Today, many automobiles use global positioning system (GPS) devices and cellular networks to track and report the exact location of the vehicle. GPS trackers are common among fleet and taxi companies, car owners, and other proprietors due to their capacity to improve assistance during theft recovery and car tracking.
Most trackers are installed by the owner; however, anyone can install one on a vehicle without the knowledge or intent of the owner. There are a few simple things that you can do to check and see if your vehicle is being monitored if you suspect your vehicle has been installed with a GPS tracker without your knowledge.
There are two types of GPS trackers: real-time GPS trackers (active) and GPS data loggers (passive). There are many sizes and shapes, some of which are more discreet than others.
Active trackers use cellular towers to track GPS locations while providing current data. The advantage of an active GPS tracker is that the data can be accessed remotely using the internet. The data logger does not store GPS locations; rather, the user is the only one who has access to the internal memory.
Do all cars come with GPS Tracker?
Not all vehicles have a GPS tracker. It is an optional feature a manufacturer or third-party can add. A rare luxury car has an added GPS navigation system that uses GPS technology to provide the driver directions or information.
A GPS tracker is to track the vehicle at any location and is not the same as a GPS navigation system. GPS trackers usually are not a standard feature on every vehicle but they can be a benefit for security or fleet management.
If you’d like to check if the vehicle has a GPS tracker, look for anything strange or odd devices or antenna or behaviors suggested above.
How can you know if your car has a GPS Tracker?
Here are a few steps you can take to verify if your car has a GPS tracker without you knowing:
- Look for unfamiliar devices: Look for any strange devices in the car’s OBD-II port, located under the driver’s side dashboard. This is a popular location for GPS tracking devices. If you see a strange device, it could be a GPS tracking device.
- Look for radio communication: Use a radio frequency scanner to scan your vehicle. If you find any radio frequencies, that could indicate the presence of tracking devices.
- Observe for unusual behavior: If you notice your car behaving in unusual ways, such as starting and stopping, you might be able to conclude that your car is being electronically controlled, likely via GPS.
- Look for antennas: GPS devices usually need an antenna to operate. Check for antennas on the car.
- Have the vehicle inspected: If you are still uncertain, consult a professional technician or security expert to inspect the vehicle for GPS tracking devices.
Keep in mind that GPS tracking devices can be tiny and difficult to find. If you think someone is tracking your car, it is important to take actions to safeguard your security and privacy.
Why do you need a GPS Tracker?
Here are some reasons for needing a GPS tracker:
Vehicle Security:
If a vehicle is stolen, GPS trackers can help to locate and recover it quickly, as owners can see where their vehicle is in real time and give that information to police.
Fleet Management:
GPS trackers can help businesses manage their vehicles in a fleet, and fleet managers may track the location of vehicles, monitor driver behavior and optimize routes to save time and expense.
Personal Safety:
People can use GPS trackers to locate loved ones, including their children or elderly parents. A GPS tracker can give families peace of mind of locating their loved ones in an emergency.
Asset Tracking:
Valuable assets like equipment, trailers and cargo can be tracked with GPS devices. This can help reduce the chance of having valuables stolen or losing precious memory items.
Sports & Outdoor Activity:
Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts can track their performance and level of exertion with GPS trackers. Sports like running, cycling, hiking and skiing all benefit from this.
Ultimately, GPS trackers provide numerous benefits to individuals and organizations.
How to find a hidden GPS Tracker in your car?
If you believe someone may have put a GPS tracker in your vehicle, it will help to have a few simple tools. This might include a flashlight, mechanic’s mirror, and some sort of creeper or pad to crawl under your vehicle.
In the event a plain visual inspection isn’t enough, you may need to acquire some specialized tools such electronic sweepers or bug detectors.
Here are the basic steps for locating a hidden GPS tracking device on your car:
- Inspect the exterior part of the car.
- Inspect the interior part of the car.
- Utilize a bug detector.
- Seek professional help.
Look at the outside of the vehicle:
You should Examine areas like the wheel wells and underneath the vehicle using a flashlight and the mirror. Most trackers are in places that are easy to reach.
Look at the inside of the vehicle:
First – make sure you check the data port. If they are hiding it there, they will also likely be hiding it in other places on the vehicle like the trunk, and GPS trackers are small.
Use a bug detector:
Some of the same companies selling trackers will also sell bug detectors. Note: Sweepers can’t detect passive trackers, and some trackers will only transmit when the vehicle is in motion.
Hire a professional:
If you have reason to believe someone may have hidden a tracker on your car but cannot find it, you can locate a professional who may be able to help. People who repair automotive electronics, car audio, and car alarms will often have the tools and knowledge to help you.
Where to look for hidden GPS tracker in the car’s exterior
The best place to hide a GPS tracker is in a bumper since they are usually made out of injection-molded ABS, which makes them a perfect hiding spot.
It’s best to use a mirror on an extension pole and use a flashlight to light the area to look behind the bumper. If you cannot find anything behind either bumper, move under the car.
Check under any area of the undercarriage especially if one area is cleaner than others. Make sure to always check the wheel wells, despite it not being a good place to hide a tracker. You never know if someone inexperienced put it there.
Next, carefully check inside the hood. If you are unsure of what you are doing, avoid disconnecting wires however; you need to check to see if any wires are going to the battery since they may connect to a GPS tracker.
Where to look for hidden GPS tracker in the car’s exterior
The easiest GPS trackers to find are the ones that plug directly into the 12V cigarette lighter outlet, or the OBD data port behind the dash. They will likely be easy to see in the cockpit and will not require special inspection methods.
If you can’t find a tracker there, search the rest of the interior, including the dash, storage compartments, under the seats, and under the spare tire.
You are very likely to find a hidden GPS tracker behind the plastic interior trim of most new cars since it generally comes off easily and will expose a lot of empty space.
You should also consider using an electronic bug sweeper if you don’t want to take half the car apart to find a single small box. With electronic bug sweepers that will recognize GPS and radio signals, you can quickly locate a GPS tracker.
What should you do when you find a GPS Tracker?
Most hidden GPS trackers are battery-operated and attached via tape or magnets. If you discover one of these, simply pull it loose, and you’re done with it. This is likewise true of trackers that are plugged into a car’s cigarette lighter or car diagnostic tool connector.
In the occasional instance a GPS tracker is hard wired into power and ground, you will want to consult the professional. You may cut, but cables cut like that may short out later.
A pro will also know it is often important to ensure that the piece you are removing is a tracker.