Tesla Dashcam: Everything you need to know - and what Tesla doesn't tell you!

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:

✅ Which cameras are used?
✅ How do I save an important video?
✅ What happens when the memory is full?
✅ Is this even legal?

Here you get all the answers - and a few insider tipsthat Tesla you won't find out at first glance! 😏

1. Tesla Dashcam - What is it actually?

The basics:

🔹 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)

🔹 Records automatically - but not permanently

  • Tesla Saves only limited periods of time and overwrites old clips.

🔹 No sound! 🎤🚫

  • The dashcam saves only video, but no sound.

Difference to guard mode?
➡️ The dashcam only runs when the car is switched on is switched on.
➡️ The Sentry Mode also works when the vehicle is parked.

2. Tesla Setting up the dashcam - here's how! 🛠️

Before you get started, you need a USB stick or an SSDto save the videos.

📌 Step 1: Prepare the USB stick

1️⃣ Original Tesla-stick or format your own
2️⃣ Go to "Vehicle" → "Security" → "Format USB"
3️⃣ Tesla automatically creates the "TeslaCam" folder

💡 Tip: A SSD instead of a USB stick use! SSDs are more durable and store data faster.

📌 Step 2: Activate the dashcam

1️⃣ Open the menu: "Vehicle" → "Safety"
2️⃣ Activate dashcam and select one of the three options:

  • ✅ Save manually (you must tap on "Record")
  • ✅ Automatically for security events (recommended!)
  • ✅ Recording when the horn sounds (useful in dangerous situations)

🚨 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! 🎥

🔹 5-minute storage:

  • Honk the horn or tap the dashcam icon - and the last 5 minutes are saved.

🔹 Save complete recording:

  • In the menu "Vehicle" → "Dashcam" you can save the entire journey.

🔹 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!

🔹 Read the USB stick on your PC/Mac:

  • Simply pull out the stick and read the saved .mp4 files on your computer.

💡 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? 🏁

Tesla saves videos not unlimited. As soon as the stick is full the oldest files are overwritten.

🔹 Solution:

  • Back up videos regularlybefore they are deleted.
  • Use a larger USB stick or SSD (e.g. 128GB or 256GB).

💡 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? ⚖️

The use of dashcams is illegal in Germany. legal gray area topic.

📌 What you need to know:

✅ Tesla only saves all recordings locally on your USB stick.
✅ The videos are NOT sent to Tesla or third parties!
✅ You can use the recordings for private purposes.
❌ But: Publication without consent can cause data protection problems.

💡 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? 🤔

🚗 Is it worth the Tesla dashcam?
Yes, absolutely! Tesla is one of the few manufacturersthat offers a dashcam ex works integrated.

🔹 Advantages:
✅ No expensive retrofitting necessary
✅ Automatic recording of evidence in the event of accidents
✅ Protects against false accusations
✅ Works without additional hardware

🔹 Disadvantages:
❌ No sound
❌ Limited memory, no cloud function
❌ Legal uncertainty in some countries

Conclusion: The Tesla Dashcam is an underestimated superpower! ⚡🎥

What you should take away from this guide:
✅ Activate the dashcam and choose the right mode!
✅ Use an SSD or a good USB stick to avoid crashes.
✅ Regularly back up videos before they are overwritten.
✅ 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. 📹🔥

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