There are two options to installing a dash cam, the easiest is the 12v cigarette lighter dash cam installation, but the neatest is using a hardwire kit.
Option 1: Cigarette Lighter Power Supply
To install your dash cam with a 12V power supply (cigarette lighter):
- Using the 4m power cable provided, guide the cable around your windscreen.
- Tuck the cable neatly across the top of the windscreen and down the side (as seen in the below images) to keep the cable out of eyesight and tidier. In virtually all vehicles there is a small gap between the roof lining and the windscreen, the Nextbase power cable has been designed to push neatly into this gap.
- Place the suction cup onto the windscreen, for most vehicles this will be just behind the rear view mirror on the passenger side. If you have a black “spotted” area on the windscreen please make sure that the mount is not touching this. This location captures the best view of the road and the dash cam remains safe and out of the line of sight.
Positives of using the cigarette lighter as a power source:
- Plug in and go
- Easy to connect/disconnect if you drive multiple cars
- Power supply can easily be found
Negatives of using the cigarette lighter as a power:
- You need a spare 12v cigarette lighter socket
- The cable is visible at the point where it goes into the cigarette lighter socket.
Watch our visual guide on setting up your dash cam via the 12V power supply (cigarette lighter).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BpHXl4f5nY
Option 2: Hardwire The Dash Cam
If you’re looking for a neater installation, you can choose to hardwire your dash cam in by using the Nextbase Hardwire Kit, which is done via a quick and easy fuse box connection. This can be done by any competent DIY user, or Halfords (if purchased through them) can provide the cable and fit it all for just £35.
To hard wire a dash cam:
- Position the dash cam and suction mount in a place to capture best view of the road
- Tuck the cable neatly across the top of the windscreen and down the side (as seen in the below images) to keep the cable out of eyesight and tidier. In virtually all vehicles there is a small gap between the roof lining and the windscreen, the Nextbase power cable has been designed to push neatly into this gap.
- Find the fuse box that is usually inside or underneath the glove box.
- Remove an existing fuse (usually cigarette lighter socket fuse) and insert the specially provided socket straight into the fuse box. The old fuse simply “piggy backs” onto the new connection.
- Connect the earth cable to the chassis via any metal screw/bolt that is in direct contact.
Hardwiring can take just 20 minutes and can be very useful – especially if you are keen to keep your existing cigarette lighter socket free and the cables out of sight. It can also be useful if you wish to have your dash cam permanently recording.
Positives of hardwiring a Dash Cam:
- Neatly hidden – virtually no wires in sight
- Always connected, so you never need to worry about knocking the cigarette lighter socket
- Frees up cigarette lighter for other uses e.g. charging phone
Negatives of hardwiring a Dash Cam:
- Slightly longer install time (approx. 20 minutes)
- May need professional help to hardwire
Watch our visual guide on how to hardwire a dash cam.
https://youtu.be/lRKTbl-T5uI
Where can I get a dash cam installed?
If you feel you require professional help, then our friends at Halfords are always at hand with their WeFit service, all for just £35, which includes the Nextbase Hardwire Cable.
*Please note the Dash Cam must be purchased from Halfords for them to offer their WeFit service
Where should I mount my Dash Cam?
All Nextbase dash cams come with a guide and advice on where to locate your dash cam. It shouldn’t obscure your view as a driver, or be a distraction. All of our dash cams have the option to turn off the screen when you are driving.
You can learn more on where to mount your dash cam by vising our page for dash cam positioning.
Visit our product pages to find out more about our dash cams. To buy a dash cam, visit one of a number of retailers – including Halfords , Currys & Argos – currently stocking Nextbase products.
If you still have questions, get in touch with us as we’d happily talk you through more. Our contact details can be found here
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