Why Your Dashcam Parking Mode Is Not Enabled

In Singapore, having a dashcam is almost a norm, but many drivers aren’t aware of their car’s vulnerability when it’s parked. Think about it—your car often spends more time parked than being driven. So, what happens when your car is unattended?

Many factory-installed or locally pre-installed dashcams are wired to switch off when the engine is off, leaving your car without surveillance. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s explore why most cars don’t have parking mode activated by default, and how you can ensure your dashcam works even when you’re away from your vehicle.

​Why Parking Mode Isn’t Enabled in Most Dashcams?

1. Car Battery Concerns 
   The main reason car agents don’t wire dashcams for parking mode is power. A dashcam requires a constant power source to function when the engine is off. While your car has a battery, it’s not ideal for powering your dashcam during parking. Why? Car batteries are designed for short bursts of energy to start the engine, not for continuous discharging while the car is parked. If the dashcam runs on your car battery, it could significantly reduce the battery's life or, in worst-case scenarios, leave you stranded with a car that won’t start. The impact varies depending on the car battery’s capacity, type, age, and your driving habits (whether you drive short or long distances versus how long the car is parked).
2. Additional Costs 
   So, why not just use an external dashcam battery, like the popular Cellink NEO? These dashcam batteries are designed specifically to power your dashcam during parking mode, without draining your car’s battery. However, they come at an additional cost, which is why most car agents don’t include them in the standard package, whether the dashcam is factory-installed or pre-installed locally before delivery. Many car dealerships, including those for Toyota, Lexus, BYD, Peugeot, Maserati, Hyundai, Kia, and Citroen in Singapore, offer Cellink NEO dashcam batteries as an optional upgrade. While it’s an extra expense, it’s worth considering to avoid the hassle of a dead car battery.
3. Doubts on Dashcam Reliability 
   ​Many dashcams aren’t built to handle the higher usage that comes with parking mode, especially in Singapore’s hot climate. Extended operation, combined with exposure to direct sunlight, can cause some dashcams to overheat and fail prematurely.

​The Problem with Pre-Installed Dashcams
​Most car buyers are thrilled when they discover their new vehicle comes with a pre-installed dashcam. However, have you ever checked the quality or performance of the dashcam? Many dashcams that come included for "free" or as part of the car package may not deliver the quality or features you need. Often, these dashcams have subpar recording capabilities, which could compromise the footage quality when you need it the most.
It’s a good idea to test the video quality right after you get the car rather than waiting until something happens. Take a few minutes to review the recorded footage to assess the resolution, clarity, and overall performance. If you find that the quality is poor or the dashcam doesn’t meet your needs, consider upgrading to a better model that offers higher performance.

​Why You Should Upgrade to a BlackVue Dashcam?

1. Not All Dashcams Are Designed Equal 
   Just because a dashcam advertises Full HD or even 4K resolution doesn’t mean the actual video quality will meet your expectations. It’s crucial to test the footage yourself. At BlackVue Singapore, we showcase actual footage taken locally on our product pages, so you can see the performance in real-world conditions before making a decision. This way, you won’t have to rely on specs alone—you can make an informed choice based on actual results.
2. Intelligent Parking Mode 
   BlackVue’s Intelligent Parking Mode is a game changer. It not only supports buffered recording, time-lapse, motion detection, and impact detection, but it also includes a heat mitigation design and high-temperature cut-off. These features ensure that your dashcam continues to operate even in Singapore’s hot weather, protecting it from overheating while maintaining surveillance on your car.
3. Cloud Connectivity 
   One of the standout features of BlackVue dashcams is the ability to connect to the ​BlackVue Cloud. This means you can get instant push notifications on your phone if an impact or motion is detected while your car is parked. You can also back up important event files to the cloud, remotely track your car’s GPS location, and even view a live feed from your dashcam—all from anywhere in the world. This level of connectivity ensures you’re always in the loop, no matter where you are.
4. Warranty and After-Sales Service
   When considering an upgrade, it’s important to look at the product's warranty and the company's track record for after-sales support. BlackVue offers an 18-month warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected. Beyond the warranty, BlackVue has been established in Singapore since 2010, with a strong reputation for reliable after-sales service. This means you not only get extended coverage but also benefit from years of trusted service and customer support.

How to Know If Your Dashcam Has Parking Mode?
If you’re unsure whether your current dashcam is equipped with parking mode, here are a couple of ways to check:

1. Check the LED Status: When you switch off the engine, take a look at the LED on your dashcam. If it turns off, it means the dashcam has lost power and has shut down—indicating there’s no parking mode activated.
2. Listen to the Dashcam Announcements: If you own a BlackVue dashcam, it’s even easier. By default, BlackVue dashcams will audibly announce "Shutting down" or "Powering down" when the power is cut after you switch off the engine. If you hear this, your dashcam isn’t wired for parking mode.

​Why Parking Mode Matters?
​Parking mode is an essential feature that continuously monitors your car even when the engine is off. It protects your vehicle from hit-and-runs, mischief, vandalism, and theft when you’re not around. By upgrading to BlackVue dashcam with intelligent parking mode, or adding a Cellink dashcam battery, you can have peace of mind knowing your car is protected for extended periods while parked.

Watch Real Incidents Caught on BlackVue Dashcams: 

We've compiled real-life footage from BlackVue dashcams that caught theft, hit-and-run incidents, and other events during parking mode. See for yourself how effective parking mode can be in protecting your vehicle from here.