GPS tracker buying guide for cars

A GPS tracker for car is a very sophisticated electronic device that precisely locates a vehicle. Equipped with a high-performance system Geolocation, it allows you to secure a car track it in case of theft. It also makes it easy to locate a car parked in a very large car park. Discover through this folder all the useful information about the GPS tracker for cars:

1. What is a GPS tracker for cars and how does it work?
2. What are the uses of this device?
3. What are the important criteria for choosing a GPS tracker for a car?
4. What are the best-performing GPS tracker models on the market?

What is a GPS tracker for a car?

Definition

This GPS tracker is a beacon designed for the remote tracking of a vehicle or any other rolling stock through geolocation from an app installed on the owner's smartphone.

This device often comes in the shape of a small case to be put in place in a car. It provides an accurate information about latitude, longitude, the direction taken by the vehicle and its speed of movement. With this information, it keeps in touch with the car. In case it is lost or stolen, it only takes a few seconds to visualize its geographical position.

Characteristics

A GPS tracker for car has many features to ensure the safety of a vehicle. It includes systems of:

- Tracking position

- Remote surveillance

- Motion detection

- Geographical delimitation

- Geolocation and timely monitoring

- Motion alert

- Quick alert

- Stopping the circuit by remote control.

How it works

A GPS tracker works using the phone network and a GSM chip. As long as it can capture the network, it remains accessible. Its purpose is to track, in real time or on demand, the car in which it is installed. Some devices use the multi-network system, others use a micro-SIM card provided by a traditional operator. There are also models that use the low-consumption network.

In addition to its primary function, a car GPS tracker can be equipped with several additional options to optimize its performance, such as:

- The display of the mileage travelled during a day, the number and duration of the stops.

- A remotely controlled anti-theft system: alert or instant immobilization of the car.

The utilities of a GPS tracker for car?

This device is useful in several cases:

- This electronic box is an effective way to secure a car. As soon as the driver leaves the location while the driver is not inside, the driver can react as soon as possible to stop the thief. It allows you to track a stolen car and geolocate it precisely. This will allow police to quickly recover the vehicle.

- The GPS tracker is an indispensable tool for a company specializing in transport or construction. For the first time, the geotracer can locate the location of a truck at any time. For the second, the tracer ensures the safety of the machines that remain on the site every night.

- This equipment also holds its full use for stunned people who regularly forget the location where they parked their vehicle in a large parking lot. Thanks to this device, they no longer have to turn for long periods of time to find their car. All they have to do is check their smartphone to find out about the positioning of the vehicle, with a very small margin of error (less than 10 meters).

The criteria for choosing a GPS tracker for a car

To ensure the effectiveness of a GPS tracker for a car, several criteria must be taken into account when purchasing it:

Autonomy

This criterion is important. Some models have only a few tens of hours of battery life, while others are functional for several months. Your choice must be guided by the use you want to make of it. In case you prefer to receive regular information or get directions for each move of the vehicle, the range of the GPS tracker should vary between 10 days and 3 months. It is up to you to set the time it takes before you have to recharge the device. For more practicality, some manufacturers have developed models of GPS tracers that can be directly connected to the vehicle's battery.

When buying, remember to check that the packaging does not only mention the battery life on standby of the device. Autonomy to use should also be indicated. Indeed, some tracers may stay on standby for several months, but their battery drains quickly when used.

Simplicity of use

Choose a simple-to-use device. Avoid tracers with overly complex applications that require a mastery of state-of-the-art technology to perform manipulations. From the moment the GPS tracker is connected with a smartphone, it must be easy to locate. It is therefore advisable to carefully read the descriptions of each device before buying one.

Ergonomics and size

Discretion is required for a GPS tracker for car. Indeed, many thieves are familiar with this type of device. If they find that the targeted vehicle has one, they will look for all the ways to bypass its scope and unplug it.

The market offers geotracers of all sizes. Choose a small, small tracer that is as compact as possible, making sure you find the right trade-off between battery capacity and discretion. Indeed, the larger a tracer, the greater its autonomy.

The fixing mode 

The market offers a wide range of GPS tracer models. Some are designed for a direct connection to the vehicle's battery. This is a convenient solution to avoid regularly recharging the equipment. This type of tracer is therefore not recommended for a car that is not frequently used and stays in the garage most of the time.

Other models are self-contained and have their own battery. They can be placed in a glove box, cup holder, pocket or any other compartment of the car.

There are also magnetic geotracors that can be attached to the vehicle chassis or under the car, like snitch in a spy film.

Without or with application

Non-application tracers are available at more affordable prices. They usually don't issue any alerts, except when their battery needs to be recharged. They work in a very simple way. When you've misplaced your car or just stolen, just send an SMS to the GPS tracker's micro-SIM card. It responds immediately by indicating its location on Google Maps, and therefore where the vehicle is located.

The geotracers application-got devices are usually more expensive, but they offer more features. They allow you to program several types of alerts. You can, for example, Advocate for an alert zone (Geofence). As soon as the car leaves or enters this area, you immediately receive a signal. To allow you to react as quickly as possible in case of theft, you can also request to be notified at the slightest movement of the vehicle. Some apps offer the ability to activate anti-theft alerts. This will give you an alert when the tracer detects movement on the parked car or when the GPS tracker has changed tilt.

The sensitivity and accuracy of the GPS system

Generally defined in dBm, sensitivity informs about the tracer's ability to detect movement. As for the accuracy, it must be able to indicate the position of the car, a few meters away. A geotracer performs when the margin of error is very small. However, once the device's battery life decreases, it may become less accurate.

The existence of a microphone

A GPS car tracker with a microphone automatically sends you an answer as soon as you call on your SIM card. As the device does not have a loudspeaker, the operation is done discreetly. On your side, you can hear what's going on in the car or near the geotracer.

Subscription

Like most Car GPS trackers work using a GSM SIM card, the presence of a network (2G, 3G or 4G) is essential. To ensure that your device is geolocated in a timely manner, be sure to subscribe to a telephone operator offering an efficient network in your area or beyond.

If you want information about the geotracer's position, the geotracer must be able to send it to you. The SIM card to be integrated into the tracker takes care of this function. This is also essential to connect to the network. Telecommunications operators offer solutions tailored to each type of tracer. You choose the one that best suits the functionality of your geolocation system, unless you have selected a brand that imposes its own subscription.

You can also choose a GPS tracker using a low-consumption network. This device does not require much energy and the subscription is affordable. The downside is that the location accuracy on this type of tracer is poor (precision between 100 and 500 meters).

Geolocation features

They are different from one manufacturer to another, but generally, models of GPS trackers for car include:

- The definition of the zone  

- Taking a stand  

- The delimitation of a security perimeter  

- Setting alerts in format (SMS, e-mail, sound alert...)  

- The ability to schedule multiple numbers to alert

- Real-time tracking

- The alert in case of overspeed

- Motion detection

- Several types of alarms: anti-handling, anti-theft, anti-withdrawal, exit from the safe zone, movement, low battery  

- The engine shutdown  

- The phone function

How do I maintain a GPS tracker for a car?

In order to preserve the performance and ensure the sustainability of your geotracer, make sure it's always clean. Check it as often as possible and dust it with a small soft bristle brush, as dust may affect its effectiveness. If needed, Clean it with a dry cloth. The use of products containing chemical components should be banned. They can damage the device.

When it comes to maintaining the GPS tracker's battery, first make sure it is fully charged at the beginning of its use. Afterwards, be sure to check your load level frequently and refuel it in a timely manner. Don't wait until the battery is completely empty before recharging. Its lifespan could be greatly reduced. This advice is valid for all tracer models and the power mode of their battery.

In case you plan not to use the geotracer for a longer or shorter period of time, it is recommended to remove the battery from the device.

The price of a GPS tracker for a car

As this device comes in a wide range of models of various sizes and performance, it is available in a wide range of prices.

Entry-level tracers that usually need to be plugged into a car's battery and operate without an application are available from $80. However, to find an efficient battery-powered geotracer, you need to expect about 150 euros.

Devices with basic options that are sold with a subscription to a low-consumption network for several years are offered at around 150 and 300 euros. While they are more expensive to purchase, they save money in the long run.

The prices of the most efficient GPS trackers for cars, including multiple options, such as different alerts, microphone or travel history... can easily exceed 150 euros. Some ultra-sophisticated devices with many features, waterproof and magnetized can even pass the 300-euro mark.

To guide your choice on the geotracer that suits your needs, check out the best GPS car trackers available on the market.

GPS trackers: the most efficient models

High magnetic battery life GPS tracker

Its very long range is one of the main advantages of this GPS tracker for cars. It has a 3.7V and 10,000 mAh rechargeable Lithium battery which guarantees its functionality 90 days.

This magnetic gps tracer allows you to track a vehicle's movements with great precision. In the form of a small compact case (95 mm long - 47 mm wide and 30 mm thick), it can be easily concealed inside a car. In addition, it is very light and weighs only 136 g. Because this GPS tracker is magnetic, it can be easily attached to any metal surface of the vehicle and be hidden in any corner of the body. Potential thieves cannot thus suspect its presence. Because the magnet is particularly powerful, the device is not likely to take off, even if it is placed under the car.

The case of this GPS tracker for cars is Waterproof. It has an IPx6 level of protection, an index that guarantees waterproofing and moisture resistance. In addition, it can cope with significant temperature variations and remains functional between -20 and 50 degrees Celsius.

It offers support to accommodate a SIM card. It allows you to track precisely remotely and in real time the vehicle that takes it on a platform accessible from a computer on macOS or Windows or a mobile device. The dedicated app is available on Android and iOS. Note that this device is only compatible with SIM cards.

This device is suitable for all types of vehicles: light cars, vans, utility vehicles, trucks. It is also the appropriate solution for monitoring a fleet of vehicles.

GPS tracker for magnetized 3G WIFI car

This device incorporates a GSM module operating on a mobile network. Measuring 160 mm in length, 64 mm wide, 47 mm thick and weighing 570 g, this geotracer has a powerful rechargeable battery of 20,000 mAh that gives it a battery life of several months.

To optimize battery life, you can put the tracer in standby mode to save energy. All you need to do is program this mode in advance or remotely via your mobile. The device switches off first and then automatically restarts at the scheduled time. Even if you opt for sleep mode, your vehicle remains under surveillance. This GPS tracker for cars has, in fact, a motion detector which is systematically switched on as soon as it perceives the slightest movement in the vicinity of the vehicle. The anti-theft system immediately comes into action. The geotracer will send you within seconds of a message or alert call as soon as a suspicious operation is found.

Equipped with a powerful magnet, this device easily attaches to any metal surface of a car. It is easy to hide in a corner of the body, under the hood, under the vehicle. It is also Waterproof and resists moisture and water splashes.

This device allows you to closely track all the movements of a vehicle. It is even possible to schedule a geographical fence to be notified every time the car exits or re-enters the defined area.

The GPS tracker for cars allows you to precisely geolocate where it is located. It transmits the information in its entirety with indication of geographical coordinates (longitude and latitude of the place). Some devices with very advanced options even go so far as to give the names of the streets where the vehicle passed. This information is transmitted via SMS or e-mail via a free mobile app or via a dedicated web platform.

In addition to his LBS positioning system which allows you to find out where the car is located, about 5 meters away, this geotracer is also equipped with a WiFi system. This represents a precise way to geolocate the device and allows it to record GPS data on a micro SD card during times when the tracker is unable to pick up the mobile network. These GPS positions collected by the SD card (with the WiFi system) when the 3G network was non-existent can then be traced back to a computer. Upstream, the GPS tracker must be equipped with an external memory card. This device can support a micro SD card with a maximum capacity of 32GB. This storage space saves the data stored by the device and transfers it to a computer.

GPS tracker for 3G car with connection

This device adapts to all types of vehicle. It has a 700 mAh battery which gives it a battery life up to 60 days in standby mode. It can be connected to an optional 12-14 Volts charger to continuously power it externally and give it unlimited battery life.

Solid and waterproof, this GPS tracker for cars is resistant to dust, humidity and water splashes. With a high IPx7 waterproofing level, it can remain immersed in water for 30 minutes without damaging itself. However, it should not be left in the water beyond this time.

Small (80 x 47 x 21 mm) and light (78 g), this geotracer is very small. It can be hidden anywhere inside the vehicle. In addition, its installation is within everyone's reach. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the user manual.

Thanks to its motion detection system, he stays on the lookout for anything that happens near the car. This feature takes on its full dimension when a car is not within sight of its driver. As soon as someone approaches the car, the device immediately sends an alert to warn them, via call by SMS.

This tag has two modules: GPS and GMS. GPS provides data on vehicle geolocation. The LBS positioning can strengthen the GPS system to more accurately determine the location of the rolling stock at a capacity of 5 meters. Tracking is done via dedicated free software including an iOS and Android app and a web platform. Just take a look at a smartphone to geolocate the car.

The GMS allows you to receive alert calls and messages when the device detects suspicious movement, if the car leaves the pre-defined geographic fence area. In order for it to perform these functions, all it needs to do is equip the device with a standard SIM card. Thanks to its connection on the 3G network, it can operate anywhere in the world.

GPS spy tracker in the shape of a cigarette lighter charger

Thanks to its innocuous appearance of a simple cigarette lighter adapter, This gps tracker offers the advantage of total discretion. However, despite its small size, it is very effective. It allows you to know with extreme precision the geolocation of the vehicle in which it is installed.

This bGPS alise for car has many advantages. These include its great autonomy. In operation, it is operational for 4 to 6 days on battery. In standby mode, it can walk for 12 days without interruption. This tool remains functional, even if the charge level of its battery is low. When the vehicle is running, its autonomy is unlimited.

As it is very discreet, this GPS tracker offers the possibility to control the use of a company's vehicles. It also tracks all types of rolling stock, from cars for special use to construction equipment, utilities, freight trucks, buses, etc. The device informs on the Geolocation rolling stock on request via a mobile phone. All it takes is one click to see the data displayed on Google Maps.

This device requires the use of a SIM card to work to establish the connection between a smartphone and the device, but a subscription with an operator is not essential. It is compatible with Apple and Android.

It should also be noted that it does not have an internal memory and therefore requires the use of a micro SD card for data storage.

This mini-model GPS tracker for cars represents a true technological concentrate. For example, it incorporates a voice detector coupled with an automatic call. Its recording system is activated at the beginning of a conversation in the vehicle. The driver can listen to everything that happens in the car and receives an alert when the car moves or stops, via alert messages to his mobile.

This GPS tracker for car hidden in a USB charger for cigarette lighter offers many benefits:

- It's convenient and easy to connect

- It allows you to SI -30th simply checking Google Maps on a smartphone

- It works with a SIM card with or without a subscription.

- It allows you to record and listen to conversations remotely thanks to its built-in microphone.