Dashcam Keeps Restarting While Driving: Power and Card Checks

TL;DR: If your dashcam keeps restarting while driving, the issue often stems from unstable power connections or a faulty or incompatible memory card. Checking your power source and using a high-quality, properly formatted microSD card usually resolves the problem.

Top picks for dashcams

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Best Pick

Nexus 5S

$399.99

4-Channel Full Coverage Four STARVIS 2 Sensors LTE Connectivity 10s Buffered Pre-Recording Motion Detection.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Best Value

Nexus 4 Pro S

$379.99

Triple STARVIS 2 Sensors 3-Channel 4K+1080P+2.5K Recording PlatePix™ License Plate Capture Optional LTE Live Monitoring

Check Latest Price See More Picks

E360 ACE

$299.99

Front and Cabin: 5.2K 360-degree panoramic recording, Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 Sensor, Quad-Core CPU offers greater efficiency Multiple recording modes 8 Infrared LED lights improve night vision capability.

Check Latest Price See More Picks

Quick overview

• Unstable or insufficient power supply can cause dashcam restarts.
• A faulty or low-quality microSD card often leads to recording interruptions.
• Proper installation and the right accessories improve performance and reliability.

What to look for in Canada

Canadian drivers face unique challenges for dashcams, especially related to climate and power systems in vehicles. Cold winters can affect battery and power delivery, leading to reboot cycles if the dashcam is not getting steady voltage. Similarly, extreme heat during summer months can cause hardware issues. Dashcams with good heat dissipation and cold temperature tolerance are essential.

When it comes to the memory card, not all microSD cards are created equal. For dashcams, it’s critical to choose cards labeled as "high endurance" or designed for continuous video recording. These cards handle constant writing without corrupting data or causing the dashcam to restart. Formatting the card in the dashcam (not a computer) is a best practice to ensure compatibility.

Parking mode features require stable power management. Without a proper power source or hardwire kit that offers low-voltage cut-off protection, your dashcam may shut down when the car’s ignition is off, or repeatedly restart during power dips.

My recommendation

If you frequently experience your dashcam restarting while driving, start by upgrading your microSD card to a Canadian-available high endurance model such as the SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance, which are widely available in stores across Canada. This simple upgrade alone fixes the majority of recording issues related to restarts.

Next, check your power setup. For casual users who use their dashcams only during driving and plug into a cigarette lighter, ensure the adapter is of good quality, rated for automotive use, and snugly fits the port. For those wanting parking mode or more reliable power, investing in a hardwire kit with low-voltage cutoff makes a big difference. Kits from manufacturers like VIOFO or BlackVue designed for Canadian electrical systems offer protections against power fluctuations common in vehicles during cold starts and engine off states.

Finally, always keep your dashcam’s firmware updated, as manufacturers periodically improve power management and card compatibility.