Many motorists have a dash cam in their car, but there’s something important many people don’t realise about the gadgets – and it’s all to do with a small light
For many motorists, the belief is that they’ve mastered all there is to know about driving, yet there’s always room for further education – especially with there having been changes to driving tests. The learning curve extends to understanding the various gadgets and accessories we keep in our vehicles as well.
Car enthusiasts are likely to be familiar with a device known as a dash cam, a compact camera typically affixed to the dashboard or windscreen of a car. Its purpose is to capture continuous video footage of the road ahead and the vehicle’s interior, providing drivers with a crucial record of events on the road, especially useful in case of accidents or incidents.
Despite their popularity among drivers, there’s a critical aspect of dash cams that many are oblivious to. When a small light illuminates on the device, it’s actually signalling something quite significant, and knowing how to work them properly can help you steer clear of potential fines.
Dash cam specialist Kyung Ho Min, from Thinkware, which boasts over 19,000 Instagram followers, explained: “The small red or amber light on a dash cam is an important warning sign that many drivers are unaware of. It usually means your dash cam isn’t recording either because of a fault, overheating or a corrupted/full memory card.
“This, therefore, requires immediate attention, or your dash cam could be left to sit on the windscreen, appearing to work but failing to capture any footage, meaning you won’t have any evidence in the event of an accident.
“These issues typically occur more frequently during hot weather, as in-car temperatures can exceed 50 degrees during heatwaves, putting a huge strain on the dash cam’s internal components and memory card. Prolonged exposure to heat can also degrade the SD card, meaning it stops saving files properly or fails entirely.
“Plastic connectors and suction mounts can also become dislodged in the heat, causing the camera to fall and lose power.”
The expert further commented: “While overheating can affect many dash cams, Thinkware models are specifically designed to beat the heat.
“Unlike some budget options that rely on lithium-ion batteries, which can swell, leak, or, in extreme cases, even ignite, Thinkware dash cams use supercapacitors, a far safer and more heat-resistant alternative that maintains performance even in extreme summer temperatures.
“This makes them more reliable in hot conditions, reducing the risk of heat-related failure that could otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late. If you notice an amber or red light on your dash cam it’s important to act.
“First, check the connection to ensure the power cable is securely plugged into the camera and car socket. Then, remove and inspect the SD card. If you’ve been using it for a long time, it might need replacing or reformatting.
“Most manufacturers recommend reformatting cards monthly to ensure reliability, and high-endurance cards rated for automotive use are always best. Testing your dash cam will only take a few minutes and is recommended for best practice, especially after the recent heatwave.
“Start your car, check to see any warning lights on the camera and play back a short clip to confirm it is working and recording properly. If your camera shuts down or the amber/red light appears, it may need servicing.
“Remember, your dash cam is only useful if it’s actually recording, so don’t wait until you need the footage to find out it isn’t working. Get into the habit of checking your camera regularly, especially in extreme weather, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll be protected when it matters.”