Guide to Choosing Dashcams for Cars

Why aren't black box dashcams installed in cars before they leave the factory?

The majority of components in cars are supplied by various suppliers, and adding a dash cam means increasing costs significantly. Many car manufacturers try to cut costs where possible, especially since there is no mandatory requirement from the government.

Most competitors also don't include dashcams in their vehicles, contributing to the thriving aftermarket dashcam market. Additionally, many car models are designed for the international market, and in some countries that prioritize privacy (with fewer staged accidents), the use of dashcam for cars is prohibited (though a few countries mandate installation).

Therefore, most car companies do not consider dashcams black box camera for car during the initial design phase.

Are black box dashcams installed by authorized dealers reliable?

Some car manufacturers collaborate with suppliers to offer aftermarket "original" dashcams, which are essentially OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or contract-manufactured (with added intellectual property).

This is similar to the model used for original engine oil and wipers. For example, certain 4S (Sales, Spare parts, Service, Survey) dealerships for SAIC Volkswagen and SAIC General Motors' Buick offer these "original" dashcams.

They are often provided for free by 4S dealerships, usable for a year or two, and can be replaced without much concern if any issues arise. If factored into the car price as a discount, it might be more worthwhile to opt for a cash discount or choose maintenance or service vouchers.

Buying a black box dashcam of your choice separately can be more convenient and tailored to your preferences.

Dealerships will likely claim that original dashcams black box camera for car are expensive and of high quality (although they are often available at a lower cost on certain online platforms).

While the quality is generally decent, as they are produced under the car manufacturer's authorization, some users may find them troublesome. The accompanying mobile app might be subpar, and firmware updates can be cumbersome, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction.

There is another category of black box dashcam manufacturers that primarily operate through offline channels, supplying products to 4S dealerships and repair shops, which then mark up the prices or include them in your car purchase incentives.

The variety of models from these manufacturers is extensive, and the quality may vary. As long as they are from reputable brands, the quality theoretically should be acceptable, given the higher profit margins and the lack of need for excessive cost-cutting.

However, if you receive a poorly crafted, seemingly overpriced dash cam, it's advisable to reject it outright. If they can't get it right on the outside, the internal quality might be even more questionable.

These products are often marketed as "original custom" or "dedicated to specific vehicles," forming a branch within the dashcam market, with a more common presence in luxury cars. Additionally, some online brands offer products specifically for offline sales, with pricing aligning with the offline market.

In summary, the decision to choose an original or aftermarket dashcam depends on personal preferences, as both options have their pros and cons."