What is Loop Recording On a Dash Cam and How Does It Work?

Loop recording is a feature on the dash cam that records the video and when the storage card reaches its maximum capacity, it overwrites the oldest part of the recording. With this mode, you do not need to intervene yourself. Without the loop recording on your dash cam, the camera will stop storing any videos once the card reaches its capacity.

When you use a loop recording feature, the videos are converted into small segments before they’re stored on the memory card. These segments can be anywhere between 1 – 5 minutes. In this way, when the storage is about to reach its maximum level, the oldest 5 minutes video is deleted which makes the space for the newest recording. In this way you can also get rid of the old videos that are not needed.

1. Continuous Recording

With the loop recording mode, your camera record videos all the time without any interruption. Without this, your camera can stop saving any video at all which will make them useless. In this way you dash cam is always there to record any new event that are happening. It is very important in case of unfortune incidents that can happen like accidents.

2. No Need for Manual Deletion

Without the loop recording, you will have to delete all the old video manually to make some space for new recordings. This can be very time consuming and can also be the reason for losing important videos. With the loop recording in hand, you don’t have to worry about doing any of this, as dash cam itself will delete older unnecessary videos.

3. Efficient Use of Storage

One of the best uses of loop recording is that it will use the provided storage space effectively. By recording the video in loop mode, the useless videos are deleted automatically which makes more storage space. So, if you are using a memory card that has limited space, this feature makes sures you don’t lose latest videos.

4. Reliable Evidence in Case of an Incident

In worst case scenario, if you are involved in an accident and your dash cam doesn’t have the latest recording in it, you can get in lot of trouble. With this mode, the camera makes sure you never run out of storage and there is always some space for the latest videos. This makes the cam most likely to capture the incidents that will be reliable evidence.

5. Prevents Recording Gaps

If you don’t have a loop recording on a dash cam, you might not be able to capture all the details. As the camera stops saving files when its memory storage device reaches the max capacity. Due to this you might see recording gaps in your records. But with a loop mode in a cam, you will be free of all these problems.

6. Ideal for Long Trips

When you are going on a long road trip, having footage of all your journey can be very beneficial. It can also act as your proof of activity in case you need it. With the loop recording you can get the recording of all the events that wouldn’t be possible without it. And if you are on a long trip for any other purpose, you will have peace of mind knowing the video itself is getting updated.

Segmented Video Files

Loop recording mode saves the videos in small segments of 1 to 5 minutes. This helps to manage the file easily and help the camera for overwriting the oldest files.

Automatic Overwriting

When the storage of the card attached to the dash cam reaches its max capacity, the oldest video is overwritten with the latest one.

Emergency Lock Button

If you feel like the current video recording might be helpful for you, it can be locked. With the emergency lock button, the camera does not overwrite it and saves it unless you delete it manually.

Adjustable Loop Length

It is possible for you to adjust the length of these video segments. You can find the option to do so in the camera settings for your convenience.

Continuous Power Supply

Loop recordings cams also need a power supply all the time to work properly. You can find the hardwiring kit that comes with the camera or buy it separately, so it works all the time.

G-Sensor for Incident Detection

Some cameras have G-Sensor that saves the video segment permanently. This mode sends the signal to the dash cam whenever it detects any sudden movement or change in speed that is possible in case of accident.

Wide-Angle Lens

Dash cams have wide angled lenses to capture as much detail as possible. This lets you get the video in detail so there is no missing event.

High-Resolution Video Quality

Dash cameras can record the video in high quality like 1080p or even more than that. This lets you record the videos that can provide better evidence and readability.

Night Vision Capability

Some dash cams also have Night Vision mode. This allows your camera to record clear videos even in low dark areas.

Storage Capacity and Card Support

Some dash cams let you attach a higher capacity card in them. This will allow you to have longer recordings in your dash cam.

Related: How to Format Micro SD Card for Your Dash Cam

The time for which a dash camera record depends on many things. If you are using a dash cam in low settings and with less features, it can possibly record for many days. Usually dash camera records all the time and with loop recording mode, you can not worry about storage at all. With higher storage space, you can have the footage of days before it starts overwriting them.

128GB memory cards are usually enough for everyday use. A 128GB memory card can keep continuous video for about 20-24 hours of 1080p video. If you are using the lower resolution settings, you can have the video of up to 48 hours or more.

Read More: 
How Many Gigabytes Would Be Enough For Dash Cams

A 256GB memory card provides a lot of space for users to keep the recording for many days. With this card in your camera, a dash cam can store around 2 days of nonstop video in 1080 resolution. If you are using lower settings like 720p, it can keep 4-5 days of continuous video.

Use a High-Quality SD Card

With a high-Quality SD card from brands like Samsung, SanDisk, Red Tiger you are free from worries of getting you videos corrupted.

Enable the G-Sensor Feature

G-Sensor saves the videos permanently and sends the alert to the user by detecting sudden impacts.

Regularly Check and Maintain Your SD Card

Maintain your SD card by checking it regularly to see for any faults or damage that can prevent the videos from being saved.

Use Parking Mode

If your dash camera has a parking mode, use it to record incidents when you are away from your vehicle.

Lock Important Footage

You can lock the important file that is saved separately to avoid it from getting deleted automatically.

Choose a Dash Cam with Reliable Loop Recording

Choose a dash cam that only overwrites the normal videos and doesn’t affect the locked or permanently saved videos.

Loop recording feature is very helpful for many different purposes. It provides nonstop recordings, so you never miss any important details. By choosing a dash cam that supports storage, features and settings you can always have important videos whenever or wherever you need them. This also gives peace of mind knowing your car is always being recorded.