Ever wish you had a reliable witness in your car? Dash cams are great for that, recording everything that happens on the road. Accidents, crazy drivers, or even just a scenic drive – it’s all captured. The challenge is finding the sweet spot in your car to mount one, balancing a clear view with minimal obstruction. You want something discreet, easy to access, and, most importantly, effective. Let’s explore some of the best places to stick your dash cam to get the most out of it.
Here’s a quick rundown of the top dash cam placement options we’ll be covering:
- Behind the Rearview Mirror: Discreet and offers a good view.
- Dashboard Mount: Easy to install and adjust.
- Windshield (Lower Corner): Minimizes obstruction, but can be harder to reach.
- Passenger Side: Good for capturing side impacts and events.
- Rear Window: Captures rear-end collisions and tailgaters.
Top 5 Best Place For A Dash Cam Reviews
1. Behind the Rearview Mirror
Mounting your dash cam right behind the rearview mirror is a popular choice. It keeps the camera out of your direct line of sight, making it less distracting while driving. Plus, it’s usually a pretty stable spot.
Pros:
- ✅ Discreet and hidden from the driver’s view.
- ✅ Good, unobstructed view of the road.
- ✅ Stable mounting location.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be tricky to reach for adjustments.
- ❌ May interfere with some advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- ❌ Requires careful positioning to avoid the mirror mount.
Verdict: Ideal for drivers who want a discreet setup and don’t need to constantly adjust their camera. Great if you have ADAS features, but make sure it doesn’t block any sensors.
2. Dashboard Mount
A dashboard mount gives you flexibility. You can position the camera easily and adjust the angle as needed. It’s a straightforward setup, usually involving a suction cup or adhesive mount.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to install and remove.
- ✅ Highly adjustable viewing angle.
- ✅ Convenient access for adjustments and settings.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more visible and potentially distracting.
- ❌ May obstruct a portion of the windshield.
- ❌ Some mounts may not be as stable on textured dashboards.
Verdict: Best for people who want easy access to their dash cam and need to adjust it frequently. Consider a less conspicuous camera if you go this route.
3. Windshield (Lower Corner)
Sticking the dash cam in the lower corner of your windshield is a compromise between visibility and discretion. It’s out of your direct line of sight but still captures a clear view of the road.
Pros:
- ✅ Minimizes obstruction of the driver’s view.
- ✅ Relatively discreet.
- ✅ Good field of vision.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be difficult to reach for adjustments.
- ❌ May require longer power cables.
- ❌ Could be partially blocked by windshield wipers in some vehicles.
Verdict: A solid choice for drivers who prioritize minimal obstruction but still want a decent field of view. Ensure your windshield wipers don’t interfere.
4. Passenger Side
Mounting on the passenger side can be useful if you want to capture events happening on that side of the vehicle. It can also be a good option if you have limited space behind the rearview mirror.
Pros:
- ✅ Captures side impacts and events effectively.
- ✅ Can be a good alternative if other locations are obstructed.
- ✅ May provide a unique perspective.
Cons:
- ❌ Might not offer the best view of the road ahead.
- ❌ Could be more visible to passengers.
- ❌ May require adjustment to center the view.
Verdict: Consider this if you frequently drive in areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic. It gives a different perspective that might be helpful in certain situations.
5. Rear Window
A rear-facing dash cam is essential for capturing rear-end collisions and tailgaters. Some dash cams come with a secondary camera specifically for this purpose. I once had someone rear-end me, and I wish I had a rear dash cam then!
Pros:
- ✅ Captures rear-end collisions and tailgaters.
- ✅ Provides evidence in case of rear impacts.
- ✅ Can deter aggressive drivers.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires running wires to the back of the vehicle.
- ❌ Can be affected by tinted windows.
- ❌ May have a limited field of view depending on the vehicle’s design.
Verdict: A must-have if you’re concerned about rear-end collisions. Make sure the camera is compatible with your vehicle’s rear window and tint level.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right spot for your dash cam involves more than just picking a location. Here’s what to think about:
- Camera Size and Shape: Smaller cameras are easier to conceal.
- Mounting Type: Suction cups are versatile, while adhesive mounts are more permanent.
- Field of View: A wider field of view captures more of the road.
- Power Source: Consider how you’ll route the power cable.
- Local Laws: Some areas have restrictions on windshield obstructions.
Before sticking anything, test the camera’s view from different locations. Drive around the block and see if the footage is clear and captures what you need it to. Pay attention to glare and reflections.
Also, think about the climate where you live. Extreme heat can weaken adhesive mounts. Suction cups may lose their grip in very cold weather. Choose a mount that can withstand your local conditions.
FAQs
Q: Will a dash cam drain my car battery?
A: Some dash cams can drain your battery if they’re constantly recording while the car is off. Look for models with parking mode that only activate when motion is detected.
Q: Can I use my phone as a dash cam?
A: Yes, there are apps that turn your phone into a dash cam. However, dedicated dash cams are usually more reliable and have features like loop recording and automatic incident detection.
Q: How do I hide the power cable?
A: You can tuck the power cable into the headliner, door seals, and under the dashboard. Cable management clips can also help keep things tidy.
Q: What is loop recording?
A: Loop recording means the dash cam continuously records and overwrites the oldest footage when the memory card is full. This ensures you always have the most recent recordings.
Q: Do I need a special memory card for my dash cam?
A: Yes, you’ll need a high-endurance microSD card designed for continuous recording. Standard microSD cards may not be reliable enough.
Conclusion
Choosing the best spot for your dash cam depends on your priorities. Whether you want discretion, easy access, or a specific field of view, there’s a location that will work for you. Remember to consider your local laws, climate, and personal preferences. Experiment with different spots before committing to a permanent mount. A well-placed dash cam can provide valuable evidence and peace of mind on the road. Drive safe!
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