camera on Your Car

Are you considering mounting a camera on your car? With the rise of dash cams and other car cameras, you might be wondering if it's worth the investment. The truth is, there are several compelling reasons to mount a camera on your car, ranging from safety to security.

One of the most significant benefits of having a camera on your car is increased safety. A camera can help you document accidents, reckless driving, and other incidents on the road. This information can be crucial when filing an insurance claim or reporting an incident to the police. Additionally, a camera can serve as a deterrent to others who might be tempted to drive recklessly around you.

Let's chat about the benefits of a camera in your car, and the best options available.

Benefits of Mounting a Camera in Your Car

If you're wondering why you should mount a camera in your car, there are several benefits to consider. 

Enhanced Driving Safety

One of the most significant benefits of mounting a camera in your car is enhanced driving safety. With a camera mounted in your vehicle, you can capture video footage of your surroundings while driving, which can help you avoid accidents and improve your driving skills. By having a clear view of the road ahead, you can make better decisions and react more quickly to any potential hazards.

Legal Protection and Evidence

Another benefit of mounting a camera in your car is legal protection and evidence. In the event of an accident, having video footage of the incident can help you prove your innocence and protect yourself legally. Video footage can also be used as evidence in court, making it easier to settle disputes and claims.

Prevention of Insurance Fraud

Mounting a camera in your car can also help prevent insurance fraud. With video footage of any accidents or incidents, you can provide clear evidence to your insurance company, preventing any false claims or accusations. This can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Choosing the Right Dash Cam

If you're looking to mount a camera on your car, it's essential to choose the right dash cam for your needs. When shopping for a dash cam, there are several key features to consider, including video quality, field of view, and mounting options.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a dash cam, the most important feature to consider is video quality. While 1080p HD resolution is standard, many dash cams now offer 4K Ultra HD resolution for even clearer footage. Additionally, you should consider the field of view, which refers to how much of the road the camera can capture. A wider field of view is generally better, as it can capture more details and provide a more comprehensive view of the road.

Another important feature to consider is the mounting options. A good dash cam mount should be stable, easy to install, and compatible with your vehicle. 

Understanding Video Quality

When it comes to video quality, there are several factors to consider, including resolution, frame rate, and compression. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the image, while frame rate refers to how many frames per second the camera can capture. Compression refers to how the video is compressed to reduce file size.

Comparison of Popular Models

When comparing different dash cam models, it's essential to consider factors like video quality, field of view, and mounting options. Some popular dash cam models include the Vantrue N2 Pro, the Garmin Dash Cam 66W, and the Nextbase 522GW. When you've chosen your camera, you can move on to the right mount to get the most out of it and keep it secure. 

Installation Process

Mounting a dash camera in your car is a crucial step towards enhancing your safety on the road. Before you start, it's essential to understand the various installation options available to you. Here are some of the key things you need to know about the installation process.

Mounting Options and Placement

The first step in the installation process is to choose the right mounting option and placement for your dash camera. You can choose between an adhesive or suction mount, and the placement can be on the windshield or dashboard. The adhesive mount is a more permanent solution and can hold the camera firmly in place. However, the suction mount is a more versatile option as it allows you to move the camera around as needed.

Power Supply and Wiring

The next step is to connect the camera to a power source. You can either use a power cable that connects to the cigarette lighter or hardwire the camera to the fuse box. Hardwiring is a more permanent solution that provides a cleaner look and eliminates the need for cables running across the dashboard.

Professional vs DIY Installation

While it's possible to install the camera yourself, it's always advisable to seek professional installation services. Professional installation ensures that the camera is installed correctly and that all the wiring is concealed correctly. 

Maximizing Dash Cam Functionality

Dash cams are an essential tool for any driver. They can provide evidence in case of an accident, protect against fraudulent claims, and even help recover stolen vehicles. However, to get the most out of your dash cam, it's essential to maximize its functionality. Here are some tips on how to do that.

Utilizing Advanced Features

Many dash cams come with advanced features that can enhance their functionality. For example, some dash cams have GPS trackers that can record your location and speed. This feature can be useful if you want to keep track of your driving habits or if you need to prove your whereabouts in case of an accident. Other advanced features include motion detection, collision detection, and parking mode. These features can help you capture footage even when you're not in the car.

Managing Storage and Accessibility

Dash cams record a lot of footage, which can quickly eat up your storage space. To avoid this, it's essential to manage your storage and accessibility. Most dash cams come with a microSD card, but it's a good idea to invest in a larger one if you plan on recording a lot of footage. You can also set your dash cam to overwrite old footage automatically. This way, you won't run out of storage space when you need it the most.

Integrating with Other In-Car Systems

Many dash cams can integrate with other in-car systems, such as your car's GPS or infotainment system. This integration can provide even more functionality, such as the ability to view your footage on your car's display. Some dash cams even come with cloud storage, which allows you to access your footage from anywhere.

Dash Cam Car Mounts

Here are our top picks for dash cam mounts: 

Camera Holder with Sticky Suction Windshield or Adhesive Dash Mount

Mount a small digital camera to your car's windshield or dash with Arkon's CMP179 Sticky Suction Windshield or Dash Mount. This mount holds small digital cameras having the standard 1/4"- 20 camera pattern, including cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Contour, JVC, Fujifilm, Samsung, Olympus, and Panasonic. This mount includes Arkon's Sticky Suction Mount with a 3 inch Articulating Arm, a camera-compatible adapter head, and an optional 3M adhesive dash disk. The mount is ideal for car windshields, dashboards, or any other flat or slightly textured surfaces, including desks or table tops. The arm of the suction mount adjusts vertically and rotates 360 degrees, providing flexibility in positioning the camera at any angle.

Windshield or Dash Car Mount for GoPro HERO Action Cameras

The GP114 windshield and dash Car,Truck is compatible with all models of the GoPro HERO action camera, including GoPro HERO10, HERO9, HERO8, MAX, and other models of GoPro HERO. This mount is also compatible with the Garmin VIRB XE action camera. GP114 includes Arkon's deluxe mini windshield suction Car,Truck with one-touch lever, and a 3M adhesive dash disk (for optional dash mounting). To install the camera, just set it into the lateral screw pattern and secure with the screw and acorn nut. The arm of the suction mount adjusts vertically and provides 360-degree rotation, giving you the ultimate flexibility in positioning the camera at any angle. This versatile camera mount can also be used for easily capturing photos or video from your windshield or dashboard.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Understanding Legal Restrictions

When it comes to recording video evidence while driving, it's important to understand the legal restrictions in your state. Laws regarding dashboard cameras and other recording devices can vary from state to state, so it's important to research the laws in your area before installing a camera in your vehicle.

For example, in some states, it is illegal to mount a dashcam on the windshield unless it is mounted behind the rearview mirror. In other states, it may be legal to mount a dashcam on the windshield, but only in certain locations that do not obstruct the driver's view. Some states may also have restrictions on where you can mount the dashcam on the dashboard or side windows.

Ensuring Proper Use and Compliance

To use your dashcam in compliance with local laws and regulations, choose a high-quality mount designed specifically for dashcams and other recording devices.