Now that we’ve seen that dash cams are legal in the UK and the benefits of having one fitted in your car, especially to get discounts on your car insurance premiums, let’s have a look at our car dash camera installation and fitting guide, to find out how best to fit your camera. There are actually two ways to do that. The first one is quite simple, and you can do it by yourself, as it’s just like fitting your GPS system, by plugging in into your cigarette power socket. The second method, however, will require you to have good expertise in car machinery, and it might be better to ask a professional to do it for you.
Whatever method you choose, your dash cam should be placed in a discrete place, where it doesn’t bother or distract the driver. We will take a look in detail how to apply these two methods and what are the pros and cons of each one.
Where To Mount A Dash Camera?
Firstly before we go into our car dash camera installation and fitting guide, let’s go over where to mount a dash camera. As mentioned earlier your dashboard camera should not impair your driving vision in any way, as this is illegal and presents an obvious danger to the driver and other road users. Taking all this into consideration the best and most recommended place for your dashcam is behind the rear view mirror, facing forward with a clear view of the road ahead. You can attach your camera with a suction cup which is the most common and standard method, or alternatively you can use some adhesive tape to attach it.
You can also get a rear view mirror dash camera, which will solely record what can be seen out the back of your car. You can mount a dash cam to face out the rear end of your car, or get a special rear view mirror that offers the capabilities of a rear view mirror dash camera, with recording and playback features. One method that is rising to fame these past few years is buying a all in 1 front and rear dashboard camera, that can record both ends of your car simultaneously. Although these cameras are special due to their recording ability, they can still be attached and mounted in the same way as a standard camera. If you have any questions regarding where to mount a dashboard camera, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Now we will go over the 2 car dashboard camera installation and fitting methods we mentioned earlier, and show you how to install a dashboard camera:
- The Plug & Go Method
As said above, this is the easiest car dashboard camera installation and fitting method, and anyone can apply it. In fact, when you buy a dashboard camera, it always comes with a sucker, so you can ‘stick’ it to your front window, then plug it in your cigarette power socket. You can do that the simple way, just like when you fit your GPS, or do it in a more aesthetic way, like below.
Pros
This method is particularly useful if you don’t want to keep your dashboard camera in your car all the time. This can be because you drive many cars (family and work cars for instance), and want to take your cam with you each time you change car, or maybe you’re renting a car and just want to fit in your camera for the time you’re renting it. It can also reassure you if you’re afraid to tempt thieves when your vehicle is parked on a public place. And if you don’t often use your car, you might as well save money by fitting it yourself.
Cons
As this method allows you to remove your camera endlessly, the more you move it, the more it risks to be damaged. Plus, if you remove it each evening when you get home, you have to put it back on the next morning, thus taking you time and effort, especially if you fit it in the aesthetic way.
For reversing cameras, if you buy a dash cam that can record in both directions, this method can be used, but if you want a camera that only films what is behind your car, you cannot fit it in using this method.
- The Hardwire Installation Method
When you want to install your dash cam permanently in your vehicle, you can use the hardwire method. Now, you can do it yourself, but you will need to have good skills in car machinery, as this can be dangerous for you and your car. You will also need to get a dash cam installation kit, which you can buy for about £10, or get for free when you ask for it at the moment of purchase of your dashboard camera. So, here’s how to do it:
Check also this step-by-step video guide to see how to install a rear camera:
***credit to BlackboxMyCar channel for this video***
Now, if you don’t feel confident enough, or if you don’t want to take any risk, even after reading our car dash camera installation and fitting guide, you might want to call a professional to do it for you. In fact, many dash cam providers offer you to install permanently your single camera in your vehicle for about £100, or if you have two cameras (front and rear), you will just have to spend about £135.
Pros
This method is ideal for you if you just have one car and use It every day, or if you are used to driving a lot, whether for your work or for travelling. It takes away all the hassle and effort of fitting your cam regularly and thus avoids your camera to be damaged.
If tempting thieves when you are parked is your main worry, know that some cameras have a motion detection or parking mode feature, which enables them to record vehicles or pedestrians passing within their field of view. Also, if your car is slightly moved by a collision or someone tampering with it, it will start recording to capture all the evidence possible.
Cons
The only con to this method is basically its cost. Although £100, or £135 if you have two cameras, might seem expensive at first glance, don’t forget that with this method, you will have your mind at ease and will be sure to record any evidence, at all times, of any incident that may happen to your vehicle, whether you’re in it or not.
So, Which Car Dash Camera Installation And Fitting Method Are Best For Me?
This really depends actually of how much you use your vehicle on an everyday basis. We strongly recommend you to get it hardwired in your car if you use it a lot, but if you’re just an occasional driver, fitting it with your cigarette power socket will do the trick.
If you are still unsure on how to install a dashboard camera, get in touch with us here. We’re always here to help, so don’t be shy!
If you’ve already bought a dash camera and fitted it in your vehicle, which method do you use? And if you’ve tried both, which one do you prefer and why? Please share your experience of car dash camera installation and fitting in the comments section below. Also, if you have any question, we will gladly answer them. Drive safe!