Parking Mode Settings and Battery Protection Tips for Dash Cam Users

Parking mode is one of the most powerful features of a dash cam—giving you peace of mind when your car is parked and unattended. But as useful as it is, parking mode also raises one common concern: Will it drain my battery?

The answer depends on how you set it up.

With the right settings and smart battery protection, you can enjoy 24/7 monitoring without worrying about a dead car in the morning. Here’s how to get the most out of parking mode—safely and effectively.

 Understanding the Different Parking Mode Settings

Most modern dash cams offer several parking surveillance options. Choosing the right one depends on where you park, how long you leave your vehicle, and how much power you want to use.

1. Motion Detection Mode

The camera stays in standby and begins recording only when movement is detected near the vehicle.
Best for: Public parking lots, apartment garages
Battery impact: Low

2. G-Sensor (Impact Detection)

Triggered by vibrations or bumps—like door dings or hit-and-runs. Ideal for quick incident response.
Best for: Street parking
Battery impact: Very low

3. Time-Lapse Recording

The dash cam records continuously, but at a reduced frame rate (e.g., 1 frame per second).
Best for: Extended parking with some visual record
Battery impact: Moderate

4. Radar-Assisted Mode (DRIVEYE-specific)

Radar sensor detects close-range activity, then triggers full recording.
Best for: Long-term parking with maximum power efficiency
Battery impact: Ultra-low

How to Protect Your Car Battery While Using Parking Mode

Parking mode is only helpful if it doesn’t leave you stranded. Here’s how to balance security with smart power use:

 1. Use a Hardwire Kit with Low-Voltage Cut-Off

Hardwiring your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box is the best way to power parking mode. But to avoid draining the battery, always use a kit that includes voltage protection.
It will automatically shut off the dash cam when voltage drops below a preset level (usually 11.6V–12V).

 2. Consider an OBD Power Cable

OBD cables are easier to install and often include similar low-voltage cut-off protection. They plug into your car’s OBD-II port and are ideal for users who don’t want to hardwire.

3. Avoid Continuous Recording Unless Necessary

Always-on parking recording may sound good—but it draws more power and fills up your memory card quickly. Unless you're parked in a high-risk area, use event-based triggers instead.

4. Keep Your Car Battery Healthy

A weak battery is more likely to be affected by any power draw. If your car is older, or if you mostly take short drives, consider checking your battery regularly—or using a dash cam battery pack for added protection.

Pro Tip: Enable Alerts and Review Footage Regularly

Your dash cam app (such as Viidure, used by DRIVEYE users) can notify you when an event is recorded during parking.
Make a habit of checking:

• Voltage levels (if supported)
• Parking event history
• Whether your current settings match your parking environment

 Parking Mode, Done Right

Parking mode is one of those features you’ll appreciate the most after something happens—a bumped bumper, a keyed door, or a mystery dent. Setting it up correctly not only ensures you catch these moments but also protects your car’s battery in the process.

With the right settings and a smart power kit, you can safely leave your car for hours—or days—knowing your dash cam has your back.

Park smart. Monitor safely. Protect your car with confidence.