Best Dash Cams for High Heat Environments

Updated: June 2020

One of our most frequently asked questions when it comes to dash cam selection is in regards to how the camera will perform in high heat conditions. Most customers are familiar with the idea of capacitors which avoid many of the risks associated with batteries in extreme temperatures, and while this is definitely part of the equation. So what other factors are worth noting and what models do we recommend? The form factor of the device, number of cooling vents, and internal features all play a role so here are our top choices for high heat environments:

If you're looking for a reliable dash cam for the sunny Summer months, the IROAD dash cams definitely do not disappoint, and our latest IROAD favorite is the IROAD X10 4K UHD Dash Cam.

IROAD dash cams are known to be reliable in intense heat. From an all-glass lens to an improved casing, the X10 is highly durable and is ideal for hot summer months from Texas to California. As you can see in our Beat the Heat video, the X10 continued to deliver even sitting in the heat tank for a few hours.The IROAD X10 achieves an impressive maximum operating temperature rating of 70 °C or 158°F. It also uses an external GPS that generates less heat than most internal units.

With its 8.3-megapixel CMOS sensor in the main unit, the IROAD X10 captures 4K Ultra High Definition video - four times as many pixels as its predecessor, the X9. Boasting wider camera angles than Thinkware, BlackVue or VIOFO, at 165° for the front and 145° for the rear, you can be certain that with the X10 you are truly covered.

The Thinkware U1000 is also a good choice for sunny Summer months. Just like the IROAD X10, the Thinkware U1000 is a 4K UHD dash cam with integrated Thermal Protection.

The Thinkware U1000 achieves an impressive maximum operating temperature rating of 60°C or 140°F.

Equipped with a 8.42MP Sony Starvis image sensor and a 150° ultra-wide viewing angle, you can capture the road ahead in stunning 4K clarity. A 5.14MP Sony Exmor R Starvis image sensor in the rear-facing camera to deliver crystal-clear 2K QHD quality of the traffic behind. Energy Saving 2.0 with the optional U1000 RADAR sensor allows the dash cam to stay in sleep mode longer, thus drastically lowers power consumption as well as the chances of overheating due to constant power on.

These are our top recommendations for different types of customers but it's important to keep in mind that with all dash cams a few things should be expected and are not necessarily cause for panic. All dash cams will run warm or even hot to the touch, especially if they've been running for a few hours in parking mode beating down in the sun. Video files will still be recorded properly and high end dash cams are able to monitor the temperature to prevent any permanent damage to the hardware. Micro SD cards should also be regarded as a wear and tear item, dash cams are especially hard on memory cards and some manufacturers will even void the card's warranty if used in a dash cam. The constant looping and high heat are stressful on the card and regular formatting (every 2-3 weeks) is crucial to maintaining good writing performance. It's also important to check footage regularly to make sure it's saving properly, if files are choppy or have gaps in between it may be time to get a new memory card.

Hopefully this article has been helpful in choosing a dash cam suitable for your climate. If you have any questions about the dash cams discussed feel free to come talk to us - we are here to help!