GPS trackers are one of the best anti-theft gadgets that you can use for your beloved cars.
In fact, some modern cars even have this type of feature built-in that uses global positioning system and cellular networks to monitor and provide precise location of the vehicle.
So the question is, are gps trackers really that accurate? Do they really work as advertised? Read on and learn if aftermarket GPS trackers are worth investing for your car’s security.
What is a GPS Tracker?
GPS tracker or sometimes called geotracking device or simply “tracker”, is a navigation unit that comes as part of the vehicle’s security system. Of course, you can use a tracker on any portable or mobile asset or entity such as cars or even humans or animals.
These devices uses the global positioning system or GPS, to monitor the car’s precise location or its movement. Tracking devices sends special satellite signals that are processed by a receiver.
Locations are then stored in the GPS tracker or transmitted to an Internet-connected device such as cellular network of smart phones, radio, or satellite modem, embedded in the tracker or through WiFi work worldwide.
Historically, GPS tracking was initially designed for military use and law enforcements before it was commercialized. Today, all most all modern vehicles are equipped with this technology.
To date, there are several types of GPS trackers, but I will just discuss the type that are commonly used in the automotive industry, specifically those that designed to work with smart phones and cellular networks.
How does GPS Tracker Work?
As its name suggest, GPS trackers monitors or tracks your vehicle in real-time, providing instantaneous speed and location data.
Some trackers, like the one I am using, provides real-time alerts and sends SMS warning to your phone whenever you overspeed, exceed your specified range, and many others.
For most aftermarket GPS trackers, they use network of satellites to determine the location of the tracking unit, which is its main function. It utilizes trilateration to determine its actual physical location based on its distance from three GPS satellites.
This is the same concept used by most in-car navigation systems.
But navigation systems provides you with location and driving directions. GPS trackers stores your driving habits and broadcasts your location in real time.
How does it broadcast your location you might ask? GPS trackers uses similar technology that your smart cellular phone does to make calls or connect to the Internet.
This is the reason why most GPS trackers require monthly subscription fee to acquire constant cellular network data. I use prepaid data so I don’t need to pay a monthly subscription service fee.
Once you set up all the required information on your tracking unit, use an active sim card to start using global positioning system and get pinpoint location accuracy of your vehicle.
You can then check the actual location using Google map or an app provided by your GPS tracking brand. Most of the time, you need to download an app to use a GPS tracker.
Why You Need to a GPS Tracker?
If your car doesn’t have a GPS tracker, then you might want to invest with an aftermarket tracker. There are various types and brands to choose from online.
This type of devices can add an additional layer of security for your car or any assets that you want to track in case of theft. So it gives additional peace of mind when travelling to unfamiliar places.
When using a GPS tracker, make sure that you only track those assets that you own. Otherwise, tracking other people’s car or assets can get you in big trouble. Tracking other people’s car is illegal!
Below is my video where I demonstrate the effectiveness of using a GPS Tracker in my car. The video is in Tagalog but has English subtitle. Enjoy!
