Dash Cam Mounting and Removal Guide

Although all dash cams have wide angle lenses so that they maximize the field of view, they should be mounted in or near the middle of the front windshield so that an even field of view for the sides of the vehicle is recorded. This is also because the dash cam lens rarely can be adjusted horizontally but almost always can be adjusted vertically. We recommend you mount the dash cam near the rearview mirror area so that this block some parts or all of the dash cam from the driver’s field of view, minimizing any distractions.

We always recommend to angle the lens slightly upwards so that video footage displays about 60% sky and 40% road. This angle offers a good balance of exposure and details. For dash cams that have a wi-fi / smartphone app, we recommend you view live footage from your phone while mounting the dash cam so you can select what position and angle you prefer the dash cam to be set at.

Mount your dash cam near the middle of the front windshield so that an even field of view for the sides of the vehicle is recorded.

While many new vehicles offer sensor technology (like the Subaru EyeSight) for rain detection and ADAS, dash cams will not interfere with these sensors as they are mounted against your windshield and points outwards.

Many new vehicles have complicated sensors near the stem of the rearview mirror, responsible for things such as rain detection, advanced drivers-assistance system, etc. One specific question we get all the time is if a dash cam will interfere with these sensors, especially for the Subaru Eyesight.

The answer is no, as these dash cams simply aren’t in the way of these sensors that are mounted directly against the windshield and pointed outwards. Even if this is still a concern, simply move the dash cam to another area on the windshield and everything will work just as fine.

The black dots on the windshield, sometimes referred to as a "dot matrix", is known in the auto industry as a frit. A good explanation of what these do is available in this Jalopnik article. Part of the function is to assist with the seal for the glass while the section behind the rearview mirror helps to block the sun in the gap between the two sun visors.

It is safe to mount your adhesive mount dash cam to this surface and it will not cause any electronic interference if you mount the tape on these dots. If you ever have to remove the adhesive from these dots, it will not damage the dots either as they are securely fused to the windshield in an oven. We love using these dots to hide the bulk of a dash cam as it reduces the amount of the camera that's visible from the outside. As long as the lens sticks past the dot matrix you will have no problems with the dash cam. Note that suction cup dashcams typically will not stick to the frit as the textured surface will not allow a perfect seal for the suction cup. Adhesive mounts can conform to the different textures.

Black dots assist with the seal for the glass while the section behind the rearview mirror helps to block the sun

When applying your adhesive tape, ensure the area is wiped dry and at room temperature (not too cold and definitely not under direct sunlight) before applying.

When putting on an adhesive mount, which almost all dash cams use, the windshield should be thoroughly cleaned with a window cleaner. Ensure the area is wiped dry and at room temperature (not too cold and definitely not under direct sunlight) before applying the adhesive.

Once complete, press your hands against the mount and add pressure for about 10 seconds to secure the adhesive against the glass. This ensures the adhesive is properly bonded to the windshield and remains secure against vibrations. The same instructions apply for dash cams that use suction cup mounts. The adhesives for these mounts, as well as for suction cups, work the best only on glass surfaces. Mounting onto other materials in the vehicle such as plastic, leather or alcantara will likely result in a weak and insecure hold.

Removing a dash cam is often trickier than mounting it on the windshield. This is because the adhesive on the mount is very strong and can almost be impossible to remove with just your fingers.

We recommend using a prying tool (one may have been included with your dash cam) to slowly loosen the adhesive.

The best method, however, is to use a blowdryer or a heat gun. Aim the blowdryer from the outside of the vehicle (inside is ok as well) against the adhesive. Just 5 to 10 seconds should do, then slowly wiggle the mount back and forth - the adhesive should be a lot looser since the glue is heated up and softened. Feel free to use a prying tool here or the blowdryer again if the heat isn’t sufficient the first time.