Keeping the Roads Safe: A Guide to Dashcams for Your Car
Dashcams have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. We are seeing more and more installed in used cars in stock.
These small cameras mounted on your car's windshield provide a continuous video record of your journey, offering valuable evidence in case of an accident. Whether you are an experienced driver or a new one on the road, a dashcam can provide peace of mind and security.
Benefits of Dashcams:
-
Evidence in Accidents: In a he-said-she-said situation after a crash, a dashcam can provide undeniable video proof of what happened, potentially saving you time, money, and frustration when dealing with insurance companies or legal matters.
-
Deterrence Against Theft: Visible dashcams can deter would-be thieves who know their actions might be captured on video.
-
Safer Driving: Some dashcams have features like lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts, which can help you stay focused and avoid accidents.
-
Record Scenic Drives: Dashcams can also be used to capture beautiful landscapes and memorable road trips.
Choosing the Right Dashcam:
With a wide variety of dashcams available, here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
-
Video Resolution: Higher resolution (1080p or 4K) provides clearer footage, especially for capturing details like number plates.
-
Field of View: Wider field of view captures more of the scene around your used car.
-
Night Vision: If you frequently drive at night, good night vision is essential for capturing clear video in low-light conditions.
-
Parking Mode: This feature allows the camera to continue recording even when your car is parked, providing security in case of vandalism or hit-and-run incidents.
-
Storage: Most dashcams use microSD cards to store footage. Consider the storage capacity you need based on recording resolution and desired length of footage.
-
Ease of Use: Look for a dashcam with a user-friendly interface and simple installation process.
Additional Tips:
-
Remember, there are a couple of key points to keep in mind when installing your dashcam to ensure it's legal and safe for driving:
- Placement: The dashcam should not obstruct your view of the road by more than 4cm within the swept area of the windscreen. This swept area is the portion cleaned by your wipers. If your dashcam impedes your vision in this zone, your vehicle will fail its MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, a mandatory safety check for all cars in the UK over three years old.
- Screen Visibility: If your dashcam has a screen, it must be switched off while you're driving. Video playback or even reflections from the screen can be distracting and hinder your focus on the road.
-
Consider cloud storage: Some dashcams offer cloud storage options for backing up your footage.
-
Format the memory card regularly: This ensures smooth recording and avoids filling the storage space.
Installing a dashcam and choosing the right features for your needs can give you peace of mind on the road and capture valuable footage in unexpected situations.
Check out the used cars in stock with dashcams here.