Do Dashcams Record When the Car is Off?

The short answer is: Yes, but only with the right setup. Understanding how dashcams operate when your ignition is off is crucial for maximizing your vehicle's security, especially during vulnerable times like parking. This guide dives deep into parking mode, the essential hardware needed, and why the Botslab G980H is your ideal partner for true 24/7 surveillance.

Why Standard Dashcams Stop When You Do

Your car's cigarette lighter socket (the common dashcam power source) typically shuts off when you remove the key. This means a standard dashcam installation will cease recording the moment you turn off the engine. While perfect for capturing journeys, it leaves a significant security gap when your car is unattended – prime time for hit-and-runs, vandalism, or break-ins.

Unlocking 24/7 Protection: The Power of Parking Mode

Parking mode is the game-changer. It allows your dashcam to monitor your vehicle even while parked and powered down. However, it requires two critical components:

A Dashcam with Parking Mode Capability: Not all dashcams have this feature. The dashcam needs specialized firmware to enter a low-power state, intelligently monitor its surroundings, and only start recording when needed or at intervals.
A Constant Power Source: This is where the cigarette lighter fails. You need a way to safely tap into your car's always-on fuse circuit without risking a dead battery.

Enter the Essential Hero: Hardwire Kit Type C Exclusive for BOTSLAB Dash Cam G980H Pro/ G980H – Botslab

The hardwiring kit (or hardwire kit, like the one designed specifically for the Botslab G980H) is the key to unlocking parking mode safely and effectively. It acts as the bridge:

Connects to Fuse Box: Plugs into your car's fuse box, accessing both an ignition-switched fuse (tells the dashcam when the car is running) and an always-on fuse (provides constant power).
Intelligent Power Management: This is crucial. The kit includes a voltage monitor.
- Prevents Battery Drain: It constantly monitors your car battery's voltage. If the voltage drops below a safe threshold (e.g., 11.8V or 12.4V, often adjustable), the kit automatically cuts power to the dashcam, preventing you from being stranded with a dead battery.
- Enables Parking Mode: Provides the steady, low-level power needed for the dashcam to stay "awake" in its low-power parking mode state, ready to react.

How Parking Mode Works on the Botslab G980H

The Botslab G980H boasts sophisticated 24/7 parking protection, leveraging its advanced sensors and the hardwire kit:

Car Ignition Off: When you turn off the engine, the G980H detects the loss of power from the ignition-switched circuit (via the hardwire kit).
Enters Low-Power Standby: The dashcam switches to its ultra-low-power parking mode standby, drawing minimal current from the always-on circuit via the hardwire kit. Its G-sensor (impact sensor) and motion detection remain active.
Triggered Recording: If an event occurs:
- Collision/G-Sensor Trigger (Sentry Mode): A significant impact (like a bump or crash) activates the G-sensor. The G980H instantly wakes up and starts recording a high-quality video (usually 1 minute before and after the event), saving it as a protected file that won't be overwritten.
- Motion Detection: Significant motion detected in the camera's field(s) of view (like someone approaching the car) triggers recording.
- Time-Lapse Recording: As an alternative or complement, the G980H can capture frames at set intervals (e.g., 1 frame per second), creating a condensed timelapse video of the entire parking period. This uses slightly more power but provides continuous coverage.
Event Saved: Any triggered events are saved to the memory card in a protected folder.
Power Cutoff (Safety): If the hardwire kit detects battery voltage dropping too low, it cuts power to the G980H to preserve your battery.

Introducing Your Ultimate 24/7 Guardian: The Botslab G980H

The Botslab G980H isn't just any dashcam; it's engineered for comprehensive protection, making it the perfect choice for seamless parking mode operation:

True 360° Recording: Capture everything with stunning 3K resolution front camera and 1080P rear/left/right cameras. Adjustable angles (Left/Right: 90° | Rear: 360°) ensure perfect coverage around your entire vehicle, vital for parking incidents. No blind spots mean complete evidence.
Advanced 24/7 Parking Protection: Features dedicated Sentry Mode (impact-triggered), Motion Detection recording, and Time-Lapse mode. Works flawlessly with the Botslab Hardwire Kit for constant vigilance.
Built-in GPS w/ Google Maps Sync: Logs your speed and route. Sync footage with your journey path via the app or PC software for undeniable evidence context, crucial for parking incidents showing location.
Driver Fatigue Alert: Proactively enhances safety on long drives with voice reminders after 2 hours – a unique feature promoting driver awareness.
Superior Night Vision: Advanced sensors and processing capture clear details in low-light conditions, essential for nighttime parking lot incidents.
Blazing Fast Wi-Fi (5.8 GHz): Transfer footage to your phone 5X faster than standard 2.4GHz. Review parking mode incidents instantly without removing the card.
Built-in Video Editor & Social Sharing: Easily edit clips and share directly to TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook right from the app – perfect for sharing caught-on-cam moments.
Emergency Recording & G-Sensor: Automatically locks footage upon collision detection (while driving or parked), protecting vital evidence.
Reliable Power & Durability: Features a Supercapacitor (not a lithium battery!) for superior reliability in extreme temperatures (-20℃ ~ 70℃). Safer and longer-lasting.
Tool-Free Magnetic Snap-On Installation: Effortlessly install and adjust the camera. The included Botslab Hardwire Kit (Required for Parking Mode) makes the power connection safe and straightforward.

The Essential Companion: Hardwire Kit Type C Exclusive for BOTSLAB Dash Cam G980H Pro/ G980H – Botslab

To activate the G980H's powerful parking protection, the dedicated hardwire kit is non-negotiable:

Secure Parking Protection: Enables up to 24-hour monitoring via time-lapse or collision-triggered recording.
Perfectly Tailored for G980H: Specifically designed for the G980H/G980H Pro with a Type-C port and a generous 9ft cable for flexible routing.
Prevents Battery Drain: Intelligent under-voltage protection (supports DC12V-30V) cuts power before your battery dies. 5V/2.4A output ensures stable dashcam operation.
Easy Installation: Simple three-step process (find fuse box, connect wires, ground) with clear instructions. No professional install needed for most users.
Safety Certified: Meets all relevant safety standards, ensuring reliability and protection for your vehicle's electrical system.

Beyond Security: The Value of Parking Mode

Peace of Mind: Knowing your car is monitored 24/7 drastically reduces anxiety when parked in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
Faster Insurance Claims: Clear video evidence of a parking lot hit-and-run or vandalism speeds up the claims process and proves you weren't at fault.
Deterrence: Visible dashcams (especially multi-camera units like the G980H) can deter potential vandals or thieves.
Documenting Events: Capture unexpected events near your parked car, not just incidents involving your vehicle.

Conclusion: Record Around the Clock with Confidence

Don't leave your vehicle unprotected when you walk away. While standard dashcams turn off with the ignition, the powerful combination of the Botslab G980H 360° dashcam and its dedicated Hardwire Kit provides seamless, intelligent, and safe 24/7 monitoring. Experience unparalleled coverage with true 360° recording, benefit from advanced safety features like fatigue alerts, enjoy lightning-fast video transfers, and rest easy knowing the supercapacitor and hardwire kit work together to protect your car without risking your battery.

Invest in complete peace of mind. Equip your vehicle with the Botslab G980H and Hardwire Kit today!

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FAQ: Dashcam Recording When Car is Off & Botslab G980H

Q1: Do dashcams record when the car is off?
A: Most standard dashcams plugged into the cigarette lighter do not record when the car is off, as that power source typically turns off with the ignition. However, dashcams with parking mode capability (like the Botslab G980H) can record when the car is off, but only if they are connected to a constant power source using a hardwiring kit.

Q2: What is a hardwiring kit, and why do I need it for parking mode?
A: A hardwiring kit safely connects your dashcam to your car's fuse box. It taps into both an ignition-switched fuse (tells the dashcam when the car is running) and an always-on fuse (provides constant power for parking mode). Crucially, it includes a voltage monitor that automatically cuts power to the dashcam if your car battery voltage drops too low, preventing a dead battery. You absolutely need a compatible hardwire kit (like the one for Botslab G980H) to use parking mode safely and effectively.

Q3: Won't using parking mode drain my car battery?
A: There is a potential risk, which is why the hardwire kit is essential. The kit's voltage monitor constantly checks your battery level. If the voltage falls below a preset safe threshold (e.g., 11.8V or 12.4V), it cuts power to the dashcam, protecting your battery from being drained. The Botslab G980H in parking mode also uses minimal power until an event is detected.

Q4: How does the Botslab G980H record when parked?
A: When hardwired, the G980H enters a low-power standby mode when you turn off the car. It uses its G-sensor (for impacts) and motion detection to monitor. If triggered (e.g., by a collision, significant motion near the car, or based on a time-lapse setting), it wakes up and records an event clip, saving it securely.

Q5: What parking modes does the Botslab G980H offer?
A: The G980H typically offers:
* Collision Detection (Sentry Mode): Records upon significant impact (G-sensor trigger).
* Motion Detection: Records when significant movement is detected in the camera's view.
* Time-Lapse Mode: Records frames at intervals (e.g., 1 frame per second) to create a condensed video of the entire parking period.

Q6: Is the Botslab Hardwire Kit difficult to install?
A: The Botslab Hardwire Kit is designed for a simple three-step installation (connect to fuse box taps, ground wire, plug into dashcam) and comes with detailed instructions. Many users find it manageable as a DIY project. However, if you're uncomfortable working with your car's fuse box, professional installation is always an option.

Q7: Why does the Botslab G980H have a supercapacitor instead of a battery?
A: Supercapacitors are far more reliable and safer than lithium batteries in the extreme temperatures cars experience (from freezing cold to scorching hot). They handle the Botslab G980H's operating range of -20℃ to 70℃ much better, have a longer lifespan, and don't pose the same swelling/leaking risks as batteries. This is critical for a device constantly exposed to car cabin temperatures.

Q8: Can I use the Botslab G980H without the hardwire kit?
A: Yes, you can use the G980H plugged into the cigarette lighter for normal driving recording only. However, you will NOT be able to use any of its 24/7 parking protection features (Sentry, Motion Detection, Time-Lapse) without the hardwire kit providing constant power.

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