5 Top Tips To Maximize Your Motorcycle Battery Life While Using a Dash Cam

For many bikers, the thrill of long rides coincides with freedom and adventure, but nothing can derail a perfect ride faster than a drained battery.

The same goes for motorcycles with dash cams installed, regardless of whether they're smart devices with advanced functionality or basic models. While these devices are helpful, they surely put an additional strain on your bike's battery, especially over longer trips if not adjusted.

Truth is – motorcycle batteries are already tasked with keeping your engine running, powering extra pair of lights, and ensuring the proper functioning of other electrical systems.

In other words, adding a dash cam into the mix can drain your battery a little more than you might expect. Therefore, understanding how to preserve your battery’s life is vital, especially when using a dash cam for long rides.

This guide will walk you through 5 actionable tips to help you maximize your motorcycle battery’s lifespan while using a dash cam. Whether you're using a smart model with GPS tracking and AI or a basic setup, these tips will ensure your bike stays charged and ready for the long haul.

Understanding Your Motorcycle Battery and Dash Cam Power Requirements

Before diving into tips and tricks, it’s wise to understand the relationship between your motorcycle's battery and the power consumption of your dash cam.

Types of Motorcycle Batteries

Your motorcycle’s battery is the heart of its electrical system, and understanding what type of battery you have will help you make better decisions about power consumption.

Here are the 3 most common types of motorcycle batteries:

● Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion): These are lightweight, more efficient, and have a longer lifespan. They're often used in higher-end motorcycles and are known for their fast charging capabilities.

● Lead-Acid: Older models tend to use these batteries, which are heavier but still reliable. They are affordable but require regular maintenance.

● AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): A modern twist on the traditional lead-acid battery, AGM batteries are sealed and maintenance-free, offering better performance than standard lead-acid batteries.

Dash Cam Power Consumption: Smart vs. Standard Models

Now let’s talk about your dash cam.

The power requirements can vary greatly between smart and standard models.

● Smart Dash Cams: These devices often have advanced features such as GPS, real-time data tracking, and AI-powered functionalities (such as collision or blind spot detection). While these features are great for safety and convenience, they do draw power. Smart dash cams, if installed properly consume barely any power and won't drain your battery.

● Standard Dash Cams: These models focus on basic recording, offering less fancy features but still providing essential video footage. Their power consumption is usually lower, around 150-250mA.

Matching Your Battery’s Capacity with Your Power Needs

If your motorcycle battery doesn’t have enough capacity to power your bike and dash cam for an extended period, you’ll run into trouble.

Always ensure that your battery has sufficient charge to handle both your motorcycle’s standard needs and the additional draw from your dash cam. This means checking your battery’s voltage regularly and, if needed, opting for a higher-capacity battery that can handle the extra power draw.

Tip 1: Optimize Dash Cam Settings for Lower Power Consumption

One of the easiest ways to prolong your motorcycle battery life is by adjusting the settings of your dash cam. Dash cams, especially the smart models have customizable settings that allow you to reduce power consumption without compromising essential functionality.

Adjust Video Resolution and Frame Rate

Dash cams typically come with video resolutions, from 720p to 4K. While higher resolutions provide better video quality, they also consume more power. Opt for 1080p resolution instead of 4K if you prefer to extend your battery life.

Similarly, reducing the frame rate from 60fps to 30fps can help cut down on energy consumption without sacrificing video clarity.

Enable Motion Detection or Parking Mode Only When Necessary

Smart dash cams, such as those offered by Chigee feature motion detection or parking mode.  This mode automatically starts recording when it detects movement or after you've parked your bike. While these features are useful, they draw power (a little) if left on constantly.

It's better to activate them only when you need them, like when parking for a long time or when you're having an active ride.

Tip 2: Use a Voltage Protection Device or Battery Saver

One of the most effective ways to protect your motorcycle battery from the constant drain is by using a voltage protection device or battery saver. These devices act as a buffer between your gadget's drainage and your motorcycle's battery, preventing deep discharges that can shorten the battery's life.

How Voltage Protection Devices Work?

A voltage protection device monitors the voltage level of your battery and automatically disconnects the dash cam or other devices when the voltage drops below a certain threshold. This prevents motorcycle battery from being overdrained and ensures you have enough power to start your bike when you're ready to ride again.

Product Recommendations

There are several voltage protection devices and battery savers available that are compatible with most motorcycles. If you're using a Chigee dash cam, you can rest assured that these motorbike dash cams consume little to no power and are incredibly reliable for longer rides.

Tip 3: Regularly Check and Maintain Your Battery

A little maintenance goes a long way towards maintaining your motorcycle battery in good health. Regularly checking your battery for signs of wear and tear can help prevent issues before they become major problems.

Battery Maintenance Tips

● Clean the Terminals: Dirt and corrosion on your battery terminals can reduce the flow of electricity. Clean them regularly using a mixture of baking soda and water.

● Check Fluid Levels (for Lead-Acid Batteries): If you’re using a lead-acid battery, check the fluid levels periodically and top them up with distilled water if needed.

● Test Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to test your battery's voltage regularly.

A fully charged 12V conventional lead-acid motorcycle battery should read around 12.6V to 12.8V when fully charged and at rest (not being charged or under load). AGM or Gel batteries, on the other hand, tend to have a slightly higher resting voltage, typically around 12.8V to 13.0V when fully charged.

If your motorcycle battery reads below 12.4V at rest, it’s likely partially discharged, and anything below 12.0V may indicate a deeply discharged or faulty battery.

BONUS: Chigee dash cams display battery status on screen display for riders convenience.

Tools and Apps for Monitoring Battery Health

Consider investing in a battery tester or app that helps you track the health of your motorcycle’s battery. These tools can provide detailed information about your battery’s capacity, charge cycle, and overall performance, helping you catch potential issues early.

Tip 4: Invest in a Secondary Power Source

For long-distance riders, using an external battery pack or power bank can significantly reduce the strain on your motorcycle's battery. These devices can keep your dash cam running without draining your bike's primary battery.

External Battery Packs for Dash Cams

Portable power banks designed for motorcycles can be easily connected to your bike's electrical system. These power banks provide a steady flow of power to your dash cam, allowing it to operate independently of your motorcycle's battery.

Solar-Powered Chargers

For riders who love the open road, solar-powered chargers are a terrific option. These devices can charge your bike’s battery or provide power to your dash cam even when you’re not riding, ensuring you're always ready for the next adventure.

Tip 5: Upgrade to a High-Capacity Battery

If you're using your motorcycle for long rides and frequently rely on your dash cam, upgrading to a high-capacity battery is a worthwhile investment. These batteries are designed to handle higher loads and provide reliable power.

Benefits of High-Capacity Batteries

A high-capacity battery can support additional devices, such as fog lights or dash cams, without draining quickly. If you often ride for hours at a time or use multiple accessories, a more powerful battery will provide the reliability you need to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

Popular High-Capacity Batteries

When considering an upgrade, look for batteries designed for high-performance motorcycles. Brands like Yuasa, Shorai, and Antigravity offer high-capacity options ideal for riders using dash cams.

Bonus: Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues

No matter how well you maintain your motorcycle, things can go wrong.

Here are a few common issues to watch out for:

Signs of an Overworked Battery

● Difficulty starting the motorcycle

● Dim or flickering lights

● A weak or inconsistent electrical connection

How to Safely Jump-Start a Drained Battery

The ability to jump-start your motorbike safely when the battery is drained is essential. Always use the proper equipment, follow the correct sequence, and ensure the jump leads are connected properly to prevent damage to the electrical system.

Conclusion

Your motorcycle’s battery is the lifeblood of your ride. By following these 5 simple tips you can ensure that your bike and dash cam stay powered up for longer rides.

Remember, regular maintenance and smart power management can prevent the dreaded dead battery on the road. And if you're looking for reliable dash cams to complement your riding experience, be sure to check out the Chigee line of high-quality dash cams designed specifically for riders. Enjoy your ride.