What is a GPS Vehicle Tracking System?

What is a GPS Vehicle Tracking System?

A GPS vehicle tracking system is a little electronic box that uses GPS positioning satellites and cellphone data to give you updates about the position of your vehicle. Some systems send updates once every few minutes, while others send updates several times a minute. The systems work to let you know where your vehicle is located over and over again. Many of these systems also capture data from your vehicle's computers. Some of the systems can see when a vehicle is behaving erratically, and they can even track your car's mileage and suggest maintenance tasks.

How to Install a GPS Tracking System

Most tracking systems are simple to install. For many, you only have to locate the OBD2 port in your vehicle and plug the tracker in. Finally, sync the tracker with your phone-based app, and the installation is final. Some systems come with computer software for simple management, and you only have to add the data from the tracker to your account to enable tracking to begin.

Even on systems that don't utilize the OBD2 port, you won't find installation to be challenging. Some trackers are magnetic and designed to stick to a hidden part of your vehicle for stealth tracking. Others come with adhesive for you to use for installation. Read through the instructions carefully, determine whether you can install the tracker on the interior or exterior of your vehicle, and use that data to help you achieve a proper installation. Once you have your tracker mounted, make sure it's connected and giving you updates properly. Before you decide you're finished, make sure you have an active subscription with the tracking company. You must pay for tracking services. Some purchases come with a month of tracking, but others require you to buy a service.

A Vehicle Monitoring System is Important for Business

If you have a business with commercial vehicles, tracking them is important. Get a GPS vehicle tracker to do the job. These systems give you data about where your employees are and how they're driving while using your vehicles. You'll know when employees aren't being safe, and you'll know when they're at the proper work locations or not. Some of these systems even give you data about the mileage put on a vehicle, making it easy to track key maintenance tasks and to handle things like fuel usage and operating costs. Without a good tracking system, you're guessing at your business operations, which is why you need to add one of these systems to each of the vehicles in your fleet as soon as possible.

The Personal Uses for GPS Vehicle Tracking

While it's clear why business owners with company vehicles in operation would want a GPS tracking system installed in their vehicles, there are many individuals that can use these systems for personal reasons. The most obvious reason to add one of these trackers is to help find your car in the event that it's stolen. Some trackers are better for this than others because some can be hidden, while others must be installed in the OBD2 port. You may also want to add a tracker to monitor your loved ones in the event that they get into an accident. The systems work well for monitoring senior citizens to ensure they aren't lost, and keeping tabs on teens has never been easier than when you have one of these systems installed.

What Features to Look for in a Vehicle Tracking System

Each of the features below is important when evaluating trackers. Decide what matters to you and look closely at the details to make a good purchase.

• Ease of Installation
• Stealth
• Position Accuracy
• Safety Reports
• Frequent Updates
• Monthly Subscription Cost
• Emergency Services

A tracker is normally easy to install, but some are easier than others.If you don't care about stealth, opt for a tracker that connects to your OBD2 port. Plug your tracker in and you are done. When stealth matters, you'll have to look for trackers with magnetic or adhesive attachment designs that can be hidden easily.

Other than installation, you should think about how often the unit updates. Getting a model that sends updates several times a minute gives you more accurate location information. Consider the subscription cost. This is a monthly or annual service you'll pay. Often the units that update your location data the most come with the greatest subscription costs. Look for emergency services and safety reports as well. Having a model that reports an accident to emergency service providers could be a lifesaver in emergency situations.

All these different factors should influence which of the tracking devices are right for your vehicle and which to avoid. Just as a car history report can help you purchase the perfect used vehicle, looking at all the features of a tracker can help you get something with the features you truly care about.

Figure Out Which GPS is Best for Your Needs

There are hundreds of different GPS vehicle tracking systems available for purchase today. Some are meant for spying on people, others are built for fleet use in a commercial setting, and the rest are for more casual personal use. Consider how you'll use your tracker. Use this to help you choose the model that will work best. A tracking system is a useful upgrade you can make to your vehicle, but it's only right for certain vehicle owners. Once you have a high-quality tracker, you won't have to wonder about your vehicle location; instead, you'll just know.