A vehicle recovery tool is a great way to safeguard your vehicles. Vehicle recovery systems come in a variety of configurations. Global Positioning System (GPS) helps in determining an object’s location.
A GPS tracker can be connected to a moving object such as a vehicle in order to locate it globally. There are two types of GPS tracker for vehicle, i.e., real-time or active trackers and passive tackers. Both the devices have certain distinctions. To see an exhaustive list of the best GPS trackers for vehicles, you can pay a visit to https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/.
Real-Time GPS Trackers
This tracker updates a vehicle’s location in real-time. When it’s attached to a vehicle, it can track its movements, i.e., start, stop, moving, and location. Active trackers function via GPS and cellular technology. Cellular technology is used to transmit data from the tracker to the monitoring device. These GPS trackers for vehicles rely on a cellular signal and can potentially have some drawbacks.
They must communicate with satellite systems, and the signals are transmitted via these satellite systems. The tracking system will not work if it doesn’t have a clear line of sight to the three satellites that determine the vehicle’s location. This means that if your vehicle is stolen and parked in an area where cellular signals are weak or blocked, your vehicle can’t be tracked. Thus, you must consider how frequently the signals of your cell phone drop because the tracker won’t function in those dead cellular zones.
Passive GPS
This type of tracking device doesn’t continuously monitor a vehicle’s movement. Rather than that, it stores the data in a tracking device that you can view by removing the tracker and connecting it to a computer. Thus, it is ineffective in the case of a stolen vehicle. However, it is beneficial if you need to track mileage and previous movement of the vehicle. You can discreetly attach it to your vehicle. If you do not require real-time tracking of your vehicle, it is a better and less expensive option.
Important Features of a GPS Tracker for Vehicle
Now that you’re familiar with the distinction between active and passive GPS trackers and have a sense of their price range, the next step is to examine the features. The following are some of the features to look for in a GPS tracker for vehicle.
After Sales Support
You need to consider the after-sale support services because you may require assistance with the device’s operation, activation of the tracking function, or tracking the vehicle if you lose it. Thus, you should consider the type of assistance that is available after the sale.
Battery’s Life
For how much time will your tracking device’s battery last? In an ideal world, you would like to have long-lasting battery life that does not require frequent replacement or charging. You can consider a battery that can last several days, if not weeks. As an alternative option, you can consider one that you can attach to the battery of your vehicle.
Ease of Using the Device
Take into account your requirements and choose a vehicle tracker device that meets your requirements while remaining relatively simple to use. You want a GPS tracking that is simple to set up and immediately begins working.
GPS Breadcrumbs
This functionality records if your vehicle was located on a map. You can see the map to determine the location and movement of your vehicle.
Geofencing
This function represents a map’s virtual limits. You can configure virtual geofence for your vehicle, and it’ll notify you if your car crosses that designated geo-limit. It would be advantageous in case you have established travel restrictions for your children who can drive your vehicle. You’ll get notifications if your vehicle travels outside the assigned boundaries.
Alerts Pertaining to Speed Limits and Aggressive Driving
Again, this feature is beneficial if there are teenage drivers in your family. You can configure speed alerts when your vehicle exceeds a specified speed or when aggressive driving occurs, such as a sudden increase in speed or the emergency use of brakes.
Ignition On and Ignition Off
Through this function, you will be notified when your vehicle is turned on or turned and off.
Integration of the Technology
This point means a variety of features, such as the tracking software employed, if the GPS can be plugged into an OBD-II port and the type of info provided by the GPS.
Motion Sensitivity
You can consider a motion-sensitive GPS tracking device for your vehicle. It’ll only use the tracker’s battery when the vehicle is moving, thus extending the tracker’s battery life.
Cost
Though a GPS tracker for a vehicle requires an initial investment, it’ll quickly pay for itself in terms of peace of mind gained from not having to worry about your vehicle’s location. If a system is required to recover a stolen vehicle, its cost will be recouped in real dollars. The cost of a GPS device will vary according to the model and features included. It will cost from 50 to 250 on the high end.
Before you purchase a tracker, ensure that it includes the features you require. Additionally, the majority of devices will require you to buy a subscription service on a monthly basis; the monthly fee will vary depending on the features and the brand. Thus, it is important that you find out the fee of the monthly subscription service before making a purchase.
Device Placement
GPS trackers come in a variety of sizes, and it is an important factor regarding the placement of the device. You should get a small one to have it discreetly attached. However, you need to pick a spot where its signals don’t get blocked. You can consider the locations such as inside the vehicle’s undercarriage, front or rear plastic bumper, brake lights, dashboard, or seat cushion.
Final Words
There are a number of advantages to installing a GPS tracker for vehicle. These trackers can assist you in tracking mileage, recovering a stolen vehicle, or determining the destination of the person driving the vehicle, i.e., a family member or a staff worker. These systems are more expensive upfront and may need a monthly subscription fee as well. Also, they must be maintained and inspected on a regular basis. However, once you have discovered the system that is right for you, the effort is indeed well worth it.