TL;DR: Hardwiring your dash cam can drain your car battery, especially in parking mode. Installing an external battery pack avoids that issue by powering your dash cam separately, keeping your vehicle safe to start and your footage always recording.
Key Takeaways:
- External battery packs improve dash cam performance in parking mode.
- Installation requires choosing the right spot, correct wiring, and proper testing.
- Not all battery packs are equal: heat, overcharging, and compatibility matter.
- A professional install ensures safety, efficiency, and longer battery life.
The Dash Cam Power Setup That’s Doing More Harm Than Good
Dash cams are a great way to protect yourself on the road and get peace of mind when you leave your car parked.
But here’s what a lot of drivers don’t know: if your dash cam is running off your car’s internal battery all the time, especially while parked, it could be slowly draining your battery without you realising it.
If you’ve ever come back to a car that won’t start after a day at work or an overnight park, your dash cam setup might be to blame. Thankfully, there’s a simple fix.
Using an external battery pack keeps your dash cam powered without messing with your car’s battery health.
What Is an External Dash Cam Battery Pack?
An external battery pack works like a backup power source for your dash cam. It charges while you’re driving, then keeps your dash cam powered when your car is off.
What makes it useful is that it runs independently from your car’s battery, so it doesn’t interfere with your vehicle’s ability to start.
External battery packs can give your dash cam up to 48 hours of continuous parking mode power depending on the model.
That’s a big jump compared to relying solely on your car’s battery or a basic hardwired setup. It’s a practical upgrade for anyone who wants reliable dash cam coverage without risking battery drain.
Quick Comparison: Internal vs External Power
- Internal Battery Power: Relies on your car’s power system. It has a shorter lifespan and can slowly drain your car battery if left running, especially in parking mode.
- External Battery Pack: Runs independently from your car’s battery. It charges while you drive and keeps your dash cam powered when parked, without affecting your vehicle’s ability to start.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Hardwiring Alone
Hardwiring your dash cam to the fuse box might seem like a simple solution, especially if you want it to turn on and off with the ignition.
But this setup can keep drawing power even when your car is off, which adds up over time. That constant drain can flatten your battery, especially if your vehicle stays parked for long periods.
An external battery pack fixes this problem by powering your dash cam separately. It charges while you drive and then runs the camera after you’ve parked.
It also shuts off if the power drops too low, so it won’t interfere with your car’s battery or starting system.
It’s a smarter option for anyone who uses parking mode or doesn’t drive every day.
If you’re still relying on a hardwired setup, this article explains why your dash cam might be useless without an external battery pack. It breaks down the risks and long-term drawbacks that most drivers overlook.
How to Install an External Battery Pack (Without Breaking Anything)
Installing an external dash cam battery pack isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it needs to be done properly to avoid voiding warranties or damaging your car.
Step 1: Choose the Right Spot
Where you place the battery matters. Pick a location that meets the following:
- Well-ventilated: Avoid trapping heat which could affect battery life
- Discreet but accessible: Under the passenger seat or in the boot works well
- Out of the way: Make sure it doesn’t interfere with passengers or cargo
Step 2: Power It Up: Plug-In or Hardwire Option
Most battery packs offer two options:
- Plug-in Method: Use the 12V cigarette lighter socket
- Hardwire Method: Connect directly to the fuse box (safer when installed by a pro)
Step 3: Link the Dash Cam
Connect the output cable from the external battery pack to your dash cam’s power input. Most battery packs come with standard connectors, but it’s still worth confirming your dash cam model is supported.
Take a moment to check if the voltage and connector type match what your camera needs. This step ensures everything runs smoothly once it’s powered up.
Step 4: Tidy Up the Wires
Secure all wiring with clips or cable ties to keep everything tidy and out of the way. Loose wires can shift around while driving, which isn’t just annoying; it can also lead to damage or connection issues over time.
Take a few extra minutes to fasten them properly and avoid problems later.
Step 5: Test It
Turn your vehicle on and let it run briefly, then switch it off. While the car is on, the external battery should begin charging automatically.
After you turn the ignition off, your dash cam should stay powered, drawing energy from the battery pack instead of your car’s system. This confirms the setup is working as it should.
What You Need to Watch Out For
External battery packs offer a reliable upgrade for dash cam users, but they’re not all the same.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Heat: Don’t install near areas that get hot (like the engine bay)
- Overcharging: Most packs have built-in protections, but double-check
- Compatibility: Not all packs work with every dash cam—always verify
This guide on maximising your dash cam power outlines six practical benefits of using an external battery pack.
It covers what to look for, how to improve power efficiency, and why the right setup can make a big difference in your dash cam’s performance and reliability.
How Long Will It Last?
Most good external battery packs can keep your dash cam running for around 20 to 24 hours in parking mode. That’s usually enough to cover overnight parking or a full day at work.
If you go for a high-capacity model, you can expect it to last up to 48 hours or more, depending on how much power your dash cam uses.
Why Choose DNH Dash Cam Solutions?
We get it. You want to protect your vehicle without diving into confusing installs or guessing what parts you need. That’s why at DNH Dash Cam Solutions, we offer:
- Professional Installation: We handle the wiring, setup, and testing—so you don’t have to
- Expert Advice: We recommend the right external battery for your specific car and dash cam
- Quality Gear: We only use reliable, high-performance battery packs
We don’t just supply dash cam gear ; we make sure it’s installed correctly and performs the way it’s supposed to, right from the start.
Let’s Make Sure Your Dash Cam Doesn’t Drain Your Battery
If your dash cam isn’t set up right, it could cost you a flat battery or crucial footage when you need it most. Let us take care of the install so you don’t have to second-guess your setup.
We’ll make sure everything’s wired safely and works exactly how it should, giving you round-the-clock protection without the risk.
