How To Install Car GPS Tracker

How many times have you heard cases of stolen cars? You can imagine how a car owner feels after something they invested a lot in disappears within minutes. Well, they never knew they could recover their car in hours if they installed a GPS tracker.

Generally, you can use a car GPS tracker to recover a lost car, track your shipments, or track your driver’s movement. However, very few people understand how to install a car GPS tracker. That’s why we’re here.

We’ll take you through everything you need about car GPS tracker installation.

Portable vs. Hardwired Car GPS Trackers

(Isolated GPS tracker)

Generally, we have hardwired portable car GPS trackers. Portable GPS trackers have batteries that require constant charging. Since you can place them anywhere in your car, you don’t require installation skills.

Normally, you should place the device where it’s not visible. This could be below the seats or inside the car boot. However, ensure nothing interferes with the incoming GPS signal.

On the other hand, a hard-wired tracker gets power from the car’s power system. It doesn’t come with a battery. Therefore, you can’t move it anywhere you want in your car. Generally, a hardwired GPS tracker requires skills to install.

Tools Needed to Install Car Tracker Devices

Generally, installing a car tracker requires you to have specific tools. You can buy the tools from an electronic shop or borrow them from a friend. Below are the tools you’ll need:

A Phillips head screwdriver
A double-sided tape
Wire pick

Wire cutters
An electrical tape roll
A ring terminal

A voltmeter

How to install a car GPS tracker

There are three ways of installing a car GPS tracker:

Using OBD II Port

Generally, you’ll find it easy to use the OBD II port. It would be best if you plugged the tracker into the 16-pin port on your car. You don’t need any skills to install the tracker using this method.

Additionally, you can use extension cables to move your tracker to any location you wish. Here, the extension cable plugs directly into the port.

Hardwiring The Device

(Connected GPS tracker)

Firstly, you need to access the power and ignition wires. The wires are under the car’s dashboard. You can then hardwire your tracker and link it to your battery. With this option, the tracker is closer to your battery.

Additionally, thieves will find it hard to locate the tracker. However, you’ll need a professional to install it for you.

Battery-Powered Device

(GPS tracker box)

Finally, you can use a wireless device. The device is portable and can be placed anywhere in your car.

Before placing the tracker in your car, ensure it’s on and transmitting signals. Unlike hardwiring, you can easily hide this portable device where thieves won’t notice it.

DIY or Hire A Professional To Install the GPS?

Installing a car GPS tracker is a straightforward process. Generally, installing it yourself is very cost-effective. If you hire a professional, you should set aside enough money for it.

For a basic GPS tracker installation, such as using an OBD II port or battery-powered device, you can do everything by yourself.

However, we recommend hiring a professional for complex installations like hardwiring the tracker. Generally, a professional will do a better job, but you’ll save more if you do everything yourself.

Benefits of Installing A Car GPS Tracker

(GPS tracker before installation)

Below are reasons why you need to install a GPS tracker in your car:

Provides Your Car’s Real-Time Location

Regardless of where you pack your car, you can easily locate its real-time location. You can view the live location from your smartphone anywhere as long as it has an internet connection.

Recovering A Stolen Car

Cars are expensive, and you’ll feel bad if someone steals them from you. However, a GPS can help you track the thieves and notify the police to recover them.

Monitor Your Teens

If you just bought your child a new car, you don’t have to worry about their movement. Generally, a tracker can help you know where they’re and at what time. Consequently, you’ll improve their safety.

Alert You In Case of Car Tampering

If you buy an advanced tracking system, you can get alerts when someone tampers with your car.

Monitoring Your Driver

For those who have hired drivers, using a GPS tracker is the best way to monitor their movement. This way, you’ll know their whereabouts at any time. For instance, you’ll know when to expect your deliveries.

Improves Vehicle Management

It isn’t easy to track maintenance schedules if you own many vehicles. With a modern GPS tracker, you can get comprehensive details about your car’s condition. Additionally, if certain parts become damaged, you’ll receive an alert. Consequently, you’ll save on repair costs since your vehicle will experience fewer breakages.

Install Car GPS Tracker: Improve Driver Safety

Generally, most GPS trackers are designed with an SOS feature. The feature enables a driver to seek help in case of an emergency.

Install Car GPS Tracker: Insurance Discounts

Insurance companies normally charge a lot of money for theft-related insurance. However, you’ll get a good discount if you install a car GPS tracker. This is because tracking the car becomes easier.

Install Car GPS Tracker: Fleet Management

You can monitor their whereabouts from your smartphone if you have many cars. Additionally, you can communicate with all the drivers anytime.

FAQs

Best places to install a car GPS tracker

Generally, we recommend installing a GPS tracker anywhere it can not be seen. However, for the best outcome, consider these 8 places:

Under the seat
Under the carpet

Dashboard
Under your car
Front bumper

Glove box
Rear bumper
Engine bay

Do Car GPS Trackers Drain a Lot of Battery Power?

A car GPS tracker doesn’t use a lot of battery power. If your battery is draining faster, there is a high chance it’s damaged.

Can I install multiple GPS trackers in my car?

Yes! You can install several GPS trackers in your car as long as they don’t interfere with each other.

Conclusion

Generally, installing a car GPS tracker is an easy process. If you want to do the installation yourself, we recommend using an OBD II port and portable trackers.

However, you should hire a professional to hardwire the tracker. Don’t wait for tomorrow to keep your car and driver safe.