Where Should I Mount My Dash Cam?
Mounting a dash cam is straightforward, but choosing the right position can make a significant difference to the quality of your footage. A poorly positioned camera may capture obstructed or unclear recordings, and in some cases, could miss important incidents altogether.
Correct dash cam placement helps ensure a clear view of the road ahead while keeping the driver's field of vision unobstructed.
Navman suggests the following when mounting your dash cam:
Best Position for a Front Dash Cam
The ideal mounting position on the windscreen is close to the rear-view mirror, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your vision when driving.
This location provides many benefits including it:
- Captures the widest possible view of the road.
- Keeps the camera out of the driver's direct line of sight ensuring it is not distracting the driver.
When installing the camera, avoid mounting it on blue-tinted sections of the windscreen or over the black dotted areas around the glass, commonly known as ‘frits’. These textured surfaces can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive mount and may affect long-term stability.
Rear Camera/Side Impact Zone Camera Placement
If your dash cam includes a rear camera or side impact zone camera (housed in the rear camera unit), mount it as close to the centre of the rear window as possible.
Positioning the camera off-centre can reduce image quality and focus because many rear cameras are designed to be adjusted vertically rather than side-to-side.
A centred installation helps ensure:
- Better image clarity.
- Improved coverage of the road behind.
- More accurate side impact zone recording
Ensure The Area Is Clean
Before mounting a dash cam, it is recommended that you clean the windscreen with rubbing alcohol to make sure the installation area is free of dust oil and grease.
Adjust The Camera Angle
Once the cameras are mounted, adjust the angle to ensure the camera is pointing straight ahead and the view is level with the road. For best coverage aim to have roughly half the image view showing the road and half showing the sky - a 50:50 ratio.
Check Your Product Manual
Mounting recommendations can vary between models. Always refer to your dash cam's user manual for product-specific installation instructions and safety guidance.
View your user manual here.
The right dash cam placement can help you capture clearer footage and provide a reliable record of your journey when it matters most.