Dash Cam – Potential Problems
Our ‘problems’ guide refers to issues or queries you may face before and after purchasing your Viofo dash camera in relation to usability.
The guide answers FAQs about theft, the use of dash cams, how they work, warranty, and prices, and much more to ensure you have a full guide of how to use your Viofo dashcam.
The Viofo team are dedicated to making your purchase as easy as possible with unrivalled customer support and reliable help and assistance. If you have any further questions or issues, please contact us directly and a member of the team will be able to assist you further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dashcam?
There are a wide variety of dashcams that come at different price points, depending on the features and capabilities of the device you require.
Typically, a good quality dash cam is priced between £50 – £400. At this price point, you can buy a car dash camera from a trusted brand name, built with reliable components, and covered by a warranty.
Along with the basics, a good dashcam should:
- be reliable in extreme temperatures
- offer a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection
- provide access to cloud video management
- have an associated smartphone app.
More expensive dashcams are likely to provide higher quality resolution images, allowing the driver to capture more details such as a license plate, or street sign – which may be vital for making a claim or providing evidence in the occurrence of a road accident.
Are dashcams worth it?
With the price of dashboard cameras falling even further, they are accessible to more motorists than ever before. That being said, are dashcams worth it? Yes.
For a relatively small investment, a dashcam has to potential to prove your innocence in the event of an accident or capture crucial evidence like a number plate of another vehicle that could lead to a conviction.
They can also potentially help lower your insurance premium, and models fitted with GPS can help the emergency services locate you in the event of a serious incident.
Can I use my phone as a dashcam?
It is possible to turn your phone into a dashcam by downloading an app. However, there are lots of reasons which suggest that you should not do this. For one, there are the issues with the device itself:
- Overheating and locking up
- Shortened lifespan of smartphones and SD-memory card
- An inbound call or text message stops the recording
- Smartphones in a holder blocks the driver’s view / attract thieves
- Low framerates and suboptimal viewing angle / narrowness of the lens.
- The camera is unlikely to handle glare, and moving objects may appear blurrier
Not only this, but the law suggests that dashcam positioning should be behind the rear-view mirror, as they are not typically designed to help the driver to drive, which may be problematic if using a mobile device.
Do people steal dashcams?
It is highly unlikely a dashcam would be stolen – unless your car was being broken into for other reasons, or if the thief was spooked by the camera, and took it to prevent any evidence.
35 dashcams were tested by Georgia Petrie and her team of 5 from HonestJohn.co.uk, and out of the 35 dashcams over the span of 5 years, none of them were stolen.
How to prevent dashcam theft?
Ways in which you can minimize the risk of dash cam theft are as follows:
Design of the dashcam
- Consider one that is lower-profile, without an electric screen. Cylindrical or rear-view mirror dash cams would be the preferred style, as they are smaller and less noticeable.
Mounting Position
- Cameras such as a rear dash cam are smaller, and almost always installed higher up.
Cable Management
- Hardwire the dashcam, with the cables tucked away – this gives fewer visual cues to thieves of nearby expensive devices.
Car Alarm
- Buying one separate to your installed alarm allows you to get notifications if broken into, whilst also prevents thieves with access codes from disabling the car alarm.
Remove and Sleep Soundly
- If you live in a high-crime area, it might not be worth the risk of leaving your dashcam in your car overnight.
Can dashcams drain battery?
No. Dashcams generally consume very little power. For comparison, a 100-Watt light bulb consumes roughly 0.9amps when turned on, whereby a dual lens dashcam requires less than half of that (0.25amps)! Even a small car battery has a battery rating of about 45-amp hour – meaning that it can supply 1amp of power for 45 hours in a row (theoretically). Find more information about if dashcams drain car batteries here.
Does fitting a dashcam invalidate warranty?
The implications of fitting a dashcam into your car on the warranty, depends on the car dealership you are with. For the majority, it shall not be affected provided you are using the 12V socket. If you are hardwiring the dashcam, then make sure it is done correctly by a professional, so that it does not get noticed.
Troubleshooting
Don’t worry if you have trouble using your dash camera. We have simple FAQs to help you with any issues, from installation to recovering footage.
Dashcam Uses
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand the practical uses of dashcams for both personal and professional purposes.
SD Cards
Need an SD card for your dash camera? We’ve got you covered with our FAQ guide to help you select the right one without any confusion.
Deal of the Month
A139 Pro 2 channel front & Rear
- First 4K HDR with Sony Starvis 2 Sensor Dashcam
- Front: Sony Starvis 2 Sensor 8MP 1/1.8 IMX678
- Rear: Sony Starvis Sensor 2MP IMX291
- 2 Channel 4K 3840x2160P 30fps + 1080P 30fps
- F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens140°+ 170° Wide Viewing Angle
Original price was: £329.99.£289.95Current price is: £289.95.
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Through non-stop innovation and full dedication to dashcam imaging technology, we want every VIOFO user to drive in absolute peace of mind under all around protection of the smartest set of eyes.
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