How does a GPS car tracker work?


GPS trackers for vehicles use satellite navigation data to provide real-time information about your car's location, speed, direction, and distance. Personal vehicle tracking benefits include theft protection, improving teen driver safety, and insurance discounts.

How far does a car GPS tracker work?

Typically, the information provided by GPS trackers is accurate to within three meters. However, any obstruction on the line of sight between the device and the sky can affect the accuracy of the location data it transmits, such as tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, or dense forests.

Does a GPS tracker work when the car is off?

Yes, GPS can work when your car is off.

Do GPS trackers need a SIM card?

Do GPS trackers need a SIM card to work? Technically, no. As mentioned above, there are some types of GPS tracker that contain SIM cards, as well as simless GPS trackers. For example, the navigation system in your car is one type of GPS tracker that does not require a SIM card.

Does GPS tracker need Internet?

GPS obtains information from satellites which is why the internet is not required for collecting and storing location data. The internet is only needed in order to access the data remotely and GPS trackers have a SIM card within them to enable connection.

Do car trackers give exact location?

Well, the vast majority of vehicle trackers can pinpoint the location of a car or van to a three-metre radius. That's impressive enough, though some systems are even more accurate and can track a vehicle to within a one-metre radius. Yes, GPS vehicle tracking is about as accurate as it's possible to get.

How long does a battery last in a GPS tracker?

How long can a GPS tracker battery last? The battery life of the GPS tracker varies from one to another. But on average, a GPS device can also last up to 6-12 months without active tracking.

What stops GPS tracking?

So can a GPS tracker be blocked? Yes, the GPS signals can be blocked by wet trees, aluminum foil, plastic containers, or even a tin box filled with thick materials can block GPS signals.

Does tracker drain car battery?

Contrary to common belief, a car GPS tracker does not drain the battery of your vehicle. However, most people think that if their car battery is rapidly depleting, it is unlikely that the car tracker is to blame. The truth is that the GPS tracker should be the very last thing on your mind.

Can you use GPS in a car without a phone?

Yes, GPS works because it is completely independent of any WiFi or Cellular data connection. A GPS is just a radio that receives location data from satellites, so its radio is separate from any WiFi, Cellular, or Bluetooth radio.

Do GPS trackers work everywhere?

Satellite-based GPS tracking units will operate anywhere on the globe using satellite technology such as GlobalStar or Iridium. They do not require a cellular connection.

Does GPS tracking use mobile data?

GPS, standing for Global Positioning System, is a navigation technology that detects and pins down the location of a person or device anywhere in the world using signals and satellites, rather than cellular data from your phone plan. So, no, GPS does not use cellular data.

Can GPS work without satellite?

GPS is Satellite Based Radio A GPS receiver does not transmit any signals, all it does is receive GPS data beamed to earth from GPS satellites. If you can't receive the GPS signals, you can't get your position. Each GPS unit, regardless of size, has a small chipset and GPS antenna.

What network do GPS trackers use?

GPS tracking systems utilize the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) network. Each of these satellites in orbit sends microwave signals to a receiver. The receiver then uses these signals to calculate your precise location from at least four of the GPS satellites.

Do GPS trackers need a power source?

Can GPS Work Without Power? All GPS units require a power source. They contain electronic circuits that receive and transmit location data. These circuits require electricity, which means they will need to draw from a power source to function.

What car tracker has the longest range?

What GPS tracker has the longest range? Our pick for the longest range is the LandAirSea 54. It also has a battery life of up to six months.

Do GPS trackers work everywhere?

Satellite-based GPS tracking units will operate anywhere on the globe using satellite technology such as GlobalStar or Iridium. They do not require a cellular connection.

Can you put a tracker on the outside of a car?

If you don't have access to the inside of the vehicle, the bumper is a great way to install your tracker undetected. Many new cars have a layer of plastic or fiberglass covering the bumper. Behind this cover, you can find a gap to fit your tracking device inside.

Can a cell phone detect a GPS tracker?

Is there an app that can detect a GPS tracker? Yes, there are many apps that can detect if a GPS tracker has been installed on your cell phone. If you have an Android phone you can download Certo Mobile Security for free from the Play Store and quickly scan your phone for GPS tracking apps and other malware.

Can a car tracker be hacked?

As GPS trackers' sole function is to process information emitted from GPS satellites, there is no outbound signal to be hacked, no phone call which can be infiltrated, or IP address that can be followed.

What does a tracker look like on your car?

It will typically look like a small box with a magnetic side. It may or may not have an antenna or a light on it. It will be small, usually three to four inches long, two inches wide and an inch or so thick. Be sure you have a flashlight for peeking into dark spaces in your car.

Can car thieves disable tracker?

Whilst it can be disconcerting to think of your vehicle being stolen, it's worth noting that most thieves won't try and block the signal. If they do manage to steal it, they will often keep it secured somewhere for 2-3 days to see if it's detected by the authorities and if not, they'll assume there's no tracker anyway.

Should I leave my GPS on all the time?

Conclusion. Enabling GPS uses zero extra power except when location services are actually being used. You'll use more power turning it on and off than just leaving it on all the time. There is no point in keeping your GPS on if you aren't using any app that utilizes it.

Do car GPS trackers need to be charged?

The power source of a GPS tracking device A GPS tracker can be powered through an OBDII port of the vehicle or the batteries. The battery-based tracker requires charging once the battery is low. You can check the mAh of the battery before buying the tracker to know its power backup.

Does aluminum foil block GPS tracking?

Any electrically conductive metal will reflect and absorb the device's incoming and outgoing signals and interfere with its operation. Wrapping a GPS tracker in aluminum foil is enough to do the job—although copper and even silver work as well. This is an incredibly cheap and easy method of GPS jamming.

Can I track my car from my phone?

If you want to know, “Can you track a car without GPS.” Yes, you can use your smartphone to track your car's location. There are several apps available that can do this, such as Glympse and Find My Phone. These apps work by using the GPS on your phone to track your car's location.