Maya Ellison
Dash cams are a great way to have an extra set of eyes on the road and can bring peace of mind while driving. They can also be used as evidence for legal proceedings or insurance claims. Installing a dash cam is relatively easy and straightforward, and there are a few different ways to attach a dash cam to plastic. The most common way is to use an adhesive mount or sticker, which typically comes with the dash cam. However, it's important to note that adhesives may not work well on plastic surfaces and may leave residue. Another option is to use screws to attach the dash cam to plastic. Additionally, some dash cams use suction cup mounts, but these are not recommended for plastic surfaces as they may not provide a secure hold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal location | Center of the windshield and behind the rear-view mirror |
| Installation time | 15-30 minutes |
| Installation tools | Wiping cloth, cleaning fluid, sticky mount, adhesive pad, etc. |
| Installation steps | Clean the installation location, attach the sticky mount, align the dash cam, run the power and other cables |
| Adhesive type | Static side film with 3M adhesive mount, VHB tape, double-sided adhesive tape |
| Considerations | Avoid plastic trim, dot matrix, dashboard, and defogging line |
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What You'll Learn
- Clean the plastic surface and remove any oil or residue
- Use a static side film with an adhesive mount for hot weather
- Avoid suction cups on plastic as they won't stick well
- Use a sticky mount for a dash cam with an install assistant
- Hide cables behind the rearview mirror, under seats, or around the rear seat
Clean the plastic surface and remove any oil or residue
To attach a dashcam to plastic, it is important to clean the plastic surface first. This will ensure that the adhesive tape or sticker can effectively stick to the surface and that any oil or residue won't interfere with the adhesion.
Firstly, wipe down the plastic surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any initial dust or dirt. If the surface feels greasy or looks oily, use a cleaning fluid or a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) to wipe the area. Vinegar is particularly good at removing grease. You can also use a mild soap and water mixture. If there are any particularly dirty areas, scrub them with a clean cloth or sponge soaked in the vinegar solution.
If you want to remove any scratches from the plastic, you can use dampened sandpaper to buff them out. Soak the sandpaper in water and scrub in a circular motion with firm, even pressure. Rinse the surface after this and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can proceed with attaching the dashcam. Make sure that there is no remaining residue from the cleaning fluid or vinegar solution, as this could interfere with the adhesion.
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Use a static side film with an adhesive mount for hot weather
If your dash cam mount keeps falling off in hot weather, you can use a static side film with an adhesive mount. This is a good option for hot summer days, as the temperature difference between day and night can cause the suction cup bracket to loosen due to thermal expansion and cold contraction.
To install a static side film with an adhesive mount, first select the installation location. Then, use a wiping cloth to clean the area where the mount will be attached. If the area is oily, you can wipe it with cleaning fluid. Ensure that there is no residue on the surface and wait for it to dry.
Next, remove the locking ring on the adhesive mount. Insert the locking ring into the ball head on the magnetic connector bracket and rotate it to lock. Check that the locking ring is aligned when closed. If it is misaligned, loosen the locking ring and lock it again.
After that, attach the static side film to the installation location. Remember that the static side film can only be pasted on a glass surface, not an uneven surface. Use a cloth to squeeze out any air bubbles in the static side film.
Finally, remove the release paper from the adhesive mount and stick it to the static side film. Keep pressing for 30 seconds after sticking to ensure complete attachment. It is recommended to leave the mount for 24 hours after positioning.
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Avoid suction cups on plastic as they won't stick well
Suction cups are not the best option for attaching a dashcam to plastic. This is because the adhesives used for suction cups work best on glass surfaces. Mounting on other materials, such as plastic, leather, or alcantara, will likely result in a weak and insecure hold.
Suction cups are also not ideal for plastic surfaces due to the temperature difference between day and night. Over time, the suction cup bracket will loosen due to thermal expansion and cold contraction. This can cause the dashcam to fall off, especially on hot summer days.
If you want to attach a dashcam to a plastic surface, it is recommended to use an adhesive mount or static side film. These options provide a stronger and more secure hold on plastic and can withstand higher temperatures.
When using an adhesive mount, ensure that the plastic surface is clean and free of any residue or oil. This will ensure a better bond and stronger adhesion. Additionally, consider using a static-cling film or screen protector before attaching the dashcam to avoid any residue on the plastic surface.
Overall, while suction cups may be convenient for glass surfaces, they are not the best choice for attaching a dashcam to plastic due to their weak adhesion and sensitivity to temperature changes.
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Use a sticky mount for a dash cam with an install assistant
Using a sticky mount for a dash cam is a straightforward process. Firstly, you should select the installation location, preferably somewhere centred behind the rear-view mirror, so as not to obstruct the driver's view. The surface should be cleaned with a wiping cloth, and if the area is oily, it can be wiped with cleaning fluid. It is important to ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding.
Next, you can attach the sticky mount to the surface. If you are using a 3M adhesive mount, it is recommended to ensure that the surface is warm to the touch, as this will improve adhesion. You can also use a sanding disc to smooth out the surface if you are attaching the mount to a textured panel. Once the sticky mount is in place, you can attach the dash cam to it.
If you have a dash cam with Wi-Fi and a smartphone app, you can use the live footage feature to choose the optimal position and angle for your dash cam. This will help ensure that the dash cam does not interfere with any car sensors and that you are maximising your viewing angle.
Finally, it is important to note that some users have reported issues with the adhesive pads that come with dash cams, so you may want to purchase additional adhesive pads or use a different type of mount, such as a suction cup or clip-on mount.
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Hide cables behind the rearview mirror, under seats, or around the rear seat
Hiding dashcam cables can be a tricky but satisfying endeavour. There are a few methods to try, depending on your car's interior and your personal preferences. Here are some detailed instructions on how to hide cables behind the rearview mirror, under seats, or around the rear seat:
Hiding Cables Behind the Rearview Mirror
The space behind the rearview mirror is a common choice for hiding dashcam cables. You can carefully tuck the cable into the gap between the mirror and the windshield. This method may require some gentle prying to create enough space to fit the cable. Be cautious to avoid damaging any parts.
Hiding Cables Under Seats
Another option is to route the cable under the seats. This method can be effective, especially if your seats are adjustable. Start by lifting the seat, then guide the cable underneath it, ensuring it is securely tucked away. This approach can be used for both the driver's and passenger's seats, depending on your camera setup.
Hiding Cables Around the Rear Seat
If you have a saloon car with no folding seats, feeding the cable under the roof lining is an option. Gently press the rubber seals back with your thumb and use a blunt instrument to guide the cable. Work your way down one side of the car, tucking any excess cable neatly under the lining. Remember to leave enough cable at the plug ends to reach the camera.
General Tips
When hiding dashcam cables, it's important to ensure they are securely fastened and don't obstruct your driving. Consider using zip ties or clips to keep the cables in place. Additionally, make use of spaces like the door seals, headliners, and the A-pillar to neatly route the cables and prevent them from popping out.
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Frequently asked questions
Adhesives for suction cup mounts are designed to work on glass surfaces, so mounting onto plastic will likely result in a weak and insecure hold. However, you can use a static side film with a 3M adhesive mount, which is a good option for hot weather.
The ideal place to attach a dash cam is at the centre of your windshield and behind the rear-view mirror. This will help maximise your viewing angle and prevent the camera from obstructing the driver's view.
First, choose a well-positioned power source. Most models require a constant power source and some may need hardwiring into your vehicle’s electrical system. Then, use a wiping cloth to clean the area where the dash cam will be attached. If the area is oily, you can wipe it with cleaning fluid. Wait for the surface to dry, then carefully align the dash cam and attach it.
To avoid leaving residue, you can stick a screen protector or static-cling film on the windshield before attaching your dash cam.
Dash cams do not interfere with car sensors, which are mounted directly against the windshield and pointed outwards. However, if you are concerned, you can move the dash cam to a different location on the windshield.
