GPS tracking for personal transportation, such as cars, is not a new problem. Due to standard GPS trackers, it is now quite simple and inexpensive to follow a vehicle’s location while it drives in real-time. The technology has been there for a long time and is mostly utilized by car owners for smooth tracking.
GPS trackers have discovered a new motive in an era where linked gadgets rule the roost. GPS trackers have changed over time. Tracking specific instances isn’t only the limit of GPS trackers at this point. While most typical devices connect straight into and run off of a car’s onboard diagnostics and computer interface, more inconspicuous and disguised GPS trackers are available if a vehicle’s assets need to be kept secretly monitored.
Read on to learn more about GPS trackers and the best ones available in the market in 2023.
Car tracking devices are gadgets that allow car owners to monitor and track their vehicles. Real-time GPS trackers for cars can offer data on instantaneous speed and position while saving these data to use later to manage your car. Some GPS car trackers allow you to set up real-time warnings to go off when a motorist speeds or deviates from a certain location.
Now that you are aware of the available car tracking options, you must grasp how the device works and how to use it in general. This informative area is intended to assist you in making educated decisions.
GPS car tracking makes use of a network of satellites to pinpoint the location of a device developed for the purpose. A GPS tracker employs trilateration from three GPS satellites to identify its physical location based on its distance. Most in-car navigation system employs this technology.
While a GPS tracker for a car can broadcast its location, it often uses the same technology that your cellphone does while making calls or connecting to the internet. As a result, several GPS auto trackers charge a monthly membership fee.
Using a GPS tracker in your car is usually simple however the procedure varies significantly from device to device. The main distinction is the power supply, although there is enough diversity that it is still prudent to consult the handbook first.
Some GPS trackers are intended to link to the onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) port, which is often found beneath the dash near the driver’s knees. The advantage here is that these trackers are powered straight from the diagnostic connection, making them quite simple to operate. If you’ve ever used a code reader or scan tool, you’ll have no trouble using this tracker.
Other car trackers are intended to connect to a pendant or accessory outlet, restricting where they can be installed. These trackers are simple to install and operate, although some suck power from the battery while you are not driving. In that instance, disconnect the tracker to keep the car battery from dying.
The most discrete automotive GPS trackers are battery-powered, allowing them to be put almost anywhere. Because there is no external power supply, this sort of tracker must be removed and charged regularly or it will cease operating.
Once the tracker has been installed, you can use the software provided to you by the company via your phone, computer, or tablet to know its whereabouts in real-time.
Before choosing the right car tracking device, several factors must be emphasized. These are some tips that can help you choose the GPS-tracking device for your car:
All GPS data in a passive tracking system is saved in the receiver device and may be downloaded on a local server only after the vehicle returns. The passive system collects data every 30 seconds but requires a large amount of RAM to store it.
Active or real-time tracking, on the other hand, uses a satellite or cellular modem for the GPS. The tracker regularly updates the information in the server based on its specified frequency, which varies from 15 seconds to once per day depending on the configuration. It ensures that you never have to worry about losing data.
It is a common misconception that passive tracking technologies are less expensive than real-time alternatives. People believe that the monthly cellular costs make the real-time system more expensive.
That, however, is not the case. Wireless prices have recently dropped significantly, making the alternative more economical than passive systems. On the contrary, the Wi-Fi infrastructure necessary for routine maintenance of the passive tracking system raises the cost.
Ideally, selecting the GPS tracking system that best meets your needs is the best option. Importantly, prices might change owing to the addition or absence of various accessories like fuel sensors, impact sensors, and so on.
It is reasonable that you would regard tracking capabilities as the most important issue. As a general rule, determine whether the automobile tracker provides real-time updates. This implies that a trustworthy GPS tracker must be capable of alerting you when the car moves from point A to point B.
Other benefits of tracking include the ability to easily manage many vehicles and interfaces. Also, if you have high-end needs, the option to track journey history is an important aspect to consider. When you can continually monitor the stoppages, engine running duration, idling length, and other trip-related characteristics, trusting people with your automobile becomes simpler.
A solid GPS tracking app should be able to send out every vital report while also tracking and logging data for an extended length of time. Certain GPS monitoring software outperforms the competition due to their capacity to log and share past information as well as the dashboard overview.
What better small-sized personal GPS tracker than the Family 1st GPS tracker? The tracker’s modest size allows you to conceal it in your car. The Family 1st GPS tracker has a 2400 mAh Li-Polymer rechargeable battery that may last up to two weeks. This GPS LTE tracker is ideal for vehicle tracking because it is equipped with a lightning-fast 4G LTE network.
Family 1st goods come with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can link it to your smartphone by downloading the app, or you can track it straight through the website. Furthermore, the app allows you to add additional GPS trackers to the same account, allowing you to track all of your assets at the same time.
The Family 1st GPS tracker’s sleek form makes it easy to install the device in a variety of unanticipated locations. You may even install the GPS tracker beneath your vehicle using the Family 1st Magnetic case and receive detailed information on total miles traveled, total miles driven at or above 80 Mph, strong acceleration activity, and so on.
If you’re looking for GPS trackers that are inclusive, there aren’t many better selections on the market than Bouncie. This tracker easily plugs into the car’s OBD port and allows you to monitor acceleration, speed-based alarms, severe braking circumstances, and other vehicle-related operations.
Furthermore, the $8 subscription cost is, to say the least, competitive. Furthermore, this is one of the few GPS trackers on the market that can save data while in motion while also providing distance monitoring.
When looking for personal GPS trackers, most individuals choose something lightweight and compact. The Samsung SmartThings Tracker is a GPS tracker that meets those standards while also providing additional sophisticated capabilities. To begin, the Samsung SmartThings Tracker is a small GPS tracker that can be easily installed in vehicles. The tracker is water-resistant and allows you complete flexibility of movement.
The rechargeable battery in the personal GPS tracker may last up to 10 days. You may set geofences, receive notifications, monitor your vehicles with an app, and view the location history. Overall, this is one of the best personal GPS trackers available in the market at this price point.
This personal GPS tracker from Brickhouse Security is designed to meet all of your tracking needs. Spark Nano 7 is tiny enough to fit in your palm. And you can easily transport it or connect it to your pet’s collar. So it may not only accompany you on excursions but it can also be used to monitor the safety of your children.
You can track your automobile using real-time location updates with the Spark Nano 7. This portable GPS tracker has a panic button that may be used to send out a distress signal in an emergency.
Car owners who are interested in portable trackers should not hesitate to get the Americaloc GL300W. Because of its basic physical nature, this is one of the greatest retail devices to tote around without breaking a sweat.
Despite its high price, the Americaloc GL300W demands your attention because of its tailored magnetic casing, which lets you conceal it in plain sight. Furthermore, this GPS tracker supplied consistent real-time car tracking, as well as personalized warnings that may advise you of restricted entry, overspeeding, and other actions. If you’re looking for GPS trackers with magnets, we’ve got you covered with a guide and a complete list.
The Optimus 2.0 is more of a tracker package, with real-time, accurate, and discrete tracking capabilities. The device’s increased battery life of up to two weeks works to its advantage. However, if you want to get the most out of your battery, you must go into the app and pick the reporting frequency of 1 minute.
Furthermore, Optimus 2.0 is one of the top tools on the market for anyone trying to match the created data with the featured mobile app completely. Finally, a twin-magnet tracker casing is in action, preventing the same from being recognized.
This portable GPS tracker is an excellent companion for solo car trips. Spot Trace has advanced features like the S.O.S. button and personalized messaging to make your and your loved ones’ journeys safer. You won’t get lost in new territory with this personal GPS tracker at your side.
The S.O.S. button, which can save lives in emergency circumstances, is the standout feature of SPOT Trace. In an emergency, simply push the button, and the GEOS International Emergency Reaction Coordination Center will send your GPS coordinates to local reaction teams.
SPOT Trace allows you to send personalized notes about your travel to your contacts. You can share your GPS locations with up to ten people who may be able to reach you in life-threatening situations. Spot Trace may not only be used as a personal GPS tracker, but it can also be used to track your children, automobiles, or other assets.
If you are a rookie driver who is still learning how to drive, choose the MotoSafety Tracker over any other GPS tracker on the market. As new drivers become increasingly reliant on personalized position alerts, geofencing, and Google maps, the MotoSafety Tracker keeps them up to date with the more demanding regulations.
Furthermore, parents can use this tracker to assist them with curfew management by tracking the mobility of their driving children at specified hours.
Due to the cheap monthly fee, you may use this smartphone without worrying about money. Furthermore, the app-based interface allows for a driving training module, allowing the new driver to improve their abilities even further.
Finding the finest GPS tracking gadget for your car can be difficult, especially if you are an early adopter. While the buying guide and preliminary feature sets help you make smarter decisions, you can anticipate being a little puzzled given the large range of options available.