A GPS Tracker Device for your car can be great for security and peace of mind
Let’s say you’ve bought a car for a family member, and you want to know where they are in case of an emergency, or you run a fleet of vehicles that needs to keep track of those vehicles 24/7.
If you want to monitor a car and see where it has been—be it your own, a loved one’s, or a company vehicle—a GPS Tracker for car is what you need.
In this article, we’re going to help you learn all about GPS Tracking for cars and why it’s important to use one for your own vehicle.
We’ll also provide some things to consider like, best hidden installation locations, and important features when choosing the best GPS tracker for car.
Lastly, we’ll introduce you to one of, if not, the Best Car GPS Tracker No Monthly Fee on the market!
What is a GPS Tracker?
A Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracker is a small, portable device that allows people to monitor and track their belongings, like vehicles, bikes, luggage, etc.
A real-time GPS tracker for car is capable of providing instant speed, location, and direction data, and optionally, may record or log such information for later examination.
Some car GPS trackers allow you to set up real-time alerts to go off when the driver speeds or deviates from a particular area.
Uses of a GPS Tracker for a Car
In-Car Navigation uses GPS Tracking
GPS tracking makes use of a network of satellites in order to identify the location of a device specifically built for that purpose. So, basically, a GPS tracker uses a process called trilateration, which determines its physical location based on the distance from at least 3 GPS satellites.
It’s the same technology used by your in-car navigation system and mobile phone.
See our article on How GPS Works for detailed information.
The real difference between a GPS tracker and a vehicle navigation system is that the former records your location, speed, heading and/or broadcasts its location in real-time, and the latter provides you with your location, as well as driving directions.
GPS trackers capable of broadcasting “real-time location” using the same technology your phone does to make a call or connect to the internet.
Thus, most GPS trackers for cars require a monthly subscription fee.
7 Important Reasons to Use GPS Tracker for Car
#1: Provides Better Security
Having a GPS tracker will provide security, and peace of mind, as you know the car’s location can be monitored at any time. So, if your car is stolen, you can get an alert and track its location.
Some GPS tracking devices boast advanced features like an automatic alert to the nearest police station contingent upon an accident or built-in access to emergency help. This is particularly helpful for rental vehicle businesses as their passengers will feel more confident knowing the car is being monitored.
#2: Improves Workforce Productivity
Commercial Vehicle GPS trackers allow business owners to effectively monitor their personnel and reduce idle time, thereby improving productivity.
#3: Lowers Carbon Footprint
A GPS tracker for car gives you information on the best and shortest route, saving on your fuel consumption. Also, taking shorter routes is a great way to minimize carbon emissions. And not just that, automated reports will further save paper, meaning you’re saving the trees as well.
#4: Happy Customers
Car GPS trackers offer delivery tracking in real-time, providing detailed information about the exact location of the delivery truck. This data can be used to provide clients an estimated time of arrival of their stuff. Sharing this data will certainly satisfy your customers and make them want to use your service again in the future.
#5: Saves Money
Setting up a vehicle tracker on your fleet offers several benefits. Reports generated by the tracker will help you evaluate the attendance and performance of your employees. No more needless overtime just because an employee got lost and it took them forever to deliver the goods.
You can also give your client appropriate billing information.
Thief stealing a Car
#6: Helps Secure Your Assets
A vehicle GPS tracker will help prevent thieves from driving away with your stuff.
If your car, laptop, luggage, and other essentials are equipped with a GPS tracker, you may be able to locate and recover your items in case of theft.
#7: Improves Communication
A GPS vehicle tracking system logs data on your car’s arrival and departure time at particular places, so there is no need to call the driver or the office that the given task is completed, which reduces costs on phone bills and other administrative operations.
Considerations When Choosing a GPS Tracker for Car
#1: Passive vs. Real-Time
Passive GPS trackers (GPS Loggers) store data in the unit itself. This data can be uploaded to the server once the car returns to its headquarters.
On the other hand, a real-time GPS car tracker transmits its location immediately, so there’s no chance of data loss.
#2: Cost
The expenses included in passive and real-time GPS solutions are almost identical. Although many assume the costs of real-time vehicle GPS tracking are higher compared to passive solutions, with enhanced infrastructure and technology, the costs of these devices have reduced dramatically.
However, almost all GPS Trackers have a monthly cost.
#3: Access Control and User Management
If you own a fleet vehicle, working on the access control, user management, and commercial end are essential features of car management in your everyday business activities. With these nifty features, you can make addition and modification to each user profile.
Furthermore, you can control your access privileges via roles. You can assign one or multiple roles to a user. On top of that, you can categorize specific users into a group and view data related to the entire group.
#4: Notifications & Alerts
Real-time alerts and notifications are crucial, and it’s possible only with real-time GPS trackers. These devices allow anyone to track cars 24/7.
#5: Accidents
When it comes to accidents, a GPS Tracker will record the car’s speed, direction, and time as well as transmit in real-time the last known location.
#6: Ease of Installation
When choosing a GPS tracker for car, you should consider the ease of installation and maintenance. Your device should be handy and installed beneath your car’s dashboard, under a seat, or in the trunk.
There are four comprehensive types of GPS: Portable Outdoor GPS, Marine GPS, Car Navigation GPS, and the GPS/PDA hybrid. Opt for the Car Navigation GPS that can be easily installed, is small, and lightweight.
If you are considering buying a GPS tracker, take these considerations into account. To ensure the safety and security of your possessions, choose a car tracking GPS device that meets all the above-mentioned criteria.
The next step is to help you find the Best GPS Tracker for Car in 2020. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Trakkit™: Why Trakkit is the Best GPS Tracker for Car
Trakkit is one of the few Car GPS Trackers with no monthly fee or yearly subscription renewal. It offers an innovative solution for vehicle tracking and uses Wi-Fi rather than Cellular for GPS Tracking—including motion detection, and alerts.
Best Hidden GPS Tracker for Car (No Monthly Fee)
Most GPS Trackers need to be installed in a hidden location, but not all hidden locations are easy to find or make it easy to install the GPS Tracker. (see our article on installation details for a vehicle)
The Typical Install Locations for a Hidden GPS Tracker are:
Under the Dash. This is a great location however, the install time and expense are considerable because you need to take parts of your dash apart or hire a professional. You would need to hard-wire the Tracker unless you want to dig under your dash just to change the batteries.
In the Trunk. This is a good location, but may easily be discovered, and is difficult to hard-wire since there are no 12-volt wires to connect to. Be careful as the heat inside the trunk can damage the batteries inside the GPS Tracker.
In Front of the Radiator. This is the best hidden location for Trakkit GPS, since it offers the best performance, and is easy to install. Also, no one will easily suspect a tracker in front of the radiator, and the ability to hard-wire is easy because the battery terminals or fuse box are close by. Because of its small size, (only 2.5″L x 1.3″W x .75″H), Trakkit is very easy to conceal, this makes Trakkit the best hidden GPS tracker for car.
Front of Radiator is Best Hidden Location for GPS Tracker (Source)
Access from Anywhere
The Trakkit App for iOS and Android connects to your Trakkit GPS device via Wi-Fi and the internet. You can also access your Trakkit from web browsers.
Trakkit gives you Alerts on location change or vibration/movement. It provides the last location of your device, can auto-upload GPS logs using your smartphone’s Wi-Fi or hotspot, and sends auto-alert to the Trakkit™ community if the device gets stolen.
You can further set a geo-fence zone to define the safe or regular area. This way, whenever your Trakkit moves outside the specified area, you’ll receive an alert.
How Trakkit GPS Communicates
Trakkit uses GPS satellite signals to pinpoint the location, then communicates or transmits that location over WiFi.
You can also upload logged the information and data to the cloud over Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi connection (faster). Trakkit uses its near-field zBeacon* to alert any smartphone that has the app installed and enabled.
You can Track a Car without GPS
There are a few ways to track a car without using a GPS:
A radio signal transmitter, this requires special equipment for both the tracker and receiver.
Cellular signals will work too, but only give a broad area location, maybe a mile or two, and uses more battery than other methods.
Trakkit uses wifi location and can track a car wherever wifi exists (which is just about everywhere).
This allows you to track a car without the use of GPS, or as a backup to GPS in case the GPS signal is lost or jammed.
Trakkit™ Features:
Specifications:
Motion detection, temperature alerts, and tracking
Automatically uploads log data to your office/home Wi-Fi
Long battery life (lasts for months)
Runs on two Energizer AAA Lithium Batteries (also included in the box)
Comes with a micro USB port for external power use
Works without Cell Service or SIM card
Best Hidden GPS Tracker for Car with No Monthly fees.
For Parents:
Better security for your children
Small enough to put it in your kid’s backpack
Works as a Personal GPS Tracking Device
For Travelers:
Put one in your Suitcase or Luggage
Trakkit will find your bag outside the country
Works in any region as GPS and Wi-Fi are Global standards
The Proximity feature of the app helps you locate your travel bag in the airport terminal
For Bikers:
Conceal it on your Motorcycle or Bike
Automatically connects to your Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi to send an alert if the bike moves
If your bike gets stolen, Trakkit will send you its current location
Set Up Your Trakkit GPS
Setting up Trakkit is as easy as it gets. Simply download and install the app from Google Play or App Store and follow the steps mentioned below.
Before we get started, you should know that the Trakkit app lets you activate your account and register new devices, receive notifications, tracking alerts and firmware updates, and manage your subscription. You can also use the web app at trakkit.us.
Step 1: Sign Up and Add Your Trakkit GPS
Upon installation, hit the Sign Up button to create your Trakkit account. On the main menu, select Add Device, type in the MAC address (check the back of your Trakkit), and choose a Name. Do this for all your new Trakkits.
Step 2: Connect to Your Trakkit GPS
Plug-in the USB cable to put your Trakkit GPS into Wi-Fi Config Mode-this is required for the first-time activation. If you see a yellow light flashing, jump to the third and final step.
If you notice a solid yellow light, gently double-tap the Trakkit until a blue light shows up, then double-tap again (within 5 seconds), and the yellow light should start flashing.
Step 3: Configure Your Trakkit GPS
Open your Phone’s Wi-Fi settings and look for “Trakkit-XXXX” (the “XXXX” represents your MAC ID)
Connect to it
Once connected, navigate to http://10.123.45.1 from your web browser to access the Setup page.
Type or copy-paste the SSID and Password of your Home Wi-Fi and select Add Profile
When finished, select Reboot or unplug the cable
Your Trakkit GPS is now ready to use!
Try One Now!
See more info here.
Try Trakkit GPS for Your Car or Truck
We’ve shown the features that make Trakkit the best GPS Tracker for car, and trucks.
For some, it has done wonders as people can be at peace, knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. For businesses, it’s become the third eye, and nothing can be booted from it—be it everyday business tasks or analysis of bundles of data. It also helps in saving costs and brings efficiency to your business operations.
However, GPS trackers are often used to spy on others. That’s illegal in most circumstances. In fact, some jurisdictions and states have cyberstalking laws that precisely address GPS tracking. If you have any legal concerns, seek advice from a professional.
Even in the case of tracking an employee or a teen driver, the main goals are safety, efficiency, and accountability, not spying.
Typically, if you own the vehicle, you can track it.
FAQs:
Is there a GPS tracker with no monthly fee?
Yes, the GPS Tracker in this article has no monthly fee. Most GPS Trackers say they have no fee, but require you purchase a sim card and recharge after a year.
Where would you hide a GPS tracker on a car?
In front of the Radiator is one of the best places to install our GPS Tracker. Easy to install and hidden.
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