How Car GPS Tracking Works

Car Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers are devices that allow car users and owners to keep track of their vehicles at all times. Car GPS trackers are able to provide people with instant, accurate real-time speed and physical location information. Some less expensive varieties merely record location and speed data for future assessment and tracking purposes. Some car GPS tracking systems can be configured to send real-time alerts if the operator speeds beyond the legal speed limit or moves out of a predefined area or course.

Uses for Car GPS Tracking Devices

The principal purpose of a GPS car tracking system is to inform the driver where the car is at each and every moment. There are many situations where this GPS technology can come in handy. Here are a few examples:

You may have to provide the police with your car’s exact GPS location in the event that a car thief steals it from you.

GPS tracking can also be an effective means to monitor your teenager’s driving activities. With this technology, you can opt for free-range parenting or move towards pretty heavy-handed parenting. This is because you can easily track the teenager’s location in real-time, or whether or not they broke the speed limits of any streets on their routes. You can also track where they’ve been and when they’ve been to those locations.

GPS tracking devices are imminently applicable for companies and owners of many car and other vehicles. Companies take advantage of GPS tracking technologies to monitor where their cars are located and to assist in the coordination of their business operations. Other companies may use GPS tracking to track miles covered for accounting or driver reimbursement purposes. You can do a quick search for GPS tracking device companies to find out more about Ruptela, and other GPS tracking companies.

People can also use car GPS trackers for nefarious purposes. GPS Trackers can be placed on cars without the owner’s consent, granting the perpetrator knowledge of when and where the car moves and travels around cities and other locations. If you feel that that’s the case, do a thorough search of your car to locate the tracker and contact the proper authorities.

How GPS Tracking Works

GPS Tracking works through satellite networks to accurately discern the physical location of the tracking device. This form of tracking is based on a method known as trilateration. Through trilateration, a tracking device’s relative location is determined from its distance from three separate GPS satellites. Essentially, this is the same technology used in any in-car or portable navigation system.

A car navigation system will show the driver the car’s location and relevant driving directions. However, a GPS tracker will either actively broadcast your car’s location and driving directions, or it will record these types of data for future review. Car GPS trackers tend to use the very same technologies used by smartphones to access the internet or to make calls. For that reason, some car GPS tracking devices have a recurring, monthly subscription fee for using them.

Using a Car GPS Tracker

GPS tracking is fairly uncomplicated. However, the exact process may differ from device to device. The primary difference relates to the power source used by the device. Even so, there are enough different versions of GPS trackers to warrant a thorough search through the device’s manual before operating it.

There are car GPS trackers that are configured to work with the car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD-11) connector, situated near the driver’s legs, underneath the car’s dashboard. These trackers are very easy to use because they get their power directly from the OBD-II connector, working essentially like a scan tool or a code reader.

Other types of car GPS trackers are configured to plug into an accessory socket or a cigarette lighter socket. While they can be easily installed, they, unfortunately, may continue to draw power for your car battery if left plugged in, even when you’re not driving the car. This can kill your car’s battery if left unattended for a long enough period.