How To Put A Tracker On Your Car

Ever wondered where your car really goes when you lend it to someone? Or perhaps you're concerned about theft and want a proactive way to recover your vehicle? In today's world, vehicle theft is a very real concern, and knowing the whereabouts of your car, truck, or van can provide peace of mind, assist in recovering stolen property, and even help monitor teen driving habits. A GPS tracker offers a discreet and effective way to monitor your vehicle's location in real-time.

Installing a GPS tracker on your car can seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it's a relatively straightforward process. Whether you're a concerned parent, a small business owner managing a fleet of vehicles, or simply someone who values the security of their property, understanding how to properly install and use a GPS tracker is an invaluable skill. This guide will walk you through the different types of trackers, installation methods, and best practices for ensuring accurate and reliable tracking.

What are the common questions about car trackers?

Is it legal to put a tracker on my car?

The legality of putting a tracker on your car depends heavily on who owns the car and your reasons for doing so. It's generally legal if you own the car outright and are using the tracker for legitimate purposes, such as preventing theft or monitoring your own driving habits. However, it's illegal to track a car you don't own or have permission to track, or to use tracking for illegal activities like stalking or harassment.

The key factor is consent and reasonable expectation of privacy. If you are tracking a vehicle used by a family member (like a spouse or child), the legality becomes murkier and often depends on state laws and the specific circumstances. In many cases, tracking a spouse without their knowledge or consent during divorce proceedings can be considered illegal and may have legal ramifications. Similarly, tracking an employee's company car may be permissible, but only if the employee has been informed about the tracking policy. It is always best to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction before placing a tracker on any vehicle. Unauthorized tracking can lead to serious legal consequences, including civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Consider factors like whether you have a legitimate need to know the location of the vehicle, whether the person using the vehicle has been notified, and whether the tracking is being conducted in a way that violates their privacy rights.

Where is the best hidden location to install a car tracker?

The best hidden location for a car tracker is typically inside the bumper, either front or rear, due to its concealment and relative ease of access for installation and maintenance. Bumper placement offers protection from the elements and casual observation, maximizing the tracker's stealth.

When choosing a location, consider factors like signal strength, power source, and accessibility. Areas obstructed by large metal components can interfere with GPS and cellular signals. If the tracker requires a direct connection to the car's battery, the closer it is to the battery, the easier the wiring. However, avoid areas with moving parts or excessive heat, such as near the engine or exhaust system. Within the bumper, look for cavities or existing spaces where the tracker can be secured using zip ties, adhesive, or a magnetic mount. Ensure it's firmly attached to prevent rattling or dislodging during driving.

Other viable, though potentially less ideal, hidden locations include under the seats, inside the glove compartment (if sufficiently spacious), or behind interior panels. These locations offer concealment but may require more effort for installation and could be more susceptible to discovery during a thorough search of the vehicle's interior. Ultimately, the "best" location depends on the specific tracker, the vehicle model, and the installer's skill in achieving discreet placement.

How do I power a GPS tracker in my car without draining the battery?

The best way to power a GPS tracker in your car without draining the battery is to hardwire it to the car's electrical system using a fuse tap (add-a-circuit) connected to a circuit that only receives power when the ignition is on. This ensures the tracker only draws power when the car is running and doesn't continuously drain the battery when the car is off.

Hardwiring with a fuse tap is the most common solution for permanently installed GPS trackers. The fuse tap allows you to connect the tracker's power and ground wires to an existing fuse in the car's fuse box without cutting or splicing into the vehicle's wiring harness. Choose a fuse that's only active when the ignition is on, such as the radio, cigarette lighter (if present), or accessory power. This way, the tracker will only draw power when the car is running, preventing battery drain when it's parked. Be sure to use a fuse of the correct amperage for the circuit you tap into, following the tracker's and the vehicle's specifications to prevent electrical problems. Alternatively, some GPS trackers have built-in power-saving modes or large internal batteries designed to minimize battery drain. These trackers can operate for extended periods on their internal battery, but eventually, they will require recharging. While simpler to install initially, they are less reliable in the long term for continuous tracking than a properly hardwired system, as you must remember to recharge them regularly. Choosing a reputable brand with good power management features can help maximize battery life in these types of devices.

What type of tracker is best: GPS or Bluetooth?

The "best" type of tracker for your car depends entirely on your specific needs and priorities. GPS trackers offer superior accuracy and range, allowing you to pinpoint your car's location virtually anywhere with cellular or satellite connectivity. Bluetooth trackers, on the other hand, are cheaper, smaller, and rely on a network of nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices for location updates, limiting their range considerably.

GPS trackers are ideal if you need to track your car's location over long distances, monitor its movements in real-time, or recover it if it's stolen. They typically require a subscription fee for cellular data, but the benefits of accurate, nationwide tracking often outweigh the cost. Features such as geofencing (setting virtual boundaries and receiving alerts when the car enters or exits them) and historical location data are commonly available with GPS trackers, making them suitable for vehicle security and fleet management.

Bluetooth trackers are best suited for finding your car in a crowded parking lot or within a relatively small area. They’re less about precise, real-time tracking and more about proximity. They rely on being within Bluetooth range of your phone or another device connected to the Bluetooth network (like Apple’s Find My network or Tile’s network) to report a location. Because of this dependency, they aren't reliable for anti-theft or long-distance tracking.

Consider these factors when choosing:

How do I install a hardwired GPS tracker?

Installing a hardwired GPS tracker typically involves connecting the tracker's power and ground wires directly to your car's electrical system, often in the fuse box or directly to the car battery. This provides continuous power to the device, eliminating the need for battery replacements. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to proceed carefully, identifying the correct wires and ensuring a secure and insulated connection to prevent electrical issues.

The first step is to choose a discreet and easily accessible location for the tracker, such as under the dashboard, inside the glove compartment, or beneath a seat. You’ll need basic tools like a wire stripper, crimper, multimeter, and appropriate connectors. Consult the GPS tracker's manual for specific wiring diagrams and voltage requirements. Before beginning any wiring, disconnect the car battery to prevent short circuits. Identify a suitable power source (typically a constant 12V source) and ground connection in the fuse box or near the battery. Using a multimeter, verify the voltage and polarity before connecting any wires.

Once you've located the correct wires, use a crimp connector or similar method to securely connect the tracker's power and ground wires to the car's electrical system. Ensure the connections are insulated to prevent shorts. A test using the multimeter can confirm that the tracker is receiving power. Route the GPS antenna to an area with a clear view of the sky, following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid interference. Finally, reconnect the car battery and test the tracker's functionality by verifying its location using the tracker's associated app or platform.

Do I need professional help to install a car tracker, or can I DIY?

Whether you need professional help to install a car tracker or can DIY depends largely on the type of tracker you choose. Simple, plug-and-play trackers that connect to your car's OBD-II port are very easy for anyone to install themselves. However, more complex trackers that require hardwiring into your car's electrical system typically necessitate professional installation to ensure correct wiring, prevent electrical damage, and guarantee proper functionality.

For the simpler OBD-II trackers, installation truly is as easy as plugging the device into the port, which is usually located under the dashboard near the steering wheel. The device will then draw power from the car's battery and begin transmitting location data. Hardwired trackers, on the other hand, require a more involved installation process, often requiring you to tap into the car's wiring harness for power and potentially connect to other systems like the ignition. Incorrect wiring can lead to a drained battery, damage to the car's electrical components, or even fire. If you're not comfortable working with your car's electrical system or unsure about the wiring diagrams, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional install the tracker. The cost of professional installation is usually a small price to pay compared to the potential damage caused by a DIY mishap. Furthermore, professional installation often comes with a warranty on the installation itself, providing additional peace of mind.

How much does it typically cost to put a tracker on a car?

The cost of putting a tracker on a car varies significantly depending on the type of tracker, its features, and whether you opt for professional installation. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the tracker device itself. Monthly subscription fees for data plans and monitoring services can range from $5 to $50. Finally, professional installation, if desired, could add another $50 to $200 to the overall cost.

The wide price range reflects the different functionalities offered by various trackers. Simple, battery-powered GPS trackers with basic location reporting tend to be at the lower end of the spectrum. These are often suitable for personal use, like monitoring a single vehicle. More sophisticated devices, often hardwired into the car's electrical system, boast advanced features like real-time tracking, geofencing, speed alerts, and even remote engine disabling. These are typically preferred for fleet management or situations where more robust security is needed, hence the higher cost. Beyond the initial purchase price, consider the ongoing operational expenses. Many GPS trackers rely on cellular networks to transmit data, necessitating a monthly subscription for data usage. These subscriptions differ based on the frequency of updates and the data allowance. Opting for a plan with real-time, high-frequency updates will likely be more expensive than one with infrequent updates. Also, weigh the cost of professional installation against the potential for DIY installation. While DIY can save money, improper installation could damage your vehicle's electrical system or render the tracker ineffective. Ultimately, the best approach is to assess your specific tracking needs and budget. Research different trackers, compare their features and subscription plans, and factor in the cost of installation (either DIY or professional) to make an informed decision.

Alright, you've got the know-how to get that tracker installed and start monitoring your vehicle. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful and straightforward. Thanks for reading, and feel free to swing by again if you have any other car-related conundrums – we're always here to help you keep your ride safe and sound!