Does the Nextbase Hardwire Kit cut off if my car battery is low?
Our Series 2 Hardwire Kit has been specifically designed to cut power to the Dash Cam if the car battery voltage reaches 11.6V.
Does my camera need a constant supply of power?
Nextbase Dash Cams are not designed to record using only their internal battery.
They rely on a power cable when in use, either the 12 V power cable supplied with the Dash Cam or a Nextbase Hardwire Kit (sold separately).
If you want to use Parking Mode, the Dash Cam must be connected to a permanent power supply, because the internal battery will be drained if the Dash Cam is not receiving power while parked.
Note: If your camera is wired to a permanently live connection, this does not mean it records continuously 24/7. In Parking Mode, it uses low power and only records when an event is detected.
Will my car battery go flat?
The automatic cut‑off helps protect your battery by stopping power to the Dash Cam once the voltage drops to the protection level.
However, if you do not drive the car for a long time after this, the vehicle itself will still use power, which in a worst‑case scenario could leave the battery flat. The same thing can happen even without a Dash Cam fitted if the car is left unused for a long period.
If the vehicle is driven regularly, this should not be an issue, as the battery is recharged when you drive.
Do Nextbase Dash Cams use much power?
Dash Cam state | Approximate power use (Series 2) |
Turned on, recording and charging | Around 300 mAh |
Standby mode while charging | Around 200 mAh |
Standby mode when fully charged | Around 100 mAh |
How long will it take for a car battery to run low?
An average modern car uses between 50 and 85 mAh on its own, with nothing else plugged in.
Any extra devices, including a Dash Cam, will add to this consumption.
The Nextbase Hardwire Kit and the 12 V Power Cable are designed to cut power to the Dash Cam if the car battery drops below 11.2 V to help protect the battery.
It is not possible to give an exact time for how long a battery will take to run low, because Battery Management Systems (BMS) and battery sizes vary widely between vehicles. For more specific information about your car’s BMS and typical power use, please contact your vehicle manufacturer.
Extra Tips
Remove camera from vehicle if parking for an extended period of time.
Use Hardwire Kit for parking mode; 12V cable suffices for recording when driving only.
Troubleshooting
If your dashcam will no longer power on when parked, it may have hit the low power cutoff at 11.6V, drive to recharge.
If your camera powering down immediately when the vehicle is turned off, verify permanent fuse connection. With Parking Mode on, the camera should stay on for 5 minutes once you have left the vehicle and then power down into a Low Power mode, waiting for physical movement.
If your car battery is draining faster than expected, ensure that Parking Mode is turned ON. If the issue persists, disconnect non-essential accessories and test without Dash Cam.