Smart Use of Dashcam During a Breakdown: Protecting Evidence and Privacy | MyMechanic

First, set the scene safely

• Park as far off the live lane as possible, hazards on, and place a warning triangle well behind the vehicle on a straight line of sight.
• Keep passengers on the safe side of the barrier; if none, stay belted in with hazards on and doors locked.

What to capture (and why)

• Approach and event window: keep minutes before/after the incident to show context and traffic conditions.
• Environment markers: film the nearest KM marker, exit/R&R/ toll sign, or a clear landmark to anchor location.
• Vehicle condition: short clip or stills of tyres, fluids, panels, and dashboard cluster (warnings, temperature, fuel).
• Loading and handover: tow setup (ramps, straps, attachment points) plus a brief shot of job card and truck plate.

What not to capture (protect privacy)

• Faces and private conversations: angle towards vehicles and context; avoid bystanders, number pads, or private premises.
• Sensitive IDs: avoid filming wallets, IDs, or documents.
• Children: avoid filming minors; if they appear, keep footage private and do not share publicly.

Lock and preserve the right files

• Use the event lock button to protect current and previous clips from loop overwrite.
• Tag the exact clip window (timestamp/voice note) for easy retrieval.
• Ensure power stability with a power bank or hardwire kit that has low‑voltage protection.

Backup without losing control

• Make a quick duplicate to a phone or encrypted USB at the scene; keep originals on the card until safely backed up.
• Share minimally: send only relevant short segments; avoid full‑day files that reveal unrelated locations or conversations.
• Keep a simple log: date/time, KM marker, and clip names.

If asked for footage on the spot

• Be polite and precise: explain that footage is preserved and will be shared with appropriate parties (insurer, assistance, workshop) as needed.
• Provide stills first: share screenshots of key frames to confirm relevance without oversharing.
• Confirm a secure channel: official email, expiring cloud link, or physical handover via storage device.

Dashcam settings that help

• Loop length: 3–5 minute clips.
• G‑sensor sensitivity: medium to avoid too many false locks.
• Time and GPS sync for accurate timestamps and coordinates.

Tow documentation made simple

• Before loading: record four corners, current damage/issue, and setup (ramps, straps, attachment points).
• During loading: short clip showing the car moving onto the bed.
• After loading: quick shot of the job card, tow truck plate, and stated destination.

What to do if footage includes third parties

• Share minimally: trim to relevant segments showing context, condition, or environment markers.
• Avoid public posting; keep identifiable third‑party footage for official use only.
• Blur plates/faces before any non‑official sharing if in doubt.

How MyMechanic helps drivers use dashcams wisely

• Clear checklists: what to capture, what to lock, and how to back up—shared by message to reduce stress.
• Photo/video‑first coordination: short clips and stills for exact location and condition so assistance arrives prepared.
• End‑to‑end clarity: from roadside stabilisation to workshop handover, sharing only what’s necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions