How to Install and Optimize your GPS Car Tracker for Maximum Performance

One of the most popular uses for GPS trackers is to track vehicles, allowing you to see where your vehicle is at any given time and monitor its use as well as assisting law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles. In today’s blog we will be looking at how to install and optimize your GPS Car Tracker for maximum performance.

Types of GPS Car Trackers

One of the first things to keep in mind when installing your GPS tracker is what kind of tracker you have chosen. Broadly speaking there are three types of GPS trackers for vehicles, hardwired GPS trackers, plug-and-play trackers and wireless trackers. Hardwired trackers are hooked directly to the electrical system of the vehicle, ensuring that it always has power and is able to transmit data effectively. Plug-and-play trackers can be installed directly into the vehicle’s OBD-II port which allows you to power the device without needing to get into your vehicle’s wiring.  Wireless or Portable Trackers run on either rechargeable or replaceable batteries and have the advantage that they can be installed anywhere in the vehicle without much difficulty.

Prepare your Vehicle for Installation

There are a few steps to keep in mind when preparing your vehicle for GPS installation. If you are installing a hardwired tracker you will want to disconnect your vehicle’s battery. If you are using a Plug-and-play tracker or a wireless tracker you don’t need to perform as much preparation, simply ensure that the area where you want to install the device is clean and accessible.

Connect to Power Supply

For Hardwired Trackers you will need to connect the device directly to your vehicle’s power, if you don’t know how to do this it might be best to get the device professionally installed. For a plug-and-play tracker you simply need to insert the device into the vehicle’s ODB-II port. Wireless Trackers don’t require any power source connection, just a fresh or charged battery.

Securely Mount the Device

After you have connected your GPS device you will want to secure it in place. This can be done using double sided tape or zip ties. You should avoid mounting your device near metal or sources of electronic interference.

Tips for Maximum Performance

You should make sure your device is oriented correctly as this will ensure the best possible reception with GPS tracking satellites. The device should be as concealed as possible; a tracker can’t help you retrieve a stolen vehicle if it is discovered and disconnected. Some great places to hide your tracker are inside your glove box, under one of the vehicle’s seats, in the rear window panel or somewhere unorthodox like inside the engine compartment.

We hope we have been able to provide you with a useful guide to installing and maximizing the performance of your GPS Car Tracker. If you have any questions about GPS trackers, please feel free to contact us.

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