Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dashcam installation cost?
My pricing is primarily based on the complexity of the installation, which is determined by the following factors:
the vehicle’s make, model and year
the type of dashcam setup (front dashcam only (1CH), front and rear dashcams (2CH), front, rear and interior dashcams (3CH), front, rear and two interior dashcams (4CH) or externally mounted rear dashcam) and dashcam accessories (external dashcam battery, 4G/LTE module) to be installed
the location for mobile service (if applicable)
miscellaneous requirements (removal of an existing dashcam or other components, additional wiring, etc.)
I’m always happy to provide a free installation quote tailored to you – please reach out by phone, via the website quote request form, or through any of my social media channels.
Do you offer mobile dashcam installation?
I offer a mobile dashcam installation service across the Sydney region. If you’d prefer to bring your vehicle to me, I’m also based in Lidcombe, NSW.
Service areas include, but are not limited to, Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs, Marrickville, Revesby Heights, Peakhurst, Canterbury-Bankstown, Parramatta, Norwest, Hills District, Liverpool, Blacktown, Strathfield, Ryde, Hornsby and surrounding suburbs. Please reach out to discuss your location and requirements.
How long does dashcam installation take?
Installations take ~1.5–3 hours, with most vehicles taking ~1.5 hours for a front and rear hardwire installation (including a ~20-minute dashcam tutorial and vehicle walkaround).
5–10 mins | Inspect the vehicle to plan a suitable dashcam placement and wiring route for your specific make, model and year.
35–80 mins | Prepare the dashcam, hardwire kit, wiring and other components, then work with the interior trim panels to ensure everything is correctly insulated, routed, managed and secured – whether visible or hidden behind trim, the same high standards apply.
20–30 mins | Pre-configure your dashcam settings, such as parking mode and battery protection, followed by a dashcam tutorial and vehicle walkaround.
What is hardwiring, parking mode or an external battery pack?
Hardwiring connects your dashcam to your vehicle’s electrical circuit (typically the fusebox) using a switched and a constant power source, enabling parking mode and a fully concealed power cable behind the trim, rather than one running to your cigarette lighter socket.
Parking mode keeps your dashcam powered after the vehicle is turned off, potentially capturing an incident while you’re away. However, it isn’t truly 24/7, despite what some manufacturers claim. Realistically, you should only expect a few to several hours after the vehicle is turned off, and this can be shorter depending on the vehicle and your driving habits.
An external battery pack sits between the dashcam and your vehicle’s electrical circuit, extending parking mode duration (up to ~20–25 hours) and reducing wear on the vehicle’s own battery, although this wear is minimal when the setup is configured correctly. Whether you need one depends on the vehicle: for some it’s simply optional if you want extra parking mode coverage, while for others it could be necessary or even counterproductive due to vehicle-specific considerations.
Will hardwiring a dashcam damage my vehicle or void its warranty?
My installations involve no wire cutting and are completely reversible. Warranty coverage is ultimately determined by the vehicle manufacturer, but fitting an aftermarket accessory does not by itself void a vehicle’s warranty or your consumer guarantee rights. I apply high workmanship standards throughout every step of the process, including ensuring no factory functions or sensors are affected, and I back this with a lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Which dashcam brand is best – BlackVue, Viofo, Thinkware or 70mai?
There’s no single “best” dashcam; the right choice depends on your vehicle, budget, whether you need a interior or weatherproof exterior camera, and how you use it. I regularly work with all the major dashcam brands, so my advice is based on your requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Here’s my brief take for a front and rear dashcam setup:
For a feature-rich or premium setup, the BlackVue ELITE series stands out for its discreet design and advanced remote access and cloud connectivity, although this requires additional hardware, a data SIM and potentially an ongoing subscription. The Thinkware U3000 Pro is particularly strong for parking mode, with ultra-low power consumption and radar-assisted features that can significantly extend parking mode duration.
For value for money, Viofo offers core features, excellent video quality, good software and solid support. 70mai and DDPAI are also good budget-friendly alternatives.
For external dashcam battery packs, there’s no strict brand compatibility between batteries and dashcams. Common options include BlackVue B-130X, Cellink NEO 8+S/6 Slim, 70mai, Thinkware iVolt Max/Mini and Viofo BP100. Matching brands may offer better app integration or include a suitable wiring harness, potentially saving you some cost.
Ultimately, I’ll talk you through the differences in detail, based on your vehicle, budget, parking requirements and usage.
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