A dashcam (dashboard camera) is an essential piece of vehicle security technology that continuously records your journeys. Acting as a neutral, high-definition witness, it captures every moment on the road and provides irrefutable evidence when something goes wrong. Modern dash cams go far beyond simple video recording—they actively protect your vehicle 24/7 through features like Parking Mode, impact detection, and advanced motion sensors.

Total Protection While Driving and Parked

A high-quality dash cam records your entire trip in continuous loops, ensuring you always have reliable footage for insurance claims, disputes, or unexpected incidents. When the engine is off, Parking Mode turns your dash cam into a smart surveillance system. Using motion detection or a built-in G-sensor, the camera automatically wakes up and records any bump, impact, or suspicious movement around your parked vehicle.

Many models include built-in battery protection features that prevent draining your car’s main battery. Whether your system is hardwired or powered by an external battery pack, voltage monitoring keeps your vehicle safe. Additional features like GPS logging add vital information such as speed and location, giving extra clarity and context to any recorded event.

Why Use a Dedicated External Battery Pack?

Hardwiring is a common power method, but a dedicated external battery pack—often using stable LiFePO₄ chemistry—is the ideal solution for powering Parking Mode. This is especially important for long-term parking, high-security environments, or vehicles with sensitive electronics like European models, hybrids, and EVs.

An external battery pack ensures zero drain on the vehicle’s main battery, dramatically extends parking surveillance time (often 12 to 24+ hours), and prevents low-voltage warnings that some vehicles may trigger when detecting power draw through their electrical systems. For drivers who rely heavily on Parking Mode, an external battery is a smart long-term investment.

Key Dash Cam Terms Explained

A dash cam is simply a camera mounted in a vehicle to record driving and parking events. Parking Mode is the feature that enables surveillance while your engine is off. The G-sensor detects physical impact and locks important video files to prevent them from being overwritten. Loop recording allows the camera to continuously record by automatically replacing the oldest non-protected footage. Dual-channel systems record both front and rear views for maximum coverage. A hardwire kit connects the dash cam to your vehicle’s fuse box for continuous power. LiFePO₄ refers to Lithium Iron Phosphate, a highly stable battery chemistry commonly used in premium dash cam external battery packs.

Industry-Leading Dash Cam Brands

BlackVue stands out for its sleek design, advanced Cloud features, and exceptional Parking Mode performance.

VIOFO is known for superb video clarity—especially in 4K—and outstanding value.

Thinkware offers robust, radar-based Parking Mode technology ideal for fleets and commercial use.

Garmin provides compact, user-friendly cameras with reliable software and integrated GPS.

Redtiger delivers affordable and dependable options for everyday drivers.

Secure Your Vehicle Today A dash cam is one of the most valuable tools you can install in your vehicle. From everyday driving protection to 24/7 parked surveillance, it safeguards your investment, your evidence, and your peace of mind.

Tips : Not all parking modes consume the same power

Dashcams typically offer several parking modes, each with very different energy demands:

• Impact / G-sensor only
  Lowest consumption. The camera remains in standby and wakes only on a shock or impact. Usually can last days without the need of an external battery.
  
• Motion detection
  More power-intensive. The camera must stay partially awake, continuously analysing video frames to detect movement around the vehicle. Usually can last 1 to 4 hours without the need of an external battery and ~20+ hours with one.
  
• Time-lapse recording
  Constant power draw. The camera records continuously at reduced frame rates. Usually can last 1 to ~4 hours without the need of an external battery and ~10 hours with one.
  
• Buffered parking mode
  Highest demand. The dashcam continuously records to memory so it can save footage before and after an event.
  
• Low Voltage cut off protect your car battery against discharge
  Hardwire kits usually allow selectable cutoffs (e.g. 11.8V, 12.V, 12.2V, 12.4V).
  
• Higher cutoff = better battery protection, shorter parking mode
  12.4V → best battery protection, very short parking mode
  12.2V → safe option reduces battery strain.
  12.0V → maximum recording time, highest risk if car not driver regularly or battery old.
  11.8V → we don't recommend (only use for impact detection mode)
  
  We always recommend setting the cutoff as high as possible, unless the vehicle is driven daily and the battery is in excellent condition.
  

Why Buy from Positive Terminal (Brisbane Dashcam)

Positive Terminal (also known as Brisbane dashcam for it's dashcam operations) does not aim to sell the largest possible range of dashcams. Our selection is based on installation experience and long-term reliability, not catalogue size.

After installing thousands of dashcams across many vehicle types and brands, we have identified which systems perform consistently and integrate well with modern vehicles.

Some large online retailers and well-known dashcam websites offer a wide range of brands and models. Our approach is different: we deliberately limit the range to systems that meet our technical and installation standards and expected outcome.

Positive Terminal installations are performed by qualified mechanics and auto electricians, ensuring that the vehicle’s electrical systems, airbags, trims, and other safety systems are handled correctly and that the integrity of the vehicle is preserved.

Instead of selling a device alone, we provide a complete dashcam solution, selected from real installation experience and delivered with professional integration into the vehicle.