Dash Cams vs. Traditional Car Security Systems: Which is Better?

Drivers are actively seeking better ways to safeguard their vehicles with the alarming increase in car theft and accidents. And once you start looking, you will be faced with 2 options – dash cams and traditional car security systems. 

While both serve the same purpose (protect your vehicle), they do so in very different ways. Car owners often prefer 1080p or 4K dashcams with 24/7 monitoring over conventional security systems. While traditional car security systems have dominated the market for decades, dashcams carry a number of advantages over their traditional counterparts as a reliable and versatile security solution. 

From AI dashcam to HD recording and 24/7 monitoring, dashcams record all the important details that can deter criminals and assist in accident investigations.

This article will explore the benefits and limitations of each, helping you make an informed decision about which security solution best meets your needs.

Understanding Dashcams

What is a Dash Cam?

A dash cam, short for “dashboard camera”, is a small device that can be mounted in a vehicle for various good reasons. Mounted on the windshield or dashboard, dash cams continuously capture video while driving and, in many cases, even when parked. 

Modern dash cams come equipped with high-definition cameras, AI, GPS tracking, motion detection, and loop recording to ensure every incident is captured, even when storage space is full.

Benefits of Dash Cams

Dash cams go beyond safety:

Real-time evidence

In the event of an accident or theft, dashcams provide video evidence that can be critical for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

GPS tracking and speed monitoring

Dashcams like “AKY-V360S” come with GPS to record your exact location and speed, providing additional context in the event of an incident.

Protection against hit-and-runs

Dash cams can record events while your car is parked, capturing details such as license plates of hit-and-run vehicles.

Advanced Features in Modern Dash Cams

Modern dash cams come equipped with AI-powered features, such as collision warnings, driver fatigue detection, voice command functionality, and cloud storage for footage. These smart features make dashcams an indispensable tool for improving both security and driving safety.

Understanding Traditional Car Security Systems

What are Traditional Car Security Systems?

Traditional car security systems include tools such as alarms, immobilizers, and steering wheel locks. These systems focus on preventing theft or unauthorized access to your vehicle. 

Car alarms sound an audible alert when someone attempts to break into the vehicle, while immobilizers prevent the engine from being started without the correct key or authentication.

Benefits of Traditional Security Systems

Traditional security systems focus primarily on theft deterrence:

Alarms deter theft

A loud car alarm can scare off potential thieves before they get too close to your vehicle.

Immobilizers prevent unauthorized access

Immobilizers are a more technical solution, preventing your car from starting without the correct key or fob.

GPS tracking for stolen vehicles

Advanced traditional systems may include GPS tracking, allowing authorities to locate your vehicle in the event of theft.

Limitations of Traditional Security Systems

While effective at preventing theft, traditional systems have limitations:

No visual evidence

Unlike dashcams, traditional systems do not provide video footage, leaving you without evidence in the event of an incident.

Sometimes False alarms

Car alarms often go off accidentally, leading to a high rate of false alarms that may be ignored by people nearby.

Installation and maintenance

Many traditional systems require professional installation and regular maintenance, adding to their overall cost.

Dash Cams: Security and Beyond

24/7 Surveillance Capabilities

One of the key advantages of dashcams is their ability to provide 24/7 surveillance, especially with features like parking mode. Even when your vehicle is parked, dash cams can activate in response to motion or impacts, capturing incidents that occur when you’re away.

Capturing Footage for Legal Evidence

In addition to preventing fraud in insurance claims, dashcams provide irrefutable visual evidence in the event of an accident or collision. Whether you're involved in a fender-bender or witness an incident while driving, having video footage can resolve disputes quickly and fairly.

Non-Security Uses of Dash Cams

Dash cams are not just for security. They can also capture scenic drives, and memorable road trips, or even act as a tool for monitoring driver behavior. Parents can use dash cams to keep an eye on their teen drivers, or fleet managers can monitor employee driving habits.

Traditional Car Security Systems: A Deeper Look

Types of Theft Protection

Traditional systems include a mix of electronic (alarms, immobilizers) and physical (steering wheel locks) theft deterrents. These systems add layers of protection by creating obstacles that require skill or time to bypass.

Installation and Maintenance Costs

While dash cams are often easy to install, traditional security systems, particularly alarms and immobilizers, usually require professional installation. Additionally, maintenance costs may be incurred to ensure the systems function optimally.

Side-by-side comparison of dashcam and security camera 

Feature	Dashcam	Traditional Security Systems
1. Cost	Generally affordable with DIY installation.	Can be expensive and will require professional installation.
2. Ease of use	Plug-and-play, user-friendly.	May require technical expertise.
3. Evidence collection	Provides visual proof with time and location stamps.	No evidence collection, only alarms or deterrence.
4. Thief deterrence	Deter thieves with emergency sensors and capture events.	Alarms and locks can scare off potential thieves.
5. Monitoring and alerts	Continuous monitoring, even when parked.	Alerts only when the vehicle is tampered with.

Which one is better? Dashcam or Security Camera

Scenario-Based Analysis

• If you prioritize evidence: Dash cams are invaluable for providing real-time visual documentation of incidents. They can capture hit-and-runs, road accidents, and parking lot incidents, giving you peace of mind that every event is recorded.
• If you prioritize prevention: Traditional car security systems may be better if your focus is on preventing theft. Alarms and immobilizers can deter thieves before they cause any damage or steal your vehicle.

However, using both systems in tandem can offer the most comprehensive protection. A dash cam records incidents, while a traditional alarm system deters thieves—this combination provides both prevention and evidence.

Conclusion

To sum it up, dashcams provide protection that traditional car security systems simply can't match. While its features are effective theft deterrents, they lack the essential features dashcams bring. 

For those looking to enhance their vehicle’s security, dash cams are the clear winner. Their ability to actively monitor and record, even when you're not around, makes them an essential tool for modern-day security. When it comes to choosing the best solution, dash cams go beyond prevention—they provide the reassurance that your vehicle is always being watched, day or night.

Read also: AI Dashcam: Exploring the AI Features of Modern Dashcams