Many users have experienced issues with their dashcam not turning on in cold weather during the winter. Most high-quality dashcams are designed to operate in a -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F), such as the Vanture dash cam. But what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Let's break it down.
Why Does Cold Weather Affect Dash Cams?
Cold temperatures can impact your dash cam’s performance in several ways:
Battery Issues
Most dash cams use lithium-ion batteries, which don’t perform well in freezing temperatures. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge.
Condensation
Moving your dash cam between cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor environments can cause condensation to form inside the device, potentially damaging its internal components.
Stiffened Components
Extreme cold can make plastic and rubber parts brittle, affecting the dash cam’s physical functionality.
Common Symptoms of Cold Weather Problems
When the temperatures drop, your dashcam may start to malfunction. Here are some common signs that cold weather is affecting your device:
Power Issues:
The dashcam won’t turn on, or it takes a long time to turn on. It may also turn off unexpectedly even if it was working fine just a moment ago.
Screen Issues:
The screen is frozen or unresponsive, making it difficult to check settings or view footage. You may notice flickering or delayed responses when tapping the screen.
Battery Issues:
Even when fully charged, the battery drains much faster than usual. In some cases, the device may not hold a charge at all in freezing conditions.
Performance Glitches:
The dashcam randomly stops recording or fails to save footage properly. You may hear unusual noises or notice that the device is overheating after it has been warm.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a clear sign that the cold weather is taking a toll on your dashcam. Don’t worry—there are ways to fix and prevent them!
How to Prevent Cold Weather Issues
Don’t let winter ruin your dash cam experience. Try these tips to keep your device running smoothly:
Use a Hardwiring Kit
Hardwiring your dash cam to your car’s electrical system ensures it gets power directly from the vehicle, bypassing the battery. This is especially useful in cold weather when batteries struggle to perform.
Keep the Device Warm
Park your car in a garage or covered area to protect the dash cam from extreme cold.
If you must park outside, consider using a windshield sunshade to reduce temperature fluctuations.
Avoid Frequent Temperature Changes
Try not to move your dash cam between your car and a warm indoor space. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation and damage the device.
Choose a Cold-Resistant Dash Cam
If you live in a region with harsh winters, invest in a dash cam designed for extreme temperatures. Look for models with a wide operating temperature range (e.g., -20°C to 70°C).
Regularly Check the Battery
If your dash cam uses a battery, make sure it’s fully charged before heading out in cold weather. Consider replacing old or weak batteries.
Read more: Will a Battery Powered Dash Cam Drain My Car Battery?
Video Quality
Cold weather presents a host of challenging conditions for dashcams. From fogged windows to changing light conditions, dashcams need to maintain consistent video quality in a variety of complex environments. Even in low-light conditions, they must provide clear image quality and fine details to ensure that every video is reliable and usable.
To meet these challenges, it is important to choose a high-performance dashcam. For example, the Vantrue Nexus 4 Pro 3-channel 4K Dashcam not only operates reliably in cold weather, but also provides excellent clarity in low-light environments, giving you greater peace of mind when traveling in winter.
SD Card
Extreme temperatures, whether extremely cold or extremely hot, can have a significant impact on the performance of SD cards. In cold weather, some SD cards may become unstable, resulting in lost or corrupted footage—the last thing you want when it matters most.
To ensure that your dashcam can work reliably in any harsh conditions, it is recommended to choose a high-quality, durable Vanture Misco SD card. These SD cards are specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring that your footage is fully preserved in any environment.
Why This Matters
A dash cam is an essential tool for safety and peace of mind. If it fails to work in cold weather, you could miss recording critical moments, like accidents or road incidents. By understanding the causes and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your dash cam is always ready to capture what matters.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather can be tough on dash cams, but with the right precautions, you can keep your device running smoothly all winter long. Whether it’s hardwiring your dash cam, choosing a cold-resistant model, or simply keeping it warm, these small steps can make a big difference. Stay safe and keep recording!
