Your bike might hibernate in the garage this winter, but your tech shouldn't suffer while it waits.
As riders, we prep our motorcycles for the off-season, changing oil, topping off fuel, and tucking our machines away carefully. But one critical piece of equipment often gets overlooked: your motorcycle dashcam.
When the riding season winds down and your bike heads into hibernation, your dashcam deserves just as much attention.
Whether you're using your classic dashcam or smart systems like Chigee AIO-5 Lite or XR-2, keep them in good condition for best results in safety and performance.
Chigee understands the necessity of protecting your investment and has engineered dashcams to operate under extreme conditions. But even the most resilient tech benefits from thoughtful care. This guide will walk you through expert storage tips so your dashcam remains as good as new when you’re ready to hit the road again.
Why Does Your Motorcycle Dashcam Need Proper Storage In Winter?
Dashcams, especially those mounted on motorcycles, endure extreme conditions year-round. Unfortunately, winter storage brings a different kind of threat:
1. Cold temperatures can negatively affect battery life and screen performance.
2. Moisture buildup can penetrate into connectors and lens housings.
3. Dust and vibration in garages can quietly degrade your setup.
4. Leaving SD cards inside can risk file corruption due to temperature changes.
5. Firmware glitches from long inactivity.
Ignoring these risks could mean you’re left with a bricked device, corrupted ride logs, or, worst of all, precious moments lost on the road.
The 6-Step Off-Season Dashcam Prep
1. Power Down With Intention
Before removing your smart motorcycle dashcam, give it a clean shutdown:
● If your unit has a manual power switch or wireless remote, use it first.
● Disable auto-connect and Sentry mode on models like Chigee AIO-5 Lite to avoid battery drainage or false triggers during storage.
Never just unplug mid-operation, as it can cause memory or boot errors.
2. Back Up and Remove SD Cards
Don’t risk losing footage due to wintertime file degradation.
● Remove the SD card.
● Back up all ride footage to the cloud or external storage.
● Format the card before spring reinstall (FAT32 for most Chigee units).
A good idea is to label the card with the model + last use date so you don't mix them up later.
Additional Tip: Models with dual storage (32GB built-in + expandable) let you keep backup footage safe.
3. Fight Moisture with Smart Packing
Gear can suffer in enclosed, humid garages.
● Wipe lenses/housings with a microfiber cloth.
● Leave units in a dry room or air-dry for an hour before storage.
● Toss a couple of silica gel packs in storage cases or a pouch.
4. Shield the Hardware from Dust & Vibration
● Original packaging is better than plastic bags. Or you can store motorcycle cameras and displays in padded pouches.
● Wrap TPMS sensors, remote controls, and mounting accessories separately in bubble wrap or foam.
● Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture.
If you're keeping the gear on the bike, ensure it's covered and isolated from metal-on-metal contact.
5. Firmware & Settings: Prep for Reboot
Before packing your dashcam away:
● Run an OTA update if one’s available. Chigee’s units make this painless via Wi-Fi.
● Save your key settings: screen brightness, auto-mirroring/CarPlay settings, GPS frequency, and tire pressure thresholds.
● Take a phone screenshot of your preferences or store them in a note.
It’ll save you 30+ minutes when spring comes.
6. Wiring & Battery: Inspect and Disconnect
If your dashcam is hardwired:
● Disconnect from your motorcycle’s power to prevent slow drain or shorts.
● Inspect all visible cables; look for cracks, corrosion, or loose terminals.
Chigee Devices Winter Storage Tips
For AIO-5 Lite/XR-2 Users
AIO-5 Lite and XR-2 units come with dual-band Wi-Fi, built-in storage, and full waterproofing, but storing them dry and cool extends their lifespan.
For BMW Digital Display Users
The BMW Digital Display has advanced TPMS and ride log features. Store it with TPMS sensors disconnected, and make sure the Wonder Wheel is secured if removable.
For all models: remove handlebar mounts if exposed to vibration or sudden temperature drops.
Bonus: Chigee’s auto-connect on startup means less work comes spring, just plug in and ride.
Defying storage myths
● It’s waterproof, so I’ll just leave it on the bike.
Regular maintenance is still important. IP67 stops rain, but months of condensation + temperature swings may result in internal fogging or damage.
● Garage temperatures are fine.
Only if it's insulated and humidity-controlled. Otherwise, move your tech indoors.
● I’ll remember my settings.
Yes, absolutely. But it’s better to save them now.
Spring Revival Checklist
● Reinstall and power on after a full indoor test.
● Check:
○ Lens clarity (no fogging).
○ GPS lock (for ride logs).
○ Tire pressure readings (TPMS models)
○ Wi-Fi auto-connect.
○ Ride data sync.
● Run a short ride to confirm smooth screen mirroring, audio cues, and tire pressure readings. If all checks out, you're good to go.
Final Thoughts: Store Smart, Ride Easy
Taking care of your motorcycle dashcam during the off-season doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple yet effective storage tips, you can protect your investment and ensure your dashcam is ready to roll come springtime. Remember, prevention is always better than repair, and with Chigee, you’re already ahead of the game thanks to our durable, feature-packed designs.
By giving your dashcam the same seasonal TLC you give your motorcycle, you’re ensuring crystal-clear rides, flawless navigation, and safety that sticks with you for the long haul.
Explore Chigee’s latest riding tech built for all seasons and every rider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you store a motorcycle dashcam for winter?
To store a motorcycle dashcam during winter, power it down properly, disconnect it from the battery, remove, back up the SD card, clean the unit, and store it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Use silica gel packs to combat moisture, and keep components padded to avoid dust and vibration damage.
2. Can cold temperatures damage my motorcycle dashcam?
Yes, extreme cold can degrade batteries, affect screen performance, and even corrupt storage cards. Devices like Chigee dashcams can withstand low temperatures, but storing them indoors ensures maximum longevity and data integrity.
3. Do I need to update my dashcam’s firmware before storing it?
Yes. Performing a firmware update before storage helps prevent software-related glitches after months of inactivity. It also ensures compatibility with updated mobile apps or systems when riding season returns.
4. What’s the best way to protect dashcam footage during storage?
Back up all ride footage to the cloud or external storage before formatting the SD card. Label the card and store it separately to avoid misplacing or accidentally overwriting valuable data.
