Parking lot accidents can be a driver's nightmare, especially if your car is unfortunately involved in an accident while you're away. Did you know that dashcams with parking mode can monitor and record such incidents even when the engine is turned off?
Our article will guide you through understanding this innovative technology and detail the operating principle, benefits, and precautions for using dash cams with parking mode. Let's get started. It's time to turn your parked car into a detective!
What is parking mode on a dash cam and how does it work?
Once the engine is turned off and parking is complete, the built-in G-sensor (accelerometer) can sense the vehicle's stationary state and immediately engage parking mode. Some dashcams automatically switch to parking mode and begin recording when the ignition is turned off.
Both ignition and G-sensor triggering have their advantages. With ignition triggering , as soon as the ignition is turned off, the dash cam can quickly detect the voltage change and then switch to parking mode to begin recording. If you're particularly concerned about immediate parking mode after turning the ignition off, or if your area is very busy and you frequently stop with the engine off, ignition triggering is undoubtedly the most ideal choice.
With G-sensor triggering , when the built-in G-sensor detects that the vehicle has been stationary for a certain period of time, the dash cam will switch to parking mode. If you want to keep the ignition on while parking, then G-sensor triggering is most suitable, like the Aoocci V30 , which has a 3-axis G-sensor that detects sudden acceleration, braking, and collisions to automatically capture and protect crucial accident-related video footage. This feature prevents important files from being overwritten by loop recording.
How long can a dash cam's parking mode work?
The recording time in parking mode is not a fixed value, but is complex and depends on many factors.
- First, the battery capacity of a dash cam is a key factor. Generally speaking, if it relies solely on the built-in battery, recording time is typically between 1 and 12 hours. Some high-end models with larger battery capacities can reach 6 to 8 hours or even longer.
- Secondly, the power connection method also has a significant impact. When a dash cam is connected to a constant vehicle power source, such as directly to the battery, it can theoretically record continuously until the battery runs out or the device's memory capacity is reached. However, to prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle battery and ensure normal startup, most devices have a safety mechanism and can automatically stop recording after 24 or 48 hours.
- Additionally, some dashcams feature an intelligent power-saving mode. This mode adjusts recording strategy based on activity around the vehicle. If the environment is relatively quiet and there are no abnormal movements, it will reduce the recording frequency, thereby saving power and storage space and extending the total effective recording time.
What are the advantages of car cameras with parking mode?
In the customer reviews we have collected about parking mode, car cameras mainly bring the following benefits :
- Provides evidence: While the car is parked, if incidents such as scratches, bumps, thefts, etc. occur, relevant behaviors can be recorded, providing strong evidence to reconstruct the course of the incident, find the right culprit and possible subsequent insurance claims.
- Live monitoring and alerts: Some dash cams that can be connected to a phone allow remote control and monitoring of the car in real time. If a problem occurs with the vehicle, it will immediately notify the owner, allowing them to stay informed about the vehicle's status.
- Increases vehicle safety: Constantly monitoring the situation around your vehicle can have a deterrent effect and reduce the risk of vehicle damage or theft. For example, the Aoocci V30 dash cam can continue monitoring and recording video after parking. If the vehicle vibrates and starts recording, the device will send real-time information and photos to the phone app.
- Makes it easy to track events: The parking monitoring function of some dashcams is combined with timelapse technology, which can compress long footage into shorter ones, similar to fast-forwarding on a player, achieving 24/7 monitoring and making it easier for the owner to quickly track events within a specific time period.
However, it's also important to note that when using a dash cam with parking mode, if the vehicle is parked for a long time, the battery power may be drained , preventing the car from starting normally. However, the Aoocci V30 dash cam draws power from the car battery. It comes with a free ACC cable with low-voltage protection. When the car battery voltage drops below 11.8V, the power will automatically cut off to protect the battery. This will prevent the battery from draining completely and will not damage the car battery!

Summary
Parking mode on a dashcam is an extremely valuable feature that can enhance the overall effectiveness of these devices. With proper setup and maintenance, parking mode can provide additional security by allowing you to capture key scenes even when you're not next to the vehicle. By understanding the technical aspects and following the user guidelines, you can maximize parking mode's performance while simultaneously addressing battery drain. Therefore, for both peace of mind and evidence collection, parking mode can make your dashcam a reliable guardian for your parked vehicle.


