Outfitting your car with a GPS tracking system is a smart choice that can save you money in the long run – not to mention considerable stress and time. Still, it’s important that you choose the right kind of GPS for cars to get the most out of your purchase. Here’s an overview of some of the different features available in vehicle tracking GPS systems.
Externally Monitored Systems
Some GPS car tracking systems are monitored by an external agency, while other systems simply send information to your computer or Smartphone. Some people take comfort in knowing that someone else is watching over the car. However, many tracking systems that aren’t monitored allow users to receive alerts via email or text when certain criteria are met – for instance, if a vehicle exits an area or exceeds a speed. These customizable features make it easy for users to stay on top of what is happening with a vehicle without constantly monitoring the vehicle’s position. So, for many people, external monitoring isn’t really a necessity in a vehicle tracking system.
Real-Time Vs. Passive Systems
A real-time GPS auto tracker will transmit data so that your vehicle can be tracked minute to minute, wherever it goes. A passive tracker, on the other hand, stores a record of location and sometimes other variables like speed. Data must be downloaded directly from a passive tracker. These trackers are often more affordable than real-time trackers, but they aren’t very useful if your vehicle disappears. Passive trackers are more appropriate if you simply want to monitor how a vehicle is being used – for instance, if you want to see where your teenager or spouse goes when they’re not at home. Real-time systems are more versatile and informative than passive systems. If your vehicle is stolen, you’ll know its location, and you can monitor where it is – or where the vehicles of your family members are – in real time.
Built-In Or Hard-Wired Systems
Some vehicle trackers can simply be hidden inside or on a car, while others can actually be hard-wired into the vehicle. Trackers that can be built in to the car are generally harder to find and tamper with; they can also be more reliable, since they can draw on power from the car’s battery. These trackers can be a smart long-term investment. If, however, you’re looking for a short-term solution – maybe you aren’t planning on owning the car for much longer, or you need an inexpensive option for now – trackers that are more portable will still do an effective job. If you buy one of these trackers, it’s important to pay attention to battery life and check periodically that the tracker is still functioning.
These are just a few features to think about when you are choosing a car GPS tracker. If you can spare the money, you’ll get your best value with a system that is highly customizable, convenient to monitor, securely installed in your car, and built to withstand tampering and other external forces. While owning any tracking device is better than not having one at all, it’s worth remembering that buying even an expensive vehicle GPS tracker costs far less than dealing with your car being stolen.