GPS tracking devices are among the most used devices particularly by car owners so as to enhance the security of the cars and also tracking of the cars. These devices offer the real time location of the assets, geographical zones and even an alarm in case the asset is interfered with making them very useful in combating theft. In this article, I will be explaining to you on how to install a battery connected GPS tracking device on any car and at the same time share my experiences and views on it.
GPS Tracking Devices have the Following Advantages
But, it is important to first understand why GPS tracking devices are used because these are not cheap to buy. That is because these devices provide several advantages.
- Real-Time Location Tracking: This is helpful because, at any given time you can be able to know where your car is and therefore one can be able to locate his or her car easily.
- Geofencing: This will assist you in setting up particular virtual limiting and receive a notification when your car pass this limits.
- Theft Prevention: GPS trackers are efficient in warding off the intruders and in case a cars is stolen, the car can be easily tracked.
- Driving Behavior Monitoring: For the parents of teen drivers or for the fleet managers these devices can give a more detailed picture of how the driver is behaving.
I have also fitted a GPS tracker in my own car and to some extent I feel secured having it in my car. Just the fact that I am able to know the location of my car and in the event of any theft, I receive a notification has been very comforting.
Which GPS Tracking Device is the Best to Use?
There are many GPS tracking devices in the market and therefore one may find it rather difficult to make a selection.
How to Choose the Best GPS Tracking Device
These devices are of different forms and dimensions and are easily accessible in the market; therefore, one must choose wisely. Look for features such as:Therefore the following features may be useful to look for include:
- Battery Life: A device with a long lasting battery will therefore, need to be charged less often as compared to a device with a short lasting battery.
- Accuracy: Advanced gadgets give better location information as compared to high-accuracy devices.
- Ease of Installation: Certain devices are relatively simple to install while others are not.
- Additional Features: Some may include geofencing, tamper alerts, driving behavior reports and so on.
For this, I would suggest going for the branded products that provide good after sales service and warranty facilities.
Preparing for Installation
Before carrying on with the installation, keep all the required tools and parts in one place. Every GPS tracking system has a user manual that contains a list of tools needed and the process to follow to install the system. Generally, you’ll need:
- This is a device used in tracking the movement of a person or an object using the global positioning system
- A battery which is fully charged is another example.
- Screws or double sided adhesive tape
- Simple hand equipment for instance screwdrivers and pliers.
Make sure that your car is parked in a safe place with enough light, so you do not have to strain while working.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Choose the Installation Location
The first thing that needs to be done is to identify the right position to place the GPS tracker. Common locations include:
- Under the Dashboard: It has a good hiding ability but it is somewhat difficult to put up.
- In the Trunk: Affordable and simple to obtain and mount however may diminish the signal power.
- Under a Seat: A good middle ground of concealment and signal reception.
To my mind, the best place for installation is under the dashboard because it is hidden and protected from being changed or damaged.
- Connect the Battery
Almost all car GPS trackers have their own battery or connect to the car battery. Follow these steps to connect the battery:
- Disconnect the Car Battery: Safety comes first, so you need to turn off the negative terminal of the car battery.
- Connect the Tracker’s Wires: As provided in the manual, the power wires of the tracker should be connected to the car battery. Usually, the red wire has to be linked with the positive terminal while the black wire with the negative terminal.
- Secure the Connections: To ensure that the connections do not come off use the electrical tape or the zip ties.
- Mount the GPS Tracker
After connecting the battery, the GPS tracker should then be secured in your desired place. If mounting brackets are supplied, then the device has to be fixed using the brackets or adhesive tape. Make sure that it is well fixed and does not shift from place as this may make it malfunction.
- Test the Device
Before finishing the installation, test the GPS tracker to ensure it’s working correctly:
- Re-connect the Car Battery: Connect the negative terminal of the car battery and remove the cable from the battery.
- Turn on the GPS Tracker: Turn on the device as recommended by the manufacturer of the device in question.
- Check the Signal: To verify the signal strength and make sure that the device is sending out location information, employ the attached application or the web interface.
Having in place a test before making final adjustments has helped me avert problems that would otherwise occur in the future. It is more effective to solve any difficulties that may be present now than when every thing is sealed.
- Finalize the Installation
Let’s talk about the final of the installation process now. Once you’ve confirmed that the GPS tracker is working properly, finalize the installation, and follow some simple steps:
- Secure Any Loose Wires: It will help you to tie the extra wires with the help of zip ties or electrical tape so that they would not interfere. 😊
- Reassemble Any Panels: If you had to take out any interior panels in order to install the unit, be sure to put them back in place, try don’t lose any pieces.
- Perform a Final Test: It is advised to drive your car for a certain distance and check the GPS tracker to confirm its proper functioning.
Maintaining Your GPS Tracker
Please note that regular maintenance is essential to keep your GPS tracker functioning optimally, it’s very logic, right? 😊 Check below how to maintain your GPS tracker…
- Check Battery Levels: If your device has a built-in battery then try to check the level of the battery and charge it when it is low.
- Update Firmware: Most of the manufacturers push out firmware updates to enhance the performance and introduce new features. Check that your device is updated.
- Inspect Connections: Wire and connections should be checked from time to time to ascertain that they are still in good shape and not damaged in any way.
I can only claim that regular servicing and checking on the device has helped to keep my GPS tracker as dependable as possible.
Conclusion
Installing a GPS tracking device that connects to a battery on your car is quite easy and will go a long way in increasing the security of your car. These devices offer real time location tracking, geofencing and other useful functions that ensure that one is stress free. With the right device, proper installation guidelines and proper maintenance of the tracker, then the car is always protected.
I think that the investment in a GPS tracker has been, without a doubt, a good decision. The enhanced security of my car as well as the real time tracking has definitely ease my mind. Whether it is to reduce cases of theft, check on driving habits or just to have some feeling of security a GPS tracking device is a worthy asset in any car.
