My dash cam shuts off in hot weather

This article explains thermal protection shutdowns on THINKWARE dash cams and helps you check what to do when your dash cam turns off in hot weather.

All THINKWARE dash cams feature Integrated Thermal Protection utilizing built-in supercapacitors and thermal sensors to safeguard internal components in extreme climates.

Already tried some steps? Jump to:

1.   Understand Thermal Protection Shutdowns

2.   Enable Smart Parking Recording Mode

3.   Allow Cabin Cooling and Adjust Mounting

Understand Thermal Protection Shutdowns

When cabin ambient temperatures exceed safe operating limits (typically above 140°F / 60°C in direct sunlight), the dash cam will voice prompt: "Shutting down due to Thermal Protection".

Operating range: -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F). Storage range: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F).

This shutdown is an intended safety feature that prevents component degradation under extreme solar heat. On external battery packs, it also prevents lithium battery degradation.

Enable Smart Parking Recording Mode

On supported models (U3000 PRO, U3000, U1000 Plus, Q1000, Q850, Q200, ARC series), 

enable Smart Parking Recording in app settings.

When the cabin temperature exceeds 65°C during Parking Mode, Smart Parking Recording switches to low-power impact recording for thermal protection. Normal Parking Mode resumes at 55°C or below.

Allow Cabin Cooling and Adjust Mounting

1. Allow the vehicle cabin to cool down using air conditioning or shade. The dash cam will automatically resume normal operation once internal temperatures drop to safe levels.

2. Adjust the mounting location away from direct sunlight exposure or apply a THINKWARE Heat Shield (Heat Blocking Film) to the windshield.

None of the above worked

If you have checked the power cables, tested without the microSD card, disconnected accessories, updated firmware, reset the dash cam, and allowed it to cool, but the issue continues, please contact THINKWARE support.

For warranty or technical evaluation information, see About THINKWARE's warranty policy.

Need more help?

Contact the support team for your region by email or phone. We’ll respond to your email as quickly as we can.

North America (US/CA)
Email: support@thinkware.com
Phone: 1-844-865-9273

United Kingdom (UK)
Email: support.eu@thinkware.com
Phone: +44 (0) 333-121-0008

Europe (EU)
Email: support@thinkwarestore.com
Phone: +49 69 943 22200