Dash cams are an important addition to any car. Not only do they provide footage in the event of an accident, but they can also be used to monitor your driving habits and improve your safety on the road. 

If you're planning to install a dash cam in your car, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.

Choose the Right Location for Your Dash Cam

The first step is to choose the right location for your dash cam. You'll want to place it in a spot where it won't obstruct your view of the road. You should also pick a spot where it won't be easily dislodged in an accident.

Most dash cams come with suction mounts, which allow you to attach the camera to your windshield. If you're not comfortable with this, you can also purchase a dash cam mount that attaches to your dash.

When choosing a location, make sure the mount is level, and the camera is pointing straight ahead. You may need to adjust the camera's position until you find the perfect angle. This is to ensure that your dash cam has a clear view of the road ahead in case you need to access footage later on.

Keep in mind that dash cams can be mounted on either the driver's or passenger's side of the car. It's up to you to decide which location works best for you.

Some dash cams also come with rear-view camera capabilities. If this is the case, you'll need to install the second camera in your car's back window. Again, make sure it's level and pointing straight ahead.

Keep in mind that if you live in a cold climate, you'll want to avoid placing your dash cam too close to the defroster vents. The heat from the vents can damage the camera over time.

Hardwire Your Dash Cam to Your Car's Electrical System

Most dash cams have a built-in battery, but it's not powerful to run the camera long enough. To ensure your dash cam is always up and running, you'll need to wire it to your car's electrical system.

This is a pretty straightforward process. Start by finding an unused fuse in your car's fuse box. Once you've found an available fuse, use a wiring kit to connect the dash cam to the fuse. This can be pretty confusing if you're not handy with cars. So if you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take your car to a professional who can do it for you.

Keep in mind that if you wire your dash cam to your car's battery, it will continue to run even when the engine is off. This can drain your battery over time, so it's best to wire it to the fuse box instead. This way, it will only be powered when your car is on.

Contact a local dash cam service to learn more. 

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