How To Track Your Car With GPS Trackers?

Tracking your car with a GPS tracker can offer you peace of mind if you want to keep tabs on it or if your car has been stolen. GPS tracking systems come in different shapes and sizes, with different levels of accuracy—and the cost varies greatly depending on the features that you choose to purchase. This guide aims to take you through the fundamentals of car track so that you understand what is available and how it fits your individual security needs.

First, let’s consider why you might want to track your vehicle. Vehicle tracking can give people extra security when they don’t feel comfortable leaving their vehicles in certain areas or for certain lengths of time. It also helps law enforcement professionals locate stolen cars quickly and reliably – plus, insurance companies offer discounts for customers who have their vehicles fitted with a tracker that allows their vehicles to be recovered even if stolen away from home.

Whatever the reasons for tracking your vehicle are – whether it is to deter theft or simply for peace of mind – there are just a few basic steps involved in the process: choosing a GPS tracker, having the system installed correctly, and understanding how it works in order to get the most out of it. Let’s take a look at these now!

Benefits of GPS Trackers

GPS trackers are an increasingly popular way to keep track of your car, its whereabouts, and its safety. They provide real-time tracking and can be used to monitor the location of your vehicle, check its speed, and even receive alerts for potential theft. GPS trackers can also be used in fleet management and asset tracking, providing users with detailed insights about their vehicles. This article will discuss the advantages of using a GPS tracker for your car.

Improved Security

GPS trackers provide enhanced security for cars and other vehicles. By efficiently tracking and monitoring the location of a car, it is easier to improve the safety and security of a vehicle. This can benefit both individuals and businesses that utilize GPS trackers to protect their fleets, assets, and property.

Not only does the device give the owner of the vehicle peace of mind that their car is safe, but it also allows law enforcement or security personnel to locate within seconds if the vehicle has been stolen or goes missing. Drivers may be unaware that they are being monitored in real-time while using these devices, which may help prevent certain activities such as speeding or dangerous driving practices.

Additionally, GPS tracking devices may also provide useful information on where a car has traveled after an accident or another incident has occurred by providing accurate records stored in its memory, such as route history and distance traveled. This data can aid in insurance claims as well as legal cases when necessary.

Overall, GPS trackers provide improved safety benefits that benefit both individuals and businesses through greater security measures while providing valuable reports on travel history when needed.

Real-Time Location Tracking

Real-time location tracking is one of the main advantages of having a GPS tracker installed in your vehicle. It gives you the ability to keep track of your vehicle’s exact whereabouts. Whenever a route or destination change is made, you will be alerted by the GPS system. When your car is stopped, you will be able to see its exact location using an online map.

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This means that if it is stolen or wrongfully parked, you can take steps to have it returned. In addition, most GPS trackers offer other features, such as driver behavior monitoring and vehicle diagnostics, that offer greater accuracy when tracking your car’s location and performance. Driver behavior monitoring offers data about how fast the car was traveling, sharp turns taken at high speeds as well as sudden stops and starts, helping you make sure your drivers are driving safely and responsibly.

Vehicle diagnostics provide crucial insights regarding the health and safety of your vehicles along with maintenance reminders which come in handy for fleet owners who are trying to maximize their fleet’s efficiency.

Geofencing

Geofencing is a feature that allows you to create virtual boundaries around an area using GPS (Global Positioning System) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). It allows you to define when and where certain activities can take place, letting you control who enters and leaves an area. For example, if you have a fleet of company vehicles, geofencing can be used to monitor which employees are entering or leaving certain areas or to alert the fleet manager if any vehicles leave the pre-defined area or enter unauthorized locations.

Geofencing works by mapping out all the geographic coordinates within a specific perimeter to create a virtual fence. When a device (such as a vehicle) crosses into the geofenced area, an alert is automatically sent. This is extremely helpful for fleet management as it helps in tracking not just where each vehicle goes but also how long it stays in each location.

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Another benefit of using geofencing with GPS tracking is advanced driver behavior analysis. By mapping out each vehicle’s GPS coordinates over time, businesses can identify areas where employees may need additional training. For example, if an employee consistently goes over the speed limit or drives erratically in certain areas, this could indicate that they need more practice or better education on safe driving techniques.

Geofencing also lets businesses know when their vehicles have entered unauthorized locations that could lead to theft or damage — this saves them time, money, and potential headaches down the road.

Fuel Monitoring

Fuel Monitoring is a primary benefit of GPS tracking devices. The latest GPS trackers are equipped with Fuel Sensors that can detect your vehicle’s fuel level in real-time. Using systems such as Geotab’s telematics, managers and drivers can monitor oncoming re-fueling needs in order to help maximize fuel economy and reduce wasteful practices.

By utilizing the data provided by a GPS tracking device and calculating precise fuel consumption for each vehicle in the fleet, businesses are able to optimize their operations hence reducing unnecessary spending on fuel.

This helps keep your costs low while ensuring optimal driving performance from your workforce. By monitoring each vehicle’s mileage, you can easily compare different vehicles and identify which vehicles may require maintenance or need a more efficient driving technique to improve their MPG (Miles Per Gallon).

Real-time Fuel Monitoring allows business owners to be proactive with their vehicle resources by making quick changes to their fleets as needed based on analytics regarding fuel usage/efficiency. In addition, issues related to driver racing or even theft of company fuel can be monitored by tracking sudden spikes of fuel levels during non-working hours – automotive theft is a lot easier when the thief knows where they are taking the car!

Types of GPS Trackers

GPS trackers are a great way to keep track of your vehicle, whether it is your own car or a fleet of cars in your business. GPS trackers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they come with different features. Let’s take a look at the different types of GPS trackers available so you can choose the one that will fit your needs best.

OBD-II Trackers

OBD-II trackers, or On-Board Diagnostics trackers, are a type of GPS tracker that plugs into the OBD-II port of your car in order to collect information about its performance. They can detect ignition on/off status, troubleshoot technical issues with your car, and provide vehicle recovery if stolen.

These types of trackers are typically fitted with a range of features – many come with live tracking capabilities and will send notifications when accessing the data they’ve collected. This makes them ideal for businesses looking to have more control over their fleet vehicles or just to know how far their vehicle has been driven daily.

OBD-II trackers usually feature an embedded SIM card which allows them to connect to the cellular network for real-time updates back to the server – although many also provide Wi-Fi/internet connectivity to boost signal quality. Additionally, these systems generally include adjustable alerts and can generate more detailed reports than most other types of tracking systems.

These devices typically come with various options for storage, such as Cloud storage; this will allow you access to all digital information in one location that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Another benefit is that these devices tend to be much cheaper than traditional GPS trackers as they draw data from existing sources instead of collecting it directly on their own hardware.

Hardwired Trackers

Hardwired trackers are the most secure type of GPS trackers as they require professional installation, but they offer the highest level of protection. This is because they are built-in to the car’s wiring system and integrated with its alarm and ignition systems, so they cannot be removed without professional help.

Hardwired tracker devices are usually expensive, but those costs can be offset by the cost savings on car insurance since many insurers will offer reduced rates for cars with built-in GPS tracking systems. Most hardwired GPS tracking systems require a subscription fee ranging from $5 to $20 per month, with higher levels of service costing more.

Though installing these devices can be complex, these features make them a popular choice for those who want added security for their vehicles:

-Remote control: Hardwired trackers allow you to remotely control your car’s alarm and ignition from your mobile phone or through an app. You can also set up notifications so that you receive updates whenever your car is moved or driven in an unauthorized area.

-Real-time monitoring: These types of trackers provide detailed information on your vehicle’s location at all times, so you can keep up with where it is in transit.

-Geo-fencing alerts: If a vehicle travels outside certain specified boundaries (or geo-fencing), an alert will be sent to notify the owner that something may be wrong or that the driver needs to explain why they left a specific location.

-Maintenance services: Some hardwired models also provide fleet management and maintenance services that enable users to receive reminder alerts when their vehicle needs regular maintenance, such as oil changes and other scheduled services.

Battery-Powered Trackers

Battery-powered GPS trackers are self-contained devices that are ideal for tracking a vehicle on the move. Unlike plug-in trackers, they’re compact, making them easier to hide or place in hard-to-reach areas. Battery-powered trackers come in two different varieties; hard-wired and magnetic Trackers.

Hard-wired trackers require installation with a 12V connection and work best when used for long-term monitoring of specific areas or objects. This type of tracker is great for fleet management as it offers more accuracy, detailed data, and the functionality to set geo-fences or pre-defined zones to be notified when an asset enters or leaves them.

Magnetic GPS tracking devices use a combination of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and a magnetized enclosure to remain self-powered. The device is versatile and can be placed inside any vehicle, where it will read GPS coordinates at regular intervals (from 15 minutes up to 4 hours). By using integrated motion sensors, they can detect if a vehicle has been moved, even if no motion is currently being detected. This makes them perfect for rental cars, stolen vehicles, semi trucks, or trailers that need long-term visibility tracking without always being plugged into power—especially not rentals!

Both options offer great battery life and provide users with immediate access to real-time information about their assets even if they are out of sight from the home base – up to several weeks in certain cases! With this type of technology, you can receive alerts as movements start and stop for your vehicle, allowing you the ability to get notices about speed limits being exceeded, periods of immobility, entry into off-location points, as well as many other scenarios.

Choosing a Tracker

When choosing a tracker to track your car, it is important to consider the features and benefits that different types of trackers offer. GPS trackers can come in various form factors, such as plug-and-play, hardwired, and battery-powered. Each type of tracker offers different features and benefits. Additionally, you will want to take into account the cost and the ease of use of the tracker. Let’s take a look at these features and benefits in more detail.

Cost

When shopping for a GPS Tracker, one of the most important factors to consider is cost. A good tracker should give you peace of mind and provide true value for your money. Factors that can affect the cost of a tracker include features, range, installation costs, and monthly monitoring fees.

Features – Different trackers have a variety of included features, such as real-time geofencing alerts, text or email alerts if the vehicle moves outside of certain boundaries, speeds exceeding a preset limit or if it’s involved in an accident. Conversely, some lite trackers focus on just basic location tracking and activity reports.

Range – GPS Trackers come in both cellular and non-cellular versions. Cellular trackers will allow you to access the tracker from anywhere with cellular service, while non-cellular will provide localized tracking limited to its operating range (typically 2000 meters or 2 km ). Some trackers can actually transmit signals up to 5 km, or 8kms, or even more, so it’s important to know what type of range you need for your particular application.

Installation Costs – Installation costs vary from model to model, so it’s important to research installation fees before purchasing your device. Many first-time buyers think installation is included in the initial purchase price, but this isn’t always the case!

Monthly monitoring fees – Not all GPS tracking devices require monthly monitoring fees, but many do due to their advanced features, such as real-time alerts and geofencing capabilities. It’s wise to check into whether there are additional monthly costs associated with using the device, including subscriptions and contract terms, before making your decision.

Ease of Installation

When choosing a GPS tracker for your car, it is important to pick one that is easy to install and use. Installation can be done by the owner at home if desired, but many trackers come with professional installation available to ensure proper setup.

Installation may require drilling a hole in the car to hook up the power adapter or attaching a magnet mount under the hood or bumper. In addition, some trackers require the owner to log into their online account first in order to add and configure device settings such as tracking intervals.

A well-designed tracker should provide clear instructions on how to install it as well as troubleshooting advice if any problems arise during setup. The ease of setup will also depend on whether you choose a hardwired (permanently installed) or wireless (portable) tracker for your vehicle.

While there are advantages and disadvantages to each type, it’s generally up to you and the kind of car you drive to decide which is best for your situation—see below for more details about each type so you can make an informed decision.

• Hardwired Trackers: These are typically installed under the dashboard or in another discrete area of your car. They usually take several hours and some technical knowledge/expertise but offer reliable services when completed correctly; however, they cannot be moved once affixed in place.

• Wireless/Portable Trackers: These are usually battery-powered devices that allow them to be moved around between cars easily; one of these types might be suitable if you change vehicles often or just need flexibility with tracking them over short terms—battery life will affect how long they can remain active so keep an eye out for that too when selecting model/manufacturer specifications!

Features

GPS trackers vary from basic to quite sophisticated, depending on the features that you require. Before purchasing a tracking device, consider its purpose so that you choose appropriately for your needs. Regularly tracking a vehicle requires a GPS tracker that is discreet enough to be unnoticed and is waterproof if it’s installed in an outdoor location.

An effective GPS car tracker should have some specific features:

• Device type: Consider what type of device you will use – have the options of hard-wired, OBD port or magnetic mount trackers with battery life ranging from 3 days to 12 weeks.

• Real-time monitoring: This feature identifies the current location of your vehicle and sends alerts to your phone showing its exact location at that time, including any activity or movements. You can also receive warnings based on preset parameters like speed limits or idling time.

• Geofence alerts: Set up one or more virtual boundaries for your vehicles and receive notifications whenever one enters or exits within this area called geofencing alerts.

• Remote engine stop/start: This light-controlling feature switches off the ignition even when you are far away from the vehicle. It helps save fuel costs and deters criminals such as carjackers and thieves wanting to steal it away.

• Trip history report: You can analyze trip logs over certain periods of time through customized reports which help identify and predict behavioral patterns in drivers like aggressive driving, risky routes, high acceleration, etc., improving driver performance overall in real-time.

Installation

Installing a GPS Tracker in your car is a great way to keep an eye on your vehicle and make sure it’s secure. Whether it’s for personal tracking or fleet management, GPS technology is an effective way to keep tabs on your car. But before you can start tracking, you need to install the tracker. Installing a tracker is relatively simple, so let’s get into the details.

OBD-II Installation

OBD-II (On Board Diagnostics, generation 2) is a standardized system used across most modern vehicles to monitor engine performance. It is typically accessed through a port found somewhere in the driver’s compartment or underneath the dashboard. OBD-II can also be used as a connector for GPS trackers installed in vehicles to monitor location and data such as speed, fuel consumption, and duration of stops.

Installing an OBD-II GPS tracker requires basic wiring skills and familiarity with automotive systems. Many strict install guidelines may accompany the installation instructions with newer model vehicles, which must be followed accordingly. Depending on the hardware configuration and capabilities of the vehicle’s electrical system, some components may need to be purchased for a successful installation.

The following steps outline the basic procedure for installing an OBD-II GPS tracker:

1. Locate the OBD-II port
2. Connect power cables from the tracker to the OBD connector
3. Secure wiring connections with zip ties
4. Plug in the tracker device and test the connection status
5. Download the software app to your mobile device
6. Configure settings within the app based on requirements
7. Activate tracking mode and begin real-time monitoring

Hardwired Installation

For a more permanent and reliable setup, hardwired installation is the best option. This requires professional installation, as well as attaching the GPS tracker to the car battery. Hardwired installation requires some familiarity with vehicles and good electrical wiring knowledge, so if you’re not comfortable taking on this task, it’s best to have a professional take care of it.

The process begins by locating your car’s fuse box or connector interface; this can be found beneath the dashboard or inside your vehicle’s trunk. Once it is identified and accessed, carefully identify an unused circuit that is related to the main power supply of your vehicle. You may need to remove any existing plastic housings blocking access to these points as well

Once identified, connect one end of the GPS tracker cable directly to a dedicated 15 amp circuit breaker, typically located in the fuse box or interface. Ensure that all connections are secure before moving on to routing wiring through firewall and door jams leading into the car and eventually emerging from dash speakers, where you should attach the other end of the tracker’s wire to the correct power outlet for the device. Lastly, position the unit vibration-free on the vehicle and secure it with adhesive back tape or with bolts if required, following the manufacturer’s specs.

Battery-Powered Installation

Battery-powered GPS trackers are the easiest and most affordable way to track your car. Most typically attach to your car’s battery or OBD port. To install, simply remove the plastic disk from its specialized adhesive backings and then attach it to the desired area. You may need to turn your car off for about 5 minutes before removing the adhesive backing. Once in place, you’re ready to start tracking!

Battery-powered GPS trackers also require regular charging depending on the type of tracker and how often you use it. Some battery-powered trackers may only last 3–6 days, while other models may provide up to a week’s worth of power before needing recharging. The good news is that most battery-powered GPS Trackers are very easy to recharge via a USB cable and power adapter.

When choosing a battery-powered device, ensure that the option you select will fit your particular application—for example, some devices can be placed inside an enclosed vehicle while others should be mounted externally for best performance in harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures or vibration. Make sure that all of these necessary details are taken into consideration when making your purchase decision!

Conclusion

In conclusion, GPS tracking offers a secure way to monitor your vehicle’s whereabouts and ensure that it is safe at all times. A GPS tracker will give you an accurate view of your vehicle’s location and even provide useful details like the speed at which it is traveling. This information can be used to notify you when the car has reached its destination or if it has veered off course.

Using a reliable and reputable company for GPS tracking will ensure that your data is both secure and private. The tracker can be installed in a few simple steps, but make sure that you are aware of any legal obligations or regulations in your local area.

Car owners should also consider their budget when buying a tracker, as different models come with varying levels of functionality. The basic models may track only the most basic information while others can offer detailed reporting as well as notification options like email or SMS updates when the vehicle is accessed. Consider what features you need–and which ones are just nice-to-haves–before purchasing any type of GPS tracking system for your car.