GPS tracker for cars - Do you think you know it all?

These days, the latest cars have lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and upgraded in-car entertainment systems. One of the many favorite features of every car owner is the GPS capability.

But what exactly is a GPS, and what is it supposed to for you? Do you think you’ll also need one? What will you need it for? How can you use one? Find out everything you need to know about GPS right in this article from Philkotse.com:

What is GPS?

The term GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS trackers are small, portable devices that let fleet managers, vehicle owners, and parents track the whereabouts of their trucks and cars.

A real-time GPS tracker meant for cars can provide a prompt location and speed data.

A real-time GPS tracker meant for cars can provide a prompt location and speed data

Less high-tech and cheaper options can also record the same info but save them for later use. In some GPS trackers, you can even set up prompt alerts that can alarm you in particular conditions.

For example, if one of the vehicles sped off the wrong way or driven off faster than the speed it was supposed to follow.

>>> Relevant article: All about GPS Tracking Technology for cars and its benefits

Global positioning in cars

If your GPS tracker is able to broadcast its current location, this will utilize the same tech on your phone. This particular technology is the one responsible for making calls and internet-access possible.

This is also the reason why a lot of the GPS trackers you can find require you to make a monthly subscription.

What are the tracking devices used for cars?

The main reason why trackers are placed in vehicles is for the owner to know its whereabouts all the time. There is actually a lot of scenarios where this will be substantially helpful.

For example, if your personal vehicle was ever stolen, a tracker will help the police determine its location.

Parenting

Car GPS trackers can also be considered as assistances classified under authoritative parenting and free-range parenting. If you choose the right tracker with the right features, you can locate your teen driver anytime.

If you choose the right tracker with the right features, you can locate your teen driver anytime

You can also have a record of the locations they drove the car too. Aside from that, the tracker can also let you know if your teen has driven off faster than the speed limit you indicated.

>>> Make sure you know: What else you need to know about GPS devices for your car

In business

Tracking devices will also serve tremendous benefits to business owners who own large fleets of vehicles. Most business owners use the tech to keep a record on their vehicle’s whereabouts on given times.

This helps them coordinate with employees better in day-to-day operations. On the other hand, some of those who use this tech apply it in reimbursement, mileage tracking, and bookkeeping purposes.

Some of those who use this tech apply it in reimbursement, mileage tracking, and bookkeeping purposes

The dark side of GPS trackers

With all these benefits, who knew that GPS trackers would also have a negative side? That’s right. GPS trackers can also be used for bad deeds.

For instance, anyone with ill intentions can put a tracker in anyone’s vehicle without their knowledge or consent.

Anyone with ill intentions can put a tracker in anyone’s vehicle without their knowledge or consent

The person who planted the tracker will then have a record of all the places you go to. If you think the same scenario has happened with your car, you can try to find it.

Overall, if there is any situation at all where you need to have constant info as to where your vehicle is, consider getting a tracker.

The only drawback is that these trackers usually require cellular service. This will be responsible for providing you with the location data you need.

>>> Grab your attention: 5 other smart things you can do with your GPS

How can you use a Global Positioning System as a car tracker?

Learning to use a GPS tracker is actually pretty easy. In fact, you don’t have to be super tech-savvy just to know how to use it. The catch, however, is that it’s used a little differently compared to the usual smartphone devices.

The initial difference that you’ll observe is a GPS’ power source. But in rare cases, there are actually GPS devices that vary when it comes to this factor.

Learning to use a GPS tracker is actually pretty easy

Some GPS tracker models are designed to be plugged into your vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) connector. This socket is usually located somewhere under the dashboard close to the driver’s legs.

The advantage here is that the trackers can get the power it needs directly from your car’s diagnostic connector. This makes them very easy to use because of the ease of access.

>>> About OBD-II:

• How to choose OBD-2 Scanner in the Philippines & 10 recommended products
• 10 recommended software for OBD II scanner

Some GPS tracker models are designed to be plugged into your vehicle’s OBD-II connector

Other trackers can be plugged into your vehicle’s accessory socket or cigarette lighter socket. These tracker models are usually easy to use. Most of these, however, will draw power from your battery even at times when you’re not driving.

To prevent draining the power, you simply have to unplug the tracker when you’re not driving, or it’s not in use. Once you have decided on a GPS tracker, all you have to do is install it.

After that, you can just access the software from your preferred device. You will immediately be notified of your vehicle’s whereabouts.