How to fit a dash cam

This video is a general overview on how to fit your dash cam and all cars will be different. Our fitting experts are experienced and trained to hardwire dash cams, so if you do have any questions please do get in touch with us.

Hardwiring your dash cam into your car will allow you to get the most out of technology, avoid trailing wires and ensure that your dash cam is working whenever your engine is turned on.

In this article, we provide an overview of how you can install a front and rear dash cam, including the tools you’ll need and the factors that you need to bear in mind to achieve a safe and secure fit.

What you'll need

To install a dash cam, you'll need the following tools:

  • Dash cam
  • Dash cam hardwire kit
  • Cable ties
  • Gloves
  • Trim tool
  • Multimeter
  • Socket set
  • Screwdrivers
  • Insulation tape
  • Cable cutters

Check compatibility

The exact method of installing a dash cam can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Before you get started, make sure that you check your fuse box to ensure it’s compatible with your hardwire kit.

If you have any questions, pop into your local Halfords store and our colleagues will be happy to help. We also offer a dash cam fitting service where we’ll take care of all the hard work for you.

Front camera installation

  1. Start by locating the fuse box in your car. Refer to the fuse box diagram, which can usually be found in your car’s user manual and identify an ignition switched fuse (comfort circuit fuses only; for example, rear wiper or cigarette lighter).
  2. Position your dash cam where it can capture the best view of the road, which should ideally be on the passenger side of your rear-view mirror so that it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s vision.
  3. It’s also important to make sure that the lens of the camera is within the swept area of your windscreen wipers, so that the camera can continue to record smoothly in wet conditions. The recommended position is no more than 40mm within this swept area.
  4. Plan a route from your dash cam to the fuse box, which will likely run across the top of the window and down the A-pillar. Ideally you want to work around the passenger side of the vehicle to avoid the pedals and steering column.
  5. Route the cable from the hardwire kit neatly across the top of the windscreen (while fitting the ferrite ring) and then root down the A-pillar, following any existing wiring and avoiding the airbags. Use a trim tool to carefully remove any trim and secure the dash cam cable with cable ties.
  6. Remove the existing fuse and insert it into a fuse spur. Then insert the spur into the fuse position, making sure that the circuit is in parallel, not series.
  7. Connect the earth cable to a suitable metal screw or bolt on the chassis.
    The connection needs to have minimal resistance to ensure that the dash cam receives a good 12V supply. You can check this by connecting one multimeter probe to a good earth point on your car and the other to the bolt you intend to use. Measure the resistance/continuity between the two points. A low value means that the bolt you intend to use will work well as an earth point.
  8. Connect the power cable into the fuse spur and insulate the connection with insulation tape. This prevents the cable and spur from disconnecting from one another and avoids the risk of any frayed ends causing shorts.
  9. Test the dash cam to make sure that it’s working correctly. Also check that the camera turns on and off when you start and switch off your car.
  10. Tidy any remaining wiring and loosely tie it with a cable tie. You should also use cable ties to secure the components of the hardwire kit in suitable locations.
  11. Replace and resecure any panelling or trim that you’ve removed.

Rear camera installation

  1. First, check that there’s no interference with your car radio’s DAB signal by connecting the rear camera to the front camera and passing the cable over the seats to the rear. Use the ferrite core if needed.
  2. Position your rear dash cam. This would normally be at the bottom of your rear windscreen, in the centre.
  3. Plan a route from your front dash cam to your rear dash cam. Depending on the camera connector, you can either root the rear dash cam wiring from the front or the back of the vehicle.
  4. We’d always recommend routing along the passenger side of your vehicle, as this will help you to avoid antenna wiring (which could cause interference) and the pedals, steering column and controls on the driver’s side.
  5. Use a trim tool to carefully remove any trim and follow as much of the OEM wiring loom as possible, using cable ties to secure the wires. Avoid routing into the roof liner as this could contain possible curtain airbags.
  6. Mount the rear camera using the adhesive mount supplied. Ensure the contact area is clean to allow maximum adhesion.
  7. Connect the front and rear cameras together and ensure that both are working correctly.
  8. Replace and resecure any panelling or trim that you’ve removed.

Dash cam fitting at Halfords

If you’d prefer to get some professional support with your dash cam fitting, then we’ll be happy to help. You can book a fitting appointment with us when you purchase a new dash cam (either online or in-store) or if you’d like to have an existing dash cam fitted, then simply pay a visit to your local Halfords and one our colleagues can arrange this for you.

You can find out more about our dash cam fitting service here, including how to book an appointment and fitting prices.

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