Tesla has with the integrated dashcam a feature that other manufacturers only offer for an extra charge or not at all. But while many Tesla-drivers know that the dashcam exists, the details are often unclear:
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Which cameras are used?
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How do I save an important video?
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What happens when the memory is full?
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Is this even legal?
Here you get all the answers - and a few insider tipsthat Tesla you won't find out at first glance! π
1. Tesla Dashcam - What is it actually?
The basics:
πΉ Tesla uses 4 of 8 cameras as a dashcam:
- Front camera (at the top of the windshield)
- Rear camera (above the license plate)
- Side cameras (in the mudguards)
πΉ Records automatically - but not permanently
- Tesla Saves only limited periods of time and overwrites old clips.
πΉ No sound! π€π«
- The dashcam saves only video, but no sound.
Difference to guard mode?
β‘οΈ The dashcam only runs when the car is switched on is switched on.
β‘οΈ The Sentry Mode also works when the vehicle is parked.
2. Tesla Setting up the dashcam - here's how! π οΈ
Before you get started, you need a USB stick or an SSDto save the videos.
π Step 1: Prepare the USB stick
1οΈβ£ Original Tesla-stick or format your own
2οΈβ£ Go to "Vehicle" β "Security" β "Format USB"
3οΈβ£ Tesla automatically creates the "TeslaCam" folder
π‘ Tip: A SSD instead of a USB stick use! SSDs are more durable and store data faster.
π Step 2: Activate the dashcam
1οΈβ£ Open the menu: "Vehicle" β "Safety"
2οΈβ£ Activate dashcam and select one of the three options:
- β Save manually (you must tap on "Record")
- β Automatically for security events (recommended!)
- β Recording when the horn sounds (useful in dangerous situations)
π¨ Our tip: Activate "Automatic recording" & "Horn storage"! That way you don't have to think if something happens.
3. save dashcam videos - you need to know these tricks! π₯
πΉ 5-minute storage:
- Honk the horn or tap the dashcam icon - and the last 5 minutes are saved.
πΉ Save complete recording:
- In the menu "Vehicle" β "Dashcam" you can save the entire journey.
πΉ Videos on Tesla view:
- In the "Dashcam Viewer" you can watch the clips directly on the display.
- You can choose between switch between the 4 camera perspectives!
πΉ Read the USB stick on your PC/Mac:
- Simply pull out the stick and read the saved .mp4 files on your computer.
π‘ Insider tip: If your Tesla does not show a red dot by the dashcam symbolsomething is wrong - probably the USB stick has not been formatted correctly!
4. what happens when the memory is full? π
Tesla saves videos not unlimited. As soon as the stick is full the oldest files are overwritten.
πΉ Solution:
- Back up videos regularlybefore they are deleted.
- Use a larger USB stick or SSD (e.g. 128GB or 256GB).
π‘ Tip: If you absolutely want to keep a certain video, save it manually on your PC!
5. Tesla Dashcam & data protection - is it even legal? βοΈ
The use of dashcams is illegal in Germany. legal gray area topic.
π What you need to know:
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Tesla only saves all recordings locally on your USB stick.
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The videos are NOT sent to Tesla or third parties!
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You can use the recordings for private purposes.
β But: Publication without consent can cause data protection problems.
π‘ Tip: If you are involved in an accident, the dashcam can help to preserve evidence - but you can't just upload it anywhere!
6. Tesla Dashcam - Do I really need it? π€
π Is it worth the Tesla dashcam?
Yes, absolutely! Tesla is one of the few manufacturersthat offers a dashcam ex works integrated.
πΉ Advantages:
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No expensive retrofitting necessary
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Automatic recording of evidence in the event of accidents
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Protects against false accusations
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Works without additional hardware
πΉ Disadvantages:
β No sound
β Limited memory, no cloud function
β Legal uncertainty in some countries
Conclusion: The Tesla Dashcam is an underestimated superpower! β‘π₯
What you should take away from this guide:
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Activate the dashcam and choose the right mode!
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Use an SSD or a good USB stick to avoid crashes.
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Regularly back up videos before they are overwritten.
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Be careful with data protection & publication of videos!
With the Tesla dashcam you are always on the safe side - and have the decisive video evidence in an emergency. πΉπ₯
