The use of dashboard cameras is becoming more and more widespread. Besides their video recordings being recognized as evidence in courts, they also provide many benefits such as recording accidents, providing security, and ensuring insurance coverage. Although mounting dash cams will have wires to deal with inside your car, you don’t need to worry as you can hide those for a tidy installation.
6 Steps to Hide Dash Cam Wires
So, how do you hide dash cam wires? Here are the steps:
Step 1: Mount Your Dash Cam
Attach your dash cam to your windshield and lock it in place. Some vehicles have a console in the top center of their windshield. If your car has that console, you can stick your dash camera instead of your windshield.
Step 2: Plug in the CableÂ
Plug in the USB power cable. There may be a cover on newer vehicles, which you can use to conceal the cable. For older vehicles, if your wire is close to the mirror post, you can tape it to that post. Otherwise, keep it straight, don’t attach it to the windshield because it’s unnecessary.
Step 3: Start on the HeadlinerÂ
The headliner can usually be softly pulled down in most automobiles. So, tuck the wire inside the headliner’s edge. I recommend tucking the power cable towards the passenger side because a dropped cable will not interfere with your driving. Then, keep tucking until you reach the car’s A-pillar.
Step 4: Run the Wire Down the Window or into the Weather Stripping
Once your wire reaches the A-pillar(one of two support posts that are positioned on either side of the windshield of a vehicle), you can either:
Run the Wire Down the Window
If you prefer to run the wire alongside your window, you may need to use electrical tape or wire clips because the trim on your windshield can be tough to press into. When you get to the end, pull it out, place it alongside your dashboard, and then run it until it reaches beneath your dashboard.
Run the Wire Inside the Weather Stripping
I recommend this method over the other one because it’s easier and hides more cabling. So, pull back the weather stripping and open the plastic trim piece on the side of your car with a trim removal kit. Once that trim piece is slightly open, tuck the cable behind that and bring it to the weather stripping. Then, tuck the dash cam cable to the edge of the weather stripping, down to your dashboard’s bottom. After that, reattach the weather.
Step 5: Tuck the Cable Underneath Your Dashboard
Look beneath the dashboard for any hooks or spots where you can put your power cable. You can also fasten the wire to that area with adhesive wire clips or electrical tape.
Step 6: Finishing TouchesÂ
If your dash cam’s cable length is much longer, then you’ll most likely have excess wiring after you fastened the wire underneath your dashboard. In that case, you can use a tie wrap to bundle up the extra wiring. Then, tuck it in the panel near your car’s 12/24v cigarette lighter, where you will plug in your dash cam charger.
However, if in the scenario where the cable length is already enough, and there’s no excess, then it’s good. Plug your dash cam charger into your car’s cigarette lighter, and you’re good to go!
Important Tips to Consider
When mounting/installing a wired dash cam in your vehicle, it’s crucial to consider the following:
Tip 1: Specific Model ResearchÂ
Look for wiring diagrams, airbag positions, and how to remove trim pieces for your vehicle. Knowing this will make it easier to conceal your dash cam wiring without causing damage. Your user manual and online forms will provide all the necessary information.
Tip 2: Purchase a Trim Removal Kit
Investing in a trim removal kit can make it much easier to conceal your wiring. A trim tool kit usually includes a selection of plastic and metal pry tools in various sizes. However, I suggest using plastic rather than metal tools because they are less likely to damage your car’s interior. (1)
Tip 3: Use Adhesive Wire Clips or Electrical Tape
Ideally, you’ll want adhesive wire clips to make arranging your dash cam cable a snap. They’re often included in your tool kits. An adhesive wire clip has a sticky side for sticking to a surface and a hook on the other side for inserting the wire.
You can purchase these clips at a cheap price online. However, if you would like, you can use electrical tape instead. That is still a good idea, especially if it will be hidden behind your dashboard.
Tip 4: Clean the Windshield’s Surface
Cleaning the area of your windshield where your dash cam will be mounted is a good idea before installing it. Rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. It will aid in the removal of any grease or filth from your windshield.
Tip 5: Put Water into Your Dash Cam’s Suction CupÂ
Adding a drop of water to the suction cup on your dash cam will help it stick to your windshield much better. I suggest using hot or warm tap water. The heat will soften the suction cup, making it malleable enough to provide a more secure grasp. (2)
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
- How to run wire through walls horizontally
- How to hook up 2 amps with 1 power wire
- How to wire an ignition coil diagram
References
(1) Investing – https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/what-is-investing/
(2) tap water – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327395
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