Tesla Dashcam - Ultimate Guide

On the road, unexpected things can happen. As a Tesla driver, you can be glad that the Tesla Dashcam is available in the Model 3 and Model Y. In this article, you’ll learn which settings you need to activate to ensure that the Dashcam in your Tesla functions smoothly. You’ll discover what options are available, how to set them up, and how to access the recordings later. By the end, you'll know exactly how to save a Dashcam video, what settings to adjust, and how to use the recordings.

• Format Tesla USB Stick
• Tesla Dashcam Settings
• Save Tesla Dashcam Videos
• View Dashcam Recordings
• What Happens When the Storage is Full?
• Tesla Dashcam Privacy
• Conclusion

Format Tesla USB Stick

Before you can use the Dashcam, you need a USB stick that is properly formatted. Tesla provides an exFAT-formatted USB stick with all new vehicles, which you can use. This stick is connected in the glove compartment.

If you still want to format it manually, go to Vehicle -> Safety -> Format USB Drive. This will automatically format it to exFAT and create the TeslaCam folder on the stick.

Every Tesla Model 3 and Model Y is equipped with eight cameras, four of which are used for the Dashcam. These are the same four cameras used for the Tesla Sentry Mode. They are located at the front top center, rear above the license plate, and on the left and right door sides. The Tesla Dashcam only records video files without sound.

Tesla Dashcam Settings

To activate the Tesla Dashcam, go to the vehicle menu under "Vehicle" and then "Safety." If your Tesla is new, the Dashcam function is likely still deactivated. Once the USB stick is connected, you can activate the Dashcam. Several options are available to you:

• Manual Dashcam Recording: This option automatically saves a defined period (between 1 and 10 minutes) when you manually trigger the recording.
• Automatic Dashcam Recording: This option automatically saves up to 10 minutes of video to the USB stick when the vehicle detects a safety event such as an accident or airbag deployment. This option is highly recommended because in a stressful situation, you rarely think about starting the recording manually.
• Dashcam Recording When Honking: This function automatically saves a Dashcam clip when you honk. This setting is also useful because in dangerous situations, you often honk instinctively, ensuring that the relevant clip is saved.

If you are using a new USB stick, you should format it via the vehicle menu to ensure it functions correctly.

Save Tesla Dashcam Videos

There are several ways to save a Dashcam video:

1. Honking: Simply honk briefly, and the last 5 minutes will be automatically saved.
2. Via the Vehicle Menu: Go to "Vehicle" and tap on "Record." A red dot indicates that recording is currently in progress. Tap on it to save the last 5 minutes. You can also pause the recording and resume it later.

    

View Dashcam Recordings

To view the saved Tesla Dashcam recordings, you can remove the USB stick from the glove compartment and read it on a computer. Alternatively, you can access the recordings directly in the vehicle through the Dashcam menu. Here you can switch between the different camera perspectives (front, left, right, rear) and view all saved clips.

What Happens When the Storage is Full?

When the storage of your USB stick in the Tesla is full, new recordings will be made, and the oldest clips will be overwritten. So you don't have to worry about not being able to save important videos because the storage space is full.

Tesla Dashcam Privacy

In Germany, privacy is a big concern. All Dashcam recordings are stored exclusively on the USB stick and are not transmitted to Tesla. However, keep in mind that you are responsible for the use of this data. In case of an emergency, you should seek legal advice, but the recordings have already helped many Tesla drivers prove their innocence in accidents.

Conclusion

With the Tesla Dashcam, you are well-equipped to have evidence at hand in case of an incident. The setup is simple, and with the right settings, you don’t have to worry about losing important recordings. Don’t forget to also learn about Tesla Sentry Mode, which is covered in a separate article.

If this article was helpful, let us know and visit our website tesla-outfitters.com. There you’ll find high-quality accessories for your Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and much more!