Dashcam Accessories Explained: What You Actually Need (and Why)

A dashcam straight out of the box gets you recording — but most owners eventually add an accessory or two to get the most out of their system. The challenge is knowing which ones actually matter for your setup versus which are nice-to-haves. Here's a breakdown of the most common dashcam accessories, what they do, and when you'd want one.

Before adding anything to your cart, check the "What's in the Box" section on your dashcam's product page — many models already include a CPL filter, GPS module, or hardwire cable, so you may not need to buy it separately.

Hardwire Kits

A hardwire kit connects your dashcam directly to your vehicle's fuse box instead of relying on the cigarette lighter port. This is the single most impactful upgrade for most dashcam owners because it unlocks parking mode — the ability for your camera to keep recording (or wake up on impact) while your car is off and unattended. Without a hardwire kit, your dashcam only records while the engine is running.

If you park on the street, in a shared lot, or just want protection against hit-and-runs and break-ins while parked, a hardwire kit is worth the investment. Each brand uses a specific connector, so be sure to grab the kit matching your exact model.

CPL Filters (Circular Polarizing Lens)

A CPL filter is a small lens attachment that reduces glare and reflections from your windshield — particularly useful if you have a dark dashboard or drive in bright sunlight. Without one, you may notice a faint reflection of your dashboard in your footage, especially at certain angles. It's a simple twist-on accessory and an easy upgrade for cleaner video.

Battery Packs

If you can't or don't want to hardwire your dashcam, a battery pack offers an alternative way to power extended parking mode recording. These are typically external units (like the BlackVue B-130A) that store charge while you drive and then power your camera's parking surveillance afterward, without drawing from your car's battery at all. They're a great option for renters, leased vehicles, or anyone who doesn't want to wire into their fuse box. Browse our full Best Battery Packs collection to compare options.

LTE Modules

Most cloud-connected dashcams rely on your home or office WiFi to sync footage and settings. An LTE module adds cellular connectivity, so your camera can stay connected to the cloud even while you're driving or parked away from WiFi — enabling real-time alerts, live view, and remote footage access from anywhere. This is most valuable for fleet vehicles, rideshare drivers, or anyone who wants instant notifications the moment something happens to their car.

Tamper Proof Cases

A tamper proof case is a locking cover that protects your dashcam's memory card slot and cable connections from being accessed or removed by someone other than you. It's a low-cost way to add a layer of security, particularly relevant for commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers, or anyone parking in higher-traffic areas.

Memory Cards

Dashcams record continuously in a loop, which puts far more wear on a memory card than typical use. Standard consumer microSD cards aren't built for this and tend to fail prematurely. A high endurance card — built specifically for dashcam and security camera use — is designed to handle the constant read/write cycles without breaking down. If your camera didn't come with a card, or you want more storage for extended parking mode coverage, this is one upgrade you shouldn't skip. Browse our memory card collection to find the right size for your system.

Mounts

Most dashcams ship with their factory mount, but mounts can wear out, crack, or get lost during a windshield replacement. Spare and replacement mounts are available for most models if you ever need one.

Finding the Right Accessory for Your Model

Each accessory above is brand and model specific — a BlackVue hardwire kit won't fit a Thinkware camera, for example. To make sure you get the correct part, browse your dashcam's collection directly:

• BlackVue Elite Series, 900 Series, 700 Series, 590/SAFY Series, and Box Series
• Thinkware F Series, Q Series, U Series, and X Series
• Vantrue E Series, F Series, and N Series
• Vueroid dashcams and accessories

If you're ever unsure which accessory fits your specific model, reach out through our Contact Us page — we're happy to help you find exactly what you need.

— Chris & Monica, FFB Tech