If you’ve been thinking about adding a dash cam to your vehicle, you’re not alone. Dash cams have become one of the most popular upgrades for everyday drivers, 4WD enthusiasts and commuters alike. They provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident, can help deter theft and more. When it comes to dash cam installation the big question is always – should you install it yourself, or get it done professionally?
The team at Autospark breaks it down so you can understand why having it installed professionally is always the better option to suit your vehicle and your budget.
Before we jump into installation methods it’s worth noting why dash cams have become a must-have for so many drivers. A good dash cam can:
- Provide clear footage in the event of a crash
- Capture number plates of hit-and-run vehicles
- Monitor your car while parked providing additional vehicle security
- Record your off-road adventures
- Potentially reduce insurance disputes
With so much value packed into a small device, it makes sense to install it properly whether that means rolling up your sleeves or letting an expert handle it.
DIY Dash Cam Installation
DIY installation is an option that may, on the surface, seem straightforward at first glance. Dash cams typically come with a power cable, adhesive or other mounting and general instructions. Here’s what DIY really involves…
1. Positioning the Dash Cam Correctly
Mounting the dash cam high on the windscreen and behind the rear-view mirror, making sure it has a clear and unobstructed view. Get this wrong and you may violate visibility laws or block safety sensors.
2. Routing the Power Cable
Feeding a cable to where it needs to on ay vehicle is not to be taken lightly, as hiding the cable neatly under trim panels and weather seals in no simple task to handle effectively and safely. Wire pinches, a misjudged cable lenth, interfering with airbages, inadvertantly dislodging other cables and so on are areas of potential risk.
3. Choosing a Power Source
Many DIY installs use the cigarette lighter plug but this limits features like parking mode, auto-activation ans so on. Hardwiring is not so much a DIY thing as it requires fuse knowledge, crimping tools and a solid understanding of your vehicle’s electrical layout and more.
4. Testing the Camera
Once connected, the angle of use needs to be checked, stability, video quality and making sure the camera powers on when the ignition starts.
DIY installation is not necessarily as easy as it may seem as it does come with with limitations and challenges in skill, equipment and knowledge.
Professional Dash Cam Installation: What You Get
Professional dash cam installation gives you more than just neat wiring. Autospark’s technicians install dash cams every day and across every type of vehicle. With decades of combined experience, that includes compact passenger cars to 4WDs and commercial fleets. Here’s what professional installation from our trained team includes:
Wires are routed effectively behind trim panels, around airbags and through safe zones to make sure you get a factory-finish look and not adversely affecting anything else. The last thing we want you driving off with is an eye sore.
Professionals safely connect your dash cam directly to your fuse box using the correct taps and fuses. This can enable 24/7 recording without issue like draining the battery, ultimately giving you peace of mind.
We effectively position your dash cam in a legal, safe and sensor-friendly location that maximises visibility and recording clarity. You’ll know you’re driving a complaint vehicle after we’ve done your install.
Incorrect DIY wiring can cause some issues hidden unexpected issues, like shorts, battery drain or ECU faults and a myriad of other issues that can be expensive to remedy. Professionals make sure every connection is secure, the installationis compliant and you get the best from your device choice.
Your dash cam is set up, configured and tested, meaning you get to drive away with crystal-clear footage from day one.
Professional installation is always a better choice to get the most out of your dash cam if:
- You want parking mode or 24/7 monitoring
- You want wires completely hidden
- Your car has airbags or sensors near the windscreen
- You’re installing dual cameras (front and rear)
- You want the installation done safely and legally
Most motorists choose professional installation for peace of mind, longevity and full dash cam functionality.
Is dash cam Is installation better as a DIY project or a professional job? Taking into account all of the above, the decision should be an easy one. simply put, for cleaner wiring, better performance and long-term reliability, professional installation is the smarter choice.
If you want a dash cam fitted safely and to Australian standards, The trusted professionals offer years of experience and top-tier advice. Autospark can take care of it. Talk to us for the best products and advice, from there book your installation and enjoy a dash cam setup that works flawlessly from the moment you hit the road.
