Do Dashcams Drain Your Car Battery? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to protecting your vehicle and capturing what happens on the road, dashcams are becoming an essential tool for drivers. But with all the options available, and a growing interest in professional installation, we get a lot of questions from customers here at New England Mobile Systems.

Whether you're shopping for a dashcam or planning to have one professionally installed, we're here to help. Below, we’re answering one of the most common concerns—do dashcams drain your car battery?—along with other frequently asked questions about dashcams.

Do Dashcams Drain Your Car Battery?

Our professional dashcam install service can help ensure your battery doesn't die.

This is by far the most frequent question we hear from customers. The short answer: it depends on how your dashcam is powered and installed.

If your dashcam is hardwired into your vehicle’s electrical system and set to record while parked (known as parking mode), there is potential for it to draw power when the engine is off. However, most modern dashcams—and especially professionally installed systems—include voltage monitoring or battery protection features. These shut the dashcam off before your battery drains too low to start your car.

At New England Mobile Systems, we ensure every dashcam installation includes proper wiring and battery protection, so you can enjoy around-the-clock surveillance without worrying about a dead battery.

What’s the Difference Between Plug-in and Hardwired Dashcams?

Hardwiring your dashcam is best to get the most out of your camera and a clean install.

Plug-in dashcams typically connect via your car’s 12V outlet (cigarette lighter), making them easy to install and remove. They usually shut off when the vehicle turns off.

Hardwired dashcams, on the other hand, are connected directly to your vehicle’s fuse box and are ideal for features like parking mode, cleaner installations, and enhanced reliability. Our team specializes in clean, professional installations that keep your dashcam discreet, functional, and fully protected.

Can I Use a Dashcam with a Remote Starter or Backup Camera?

Absolutely. We often install dashcams alongside remote starters, backup cameras, and upgraded audio systems. Our expert technicians can integrate multiple systems seamlessly, ensuring no interference between devices and preserving your vehicle's factory look and functionality.

Are All Dashcams Created Equal?

Not at all. There are major differences in video quality, reliability, features, and ease of use. At New England Mobile Systems, we only recommend and install top-performing dashcams with great resolution, night vision, and smart features like GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity.

We’ll walk you through the best options based on your needs—whether you're a daily commuter, rideshare driver, or just want peace of mind while parked.

How Long Does Installation Take?

Our installers will always treat your vehicle with care and precision.

Most dashcam installations take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of system and whether additional accessories (like rear cameras or parking mode features) are included. We’ll schedule a convenient time, and our installers work efficiently while treating your vehicle with care and precision.

Ready to Install a Dashcam?

If you’re asking “Do dashcams drain your car battery?” or have other questions, our experts at New England Mobile Systems are here to help. We’re your go-to source for dashcam installation, backup cameras, remote starters, and car audio upgrades.

Visit us at www.nemobile.com or stop by our shop to learn more and schedule your professional installation today.