Did you get a GPS tracker and wonder where to install it in your car? The simple answer is anywhere: under the car, in the dashboard, under the seat, in the boot, and more. The correct answer, however, would depend on the kind of tracker you bought.
There are three types of car GPS trackers:
- Hardwired GPS Trackers: Permanently connected to a vehicle’s electrical system, providing continuous power and data.
- Plug-in GPS Trackers: Easily connected to a vehicle’s OBD port, offering a straightforward, no-tools-required installation.
- Portable GPS Trackers: Compact and battery-operated, these trackers can be placed flexibly within or outside the vehicle.
As these devices differ from each other, so does their installation. With proper placement of the GPS tracker inside or outside of your car, you can resolve numerous problems, such as reducing the risk of theft, tracking vehicle usage, and ensuring the safety of young or elderly drivers.
GPS tracking solution providers like Family1st offer all the above kinds of devices for your preferred requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the five best places to install a GPS tracker in your car, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs.
What are the Best Places to Install a GPS Tracker in a Car?
The type of GPS tracker and the reason you need the tracker are two factors that contribute to deciding the best place to install it in a car. If theft prevention is the goal, a more concealed installation might be preferable. Additionally, accessibility for maintenance or data retrieval should also influence the placement of the tracker.
For example, this table categorizes GPS tracker placement options based on the type of tracker. We have also added a section for installation details. However, we recommend that you follow the vendor manual.
Best place to install a tracker in a car based on the device | ||
| Type | Best Location | Installation Details |
| Hardwired | Under the dashboard or near the fuse box |
|
| Plug-in | On-board diagnostics (OBD) port |
|
| Portable | Glove compartment, under a seat, or concealed area |
|
This next table categorizes the placement of GPS trackers based on the intended use to maximize their effectiveness and suitability.
Best place to install a tracker in a car based on the usage | ||
| Reason for GPS Tracker | Suggested Placement | Purpose |
| Theft Prevention | Hidden (under dashboard, inside bumper) | To make it difficult for thieves to find and disable the tracker. |
| Family Safety | Accessible (glove compartment) | People you share the car with can easily check on the device. |
| Route Optimization | Dashboard-mounted | For real-time navigation and route adjustments. |
| Data Tracking | OBD port | To provide both location tracking and vehicle diagnostics, useful for record-keeping. |
| Emergency Assistance | Driver-accessible (center console) | Drivers can quickly send out warning signs in case of an emergency. |
There is a fixed place to install hardwired and plug-in GPS trackers in the car. But if you get a portable tracker, here are some of the places that you can put it inside and outside the car:
Under the dashboard: This location is unobtrusive enough to remain out of sight and also typically stays out of the way of metal auto components that can interfere with GPS signals.
Inside the Bumper: Putting the tracker within the bumper gives it a concealed position, which is great for preventing theft. You can do this with either the front or back bumper. Remember to keep the tracker out of the elements and away from the vehicle’s systems.
Behind the seat: A discreet and practical area to store your items is behind the car seat. This makes it simple to check or remove the tracker.
Glove Box: Keeping a GPS tracker in the glove compartment is a wise move. Although it is easier to find and more noticeable, it is more beneficial for tracking driving habits within the family than for stopping theft.
Trunk: A GPS tracker can be easily hidden in the trunk; just locate a little nook or crevice and slide it inside. It also offers an extra layer of privacy.
Under the hood: Placing a tracker under the hood, especially in regions close to the battery, can be a viable solution. But before you do that, check that the gadget can withstand heat near an engine.
Some vendors also offer a separate magnetic case with their portable trackers making it easier to attach the device to any metallic surface in the car.
Family1st GPS Tracking Device For Your Car
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker for your car, then the Family1st GPS tracker is the best option. Its compact design makes it easier to hide. We’ve previously discussed the ideal places to install a GPS tracker, and the Family1st device may be installed in any of these locations.
The device has 4G and Wi-Fi capabilities, guaranteeing constant updates on your car’s location. You can get our GPS tracking unit with an easy-to-use app that you can download on any iOS or Android device and get all the information you need. You can also set up security and alert preferences through the app. We offer a geofencing feature that allows you to create up to 10 safe zones and receive alerts whenever your car enters or exits these areas.
Equipped with SOS and location-sharing abilities, the Family1st portable car GPS tracker can be life-saving in emergencies.
Our GPS tracker for cars is affordable, with the lowest subscription fee. There are no contracts, and you can activate or deactivate the service whenever you like, without any hidden fee. We know that an emergency never looks at the time, which is why we provide client support around the clock through a variety of channels.
Family1st Portable Car Tracker: The Benefits
Safety
If your driver is out of reach, you can view and track their last location. This feature is highly effective in ensuring the safety of the driver and the passengers inside the car.
Enhanced peace of mind
If your driver has gone to drop off your kids at school and their phone is unreachable, then in this kind of urgent situation, a car tracking device will always help you locate the exact position of your car. Remaining updated will enhance your peace of mind.
Fuel Efficiency
The GPS tracker provides data for the most economical and fastest route. You can maximize your fuel efficiency by redirecting your vehicle according to the suggested shortest route.
Vehicle Recovery
Should the thief pilfer the car, the tracking device can assist you in pinpointing its precise location, enabling you to swiftly retrieve it. The tracking device can help you find the exact location, and you get a chance to recover it fast. As a result, theft and vandalism are reduced.
Low insurance premium
For cars with a tracking system, the premium is lower. OBD tracking devices have become quite prevalent. Now, insurance companies have started to offer discounts to safe drivers.
Alerts
The device sends signals, and if the device fails, you can reduce the downtime and prevent accidents.
Driver behavior
This device can help you monitor your driver and avert unsafe driving habits.
Report generation
You do not need to manually organize the data, as the device provides an accurate and detailed report. You will always be aware of the driving history, such as the time duration at a specific location, the last location, and a lot more.
Wrapping up
A GPS tracker for cars offers blanket protection against several security and safety threats. You can use it to assist your teen in learning the fundamentals of safe driving or to monitor the driving habits of your elderly family member. You can prevent unauthorized or illegal use of your car with a strategically placed GPS tracker.
But the key to making the most of your car GPS tracker is installing or placing it in your car in a way that it can perform its job without any interruptions. We have already discussed the best places to keep your GPS tracker in your car. If you have any tips or suggestions, let us know in the comment section. Happy tracking!
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