An alarm is a necessary measure to protect a car from theft, but alarm alone is not enough. Criminals have learned to turn it off faster than the owner can respond to an alarm. Therefore, more and more often, along with the alarm system, drivers are installing a vehicle tracking device (GPS Tracking device) – a device that tracks the location of the car, its route, and speed.
Even knowing that a tracker is installed in the car, the hijackers will not be able to quickly find and remove it, which means that to find a stolen car, the rightful owner will only have to look at the computer or smartphone screen. A special program will show where the satellites have “tracked” the vehicle. The vehicle tracking device can be installed on any type of transport, but for it to work as described, it must be correctly selected, installed, and connected.
How to buy the right GPS tracking device isn’t an easy process? There are many types of devices available in the market with different functionalities and prices, which can easily confuse buyers. If you want to select a vehicle tracking device and are confused about selecting the right option, this article is for you. But let’s first discuss why should you use this device:
Why do you use a vehicle tracking device?
There are multiple reasons to use a GPS Tracking device:
1. A useful and inexpensive tool
This valuable tool will help you to protect your vehicle from theft. When the vehicle leaves a pre-setting geo fence area, the driver will receive an alert by SMS or phone call. In this way, it can be recovered by tracking the location. In addition, some advanced vehicle tracking devices provide the facility to cut off the fuel or power in an emergency through the cell phone.
Moreover, it’s an inexpensive device. You are not required to invest a huge amount in this process. If you want to chase the real-time position of your vehicle, a basic GPS tracker will be a cheap and convenient option.
2. Multiple working models to meet your different purpose
It is important to remember that the modern market offers cheap and maximally simplified models to meet the different demands of the users. You can easily choose a model to extend the battery life and fulfill other tracking purposes.
3. Real-time tracking mode
The best thing about this tool is that it consistently uploads its location (usually, the interval is between 10 to 15 seconds). So, the functionality of the tracker is quite enough to monitor in real-time, track mileage, and collect statistics for a selected period.
4. Timing reporting mode
You can use GPS devices for tracking equipment, trailers, containers, vehicles, machinery, and trucks. The device will upload its location at pre-set time. It means the device remains in sleep mode and only works on pre-configured time. This mode will extend the battery life of your device.
5. Monitor Driver Behavior
Suppose a driver or someone else is running your vehicle. In that case, you can easily monitor the driving status. Most car trackers have a built-in hazardous driving detector. It monitors the acceleration that occurs when cornering, acceleration, hard braking, and alerts you of aggressive driving behavior via SMS, email, or displays data in reports.
The option will help you find out if your employee handles the vehicle entrusted to him with sufficient care.
Features to consider when buying a vehicle tracking device
You should consider the following features when purchasing a vehicle tracking device:
1. Real-time tracking
This is the main reason to install a tracking device. This feature will facilitate you to track the vehicle if it is towed, stolen, or used by someone else at a different location. With the help of a computer, tablet, or cell phone, you can check the location, speed, parked time, idling time, and direction details.
2. The accuracy of positioning
The second main thing you must consider is the accuracy of positioning. Almost all GPS tracking devices have a built-in GPS module or GPS chipset to get an accuracy of the location. The cheap GPS chipsets can’t get accurate positions, and the users experience signal lost issues. So, try to select a tracking device that contains a high-quality chipset and provide the exact location.
3. Built-in battery
If you need a hidden installation of a GPS tracker, choose models with a built-in battery. A combined power supply system powers GPS tracking systems that support continuous monitoring functions. They are connected to the on-board network, but their work is done when they are parked for a long time due to the built-in battery. Moreover, when the car is stolen, external power is cut off. In this situation, a built-in battery will help you to chase the vehicle.
4. Simple installation
There are two types of vehicle tracking devices:
- Hardwired GPS Tracker
- OBD GPS Tracker
Nowadays, people prefer to buy vehicle tracking devices online to save time and cost. But most of them don’t provide installation service. If you want hassle-free installation, you should hire an experienced electrician for a hardwired GPS tracker.
You can also consider a plugin device (OBD GPS tracker) that don’t require wire installation. Just apply the tracker yourself and get 100% peace of mind.
5. Waterproof shell design
Another important factor to consider is waterproof shell design. This function allows a stable operation even in the most challenging weather conditions. It will not only protect your device from water but also from dust.
6. Alerts and Notifications
A good GPS tracker comes with multiple alerts, such as:
- Geo-fence alarm: When a vehicle enters or exit across the pre-set geo-fence
- Over-Speed alarm: You will receive an over-speed warning when your vehicle exceeds the pre-setting speed.
- Engine Start Alarm: The tracker will immediately report alarm by SMS or call if the device detected engine start action.
- Tow Alarm: You will receive an alarm message when the device detects abnormal displacement.
- Movement Alarm: When the device detects abnormal movement of the vehicle, it will send you an alert message.
When you are going to buy a GPS tracker, you should select a device that provides the above-mentioned alerts and notifications facility.
7. Remotely Cut Off Fuel/Power
Sometimes you are not around the vehicle when you receive an alert via SMS or call. In this situation, remotely cut off power or fuel can help you to recover your vehicle.
GPS Tracking Device Price
4G GPS tracking device typically costs between US$ 50-60. Some platforms provide Vehicle tracking devices with no monthly fee option; they charge around US$ 5 per annum, and there is no need to sign up for a minimum period.
Let’s Sum Up
A vehicle tracking device is a necessity today, and you must buy it from authentic service providers. Sonal Tracker develops and implements vehicle monitoring systems, with the help of which you optimize your own vehicle. The device by the company allows you to track the exact location of the vehicle, protect vehicles and make it easier to find them in case of theft, and monitor all technical conditions of the car and its movement.
We hope that our material will help you choose the right vehicle tracker. We wish you a good choice and profitable purchases from Sonal Tracker!
