Ever take one look at the power cables spread across your windshield and groan? The web of tangled dash camera wires stretched across your car isn’t only messy, it’s also a distraction.
Before we dive into the process, let’s talk about the importance of hiding dashboard camera wires. Apart from looking tidy, hiding the power cable prevents them from becoming a driving hazard.
Loose wires get caught on your feet damaging your dash cam or even worse, causing a car accident. It’s much easier to maintain car cleanliness when you don’t have wires scattered everywhere.
Let’s get into the step-by-step guide on hiding dash cam wiring so your car can look clutter-free.
How to Hide Dash Cam Wires
Follow these steps to easily hide your dashboard camera wiring:
1. Plan Wiring Route
After your dash camera is mounted, choose a path that keeps the power cable out of sight.
We recommend starting from the dash cam and running the power cable up along the headliner (the fabric-covered part of your car’s roof) toward the passenger side. Then, follow the A-pillar (the frame between the windshield and the front door) down to the dashboard.
2. Tuck Wires Along the Headliner
With your route planned, grab your trim removal tool from and gently pry the edge of the headliner away from the car frame. Carefully tuck the cable into the gap between the headliner and frame.
Work your way from the dash cam towards the passenger side of your vehicle, tucking the cable as you go. Be cautious not to pull the headliner too much, as you could damage it.
3. Guide the Wire Down the Trim Piece
When you reach the rubber seal, use the plastic trim piece and removal tool to carefully pry the plastic cover away from the metal frame.
The weather stripping plastic trim piece usually houses airbags, so take extra care not to interfere with the airbag or its wiring. Carefully guide the dash cam wire down, securing it with cable clips if needed. Once you’ve reached the bottom, re-install the panel door.
4. Run the Wire Inside the Dashboard
With the wire now at the base of the A-pillar, you’ll need to run it along the dashboard to the vehicle’s fuse box or power source. Use the trim removal tool to create a small gap between the dashboard and the car frame.
Tuck the wire into this space and secure it with adhesive cable clips, ensuring it stays hidden from view. You might need to remove the glove box to access the fuse box depending on your car’s design.
5. Connecting the Power
After the cord is tucked away, connect it to a power source. You can either use a cigarette lighter socket or hardwire the cord from the dash camera directly to the car’s fuse box. Hardwiring provides a cleaner look and avoids using up a valuable 12V socket, but it may require some additional electrical knowledge. Check your car’s manual or seek professional help if you’re not sure.
Related Post: What is a Hardwire Kit on a Dash Cam?
Before celebrating your wire-hiding victory, test to make sure everything is operating as expected. Turn on your cars ignition, then check the camera will power on & records. If everything is working, clean fingerprints & smudges from the dashcam, headliner, and trim pieces. This final touch will give your car’s interior that polished, professional look.
Hacks to make the Process Easier
Before you start your wire-hiding process, you can use some hacks to make it smoother.
User Manual Research
Every car is unique, and so is every dash camera. That’s why one of the most important wiring tips to consider is researching your specific model user manual. This handy document will provide you with crucial information regarding your dashboard camera install and any vehicle-specific quirks you might need to be aware of.
Take a moment to read through the manual and familiarize yourself with your dash cam’s features, power requirements, and any precautions. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your installation process goes smoothly.
Trim Removal Kit
A trim removal kit can be helpful in sticking hardware with the power cable. These kits usually include plastic pry tools that help you remove wire clips and re-install the interior trim piece without damaging them and the cord. Trust me; you don’t want to be using a screwdriver for this task. You’ll also need some adhesive wire clips and a microfiber cloth for a polished finish.
Using Adhesive Wire Clips
In most cases, the easiest way to keep the cables organized and the plug hidden is by using adhesive cable clips. These nifty little gadgets stick directly to your vehicle interior surfaces and securely hold the cord in place. It’s an inexpensive solution to hide the cable plug.
Electrical Tape is Your Friend
Sometimes, you’ll find that the adhesive clips don’t provide enough grip or security for your front cam wires though. In these cases, it’s time to bring out the big guns: electrical tape. This versatile and robust tape is designed specifically for electrical wiring, making it the perfect companion for your dash cam installation.
When using electrical tape, wrap it around the cables. Then, trim the wire inside. This prevents the cables from coming loose.
Suction Cup Mounting Hack
Did you know that adding a small amount of water to the suction cup mount before installation can significantly increase its holding power? It’s true! The water forms a thin, airtight seal between the rubber seal of suction cup and the windshield, creating a strong vacuum that keeps the mount securely in place.
Before you attach the mount, use water to dampen the rubber. Then, press it firmly against the glass and lock it into place.
The Importance of a Clean Windshield
Before installing it in your vehicle, it’s essential to clean your windshield’s surface thoroughly. Any dirt, dust, or grime on the glass can cause the dash cam’s suction cup mount to lose its grip, leading to an unstable and potentially dangerous setup.
Use glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth. This guarantees a strong bond between the suction cup mount and the glass, keeping your dash cam firmly in place.
The Benefits
- Safety: Loose wires can be a hazard, causing accidents or damaging the dash cam. Keeping the wires tucked away reduces these risks.
- Aesthetics: A clutter-free car interior is more visually appealing and creates a more pleasant driving environment.
- Maintenance: With the wires hidden, it’s easier to keep your car clean and tidy.
- Protection: Proper wire management can extend the life of your dash cam by preventing damage from snagging or tension on the wires.
- Potential Theft: Installing using a trim removal kit or weather stripping helps keep the camera hidden in cars, minimizing potential theft. For more info read about why people steal dash cams.
Summary
By incorporating these wiring tips into your dash cam installation process, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, safer, and more efficient setup. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to tackle the challenge of hiding your dash camera wires and transforming your car’s interior console into a clutter-free oasis.
So, the next time you find yourself cringing at the sight of tangled wires in your car, remember this guide and take the necessary steps on how to hide dash cam wires to give your vehicle the organized, professional look it deserves. Your car (and passengers) will thank you!
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