GPS technology has made it possible for us not only to get from A to B but also to discover routes previously ignored or inaccessible. We’re not just looking for a nearby coffee shop or showing directions to our friends’ homes; we do a lot more than that. Nowadays, GPS technology is a crucial element for communication in car safety and security. GPS tracking for cars provides you with both real-time information about the place of your vehicle as well as the location of all of the passengers which gives you a high level of control over the security of your car.
The trackers of GPS trucks for cars are tracking devices that, through satellite technology, provide real-time or periodical tracking updates. The units can be mounted into the vehicle’s structure undetectably at several locations: for instance, the dashboard, under the seat, or under the car frame. Such tools are no longer seen positively for only the private car owners but also for the companies that deal with fleet management cars, parents who will be surveillance of their teens’ driving behavior, or everyone who needs their own car tracking.
In this post, we will get down to exploring the short list of GPS tracking devices aimed for cars. Our article will cover all the basics you need to know about this tool: why you need one, how it works, and we will provide our own top 10 of the best GPS trackers available nowadays.
Why Your Car Needs a GPS Tracker?
Having a GPS tracker for your car isn’t only one of those “if I was rich, I could have one” types of gadgets; it is, by all means, an emergency piece of equipment. It brings peace of mind to the caregiver as well. Be it safety or security concerns for your car or just that you wish to keep an eye on the whereabouts of this vehicle, a GPS tracker will provide you with real-time information on the location of your car.
According to GPSTracker247, speed trackers may well be a lifesaver during an emergency. Some GPS tracking devices that are installed in some cars have a panic button, which allows drivers or passengers to dispatch emergency alerts with details of their exact position. The predetermined contact is their emergency contact. It is among the most valuable for senior people, people with particular health conditions, and those who struggle with mobility.
Eventually, possessing a GPS for your car is not only a perfect paraphernalia for tracking driving habits. By measuring driver engagement and scenario scores, this is a relevant matter for teenage drivers’ parents, fleet managers, or those keen on becoming better drivers to avoid road accidents and improve vehicle efficiency.
How GPS Trackers for Cars Work?
GPS tracker works by appealing to the signal that they receive from the network of satellites orbiting the earth. The device uses the location data to determine exactly where the car is and displays it on the map viewed on a mobile device. Succeeding, the data is sent from the tracker to the server on a wireless internet network. You can reach it via a simple application that is downloaded on your phone or a provider’s web-based platform that offers more complex features depending on the tracking device model.
Similarly, some GPS trackers can be found in vehicles with a lot of other features. Others have the much sought-after geofencing feature, which is a feature that alerts you if your vehicle leaves or enters a particular zone. Others derive driving behavior from pieces of information like how fast we stop, and how fast we speed up. Certain other trackers have engine health monitoring, thanks to which you can detect mechanical problems even if they haven’t been played out yet.
In actuality, coupled with GPS trackers for vehicles, you will be able to get more details that facilitate your care for your car, create safer situations, and give a sense of security.
Top 10 GPS Trackers for Cars – Compared
Unfortunately, in the growing industry of 2023, the car GPS trackers market is overflowing with different types of them, which have their special features and pros. In this part, we are going to cover the top 10 GPS trackers for cars. First and foremost we shall look into their major features and also ease of installation, and user experience.
GPS Tracker | Features | Pros | Cons |
Family1st Portable Tracker | – Real-time tracking – Geofence alerts – Historical playback | – Accurate location updates – User-friendly interface | – Subscription required |
SpyTec STI GL300 | – Real-time tracking – Geofence alerts – 2-week battery life | – Long battery life – Compact design | – Monthly fee |
Optimus 2.0 | – Real-time tracking – Email & text alerts – 2-week battery life | – Easy to use – Good battery life | – Requires subscription |
Vyncs Link | – Real-time tracking – Driver report cards – No monthly fee | – Comprehensive reports – No subscription needed | – Initial cost is high |
MOTOsafety OBD | – Real-time tracking – Geofence alerts – Driving report cards | – Easy installation – Good for teen drivers | – Monthly fee required |
Bouncie | – Real-time tracking – Vehicle diagnostics – Driving habits monitoring | – Detailed insights – Affordable subscription | – Limited international use |
CarLock | – Real-time tracking – Anti-theft alerts – Vehicle health monitoring | – Advanced security features – Easy setup | – Subscription needed |
MasTrack OBD | – Real-time tracking – Maintenance reminders – Geofence alerts | – Comprehensive features – Easy plug & play | – Monthly fee |
Linxup OBD | – Real-time tracking – Maintenance alerts – Geofence alerts | – Detailed reports – Affordable | – Subscription required |
TKSTAR Tracker | – Real-time tracking – Strong magnet for attachment – 3-month battery life | – Long battery life – Versatile placement | – Occasional signal drop |
Key Features to Look for in the Best GPS Tracker for Car
Selecting a superior GPS tracker for utilization in your vehicle is determined by several main elements. For example, they may require the device’s capability to track them, a power source, a small storage ability, additional features like geofencing or driver behavior monitoring, and the cost.
The ideal GPS tracker for your car must guarantee frequent tracking updates, feature a robust, long-lasting power source, be simple to install, and conceal, and finally offer specific additional features that fulfill your personal requirements. Besides, it’s also very important to take into account the expenses, initially, for the device itself and then the total cost per month for the transition of data.
How to Install a GPS Tracking Device for a Car?
Installing a GPS tracker in your vehicle is generally an easy path to follow. Among the common features, most of them deliver instructions that are usually comprehensive, and some can even help users through the installation process.
Often, you have to attach the device to the car’s source of power with the tracker in a hidden and secure spot before you set up the tracking system through the Internet on your phone or laptop. The aim of this is not just to place the monitor, but to do it while it remains hidden according to some security rules so that it can pick up the location of your vehicle undetected.
Tips on Maximizing Car Safety with a GPS Tracker
The key to increasing the safety of a car by integrating a GPS tracker is to utilize every single feature available in the vehicle. Set up geofencing alerts on critical locations, perceive driving behavior data to identify and correct risky driving habits, and use the alert button if it’s provided by the monitor manufacturers.
The device is merely a tool, while what is important is what you do with it. The final caliper will depend on how you use the tool and is the crucial factor that will determine how much it can improve the safety of your car.
Conclusion: In order to Track Down Your Car, Picking The Best Tracker is Necessary
Deciding which GPS tracker fits well for your car is at the zenith of comprehensive thoughts when you have to choose from multiple options. Although, you may think that the features of the devices are similar and the price difference is negligible, by taking the time to consider your specific needs and considering the key features of each device, you can find the right tracker for you.
Remember, the functionality is not limited to following your vehicle’s location only, but it’s to maximize the safety and security of your vehicle. You have options depending on whether you are a private car owner, a fleet manager, or a concerned parent, but a GPS tracker for your car still provides peace of mind to these individuals and collectively contributes to a safer driving environment.