Find an appropriate place to install the GPS. Look for a wire with a constant 12V power source, route the wiring harness, and connect the red wire of the tracker with it. Connect the ground wires and finish the installation by setting up tracking software.
Best Place to Install GPS Tracker in Car
There are several places where you can install your GPS tracker. One of the best options is to install it to the OBD-II port as it directly receives power from the vehicle’s power supply. Other options include within the dash, under the car using a magnet, inside the seats, inside the front bumper, or rear bumper.
Under the Vehicle Body
Placing the tracker under the car can be the best option if you want to keep the device not visible. Place the tracer inside a metal frame and set it. Make sure it is giving a solid reception.
The Dashboard
If you set the GPS tracker inside your dashboard, it will be challenging to find out. The dashboard is considered a good place for passing the GPS signals.
Inside the Bumper
Many of the latest cars bear a plastic or fiberglass material used to cover the whole bumper. Just behind this cover, there is a gap. You can set the tracker inside this gap.
On the Sun Visor
You can use this option if privacy is not a concern at all. Sun visor will give the best signal transmission.
Over the Roof
Take a magnetic box, put your GPS on it, and then set the box on top of the vehicle. It may be an easy way to steal your tracker from here!
Note: Wherever you place the tracker, try to keep it secure and active to detect the signals.
Improvisation is Welcome
You can be innovative in installing the GPS tracker inside your car. However, you have to make sure that the GPS tracker is exposed enough from the upper side to get a proper signal.
How to Install GPS in Car
Installing GPS in a car requires some systematic steps. With this, we go to the detailed steps.
Step 1: Decide the Type of Tracker
There are two types of GPS trackers available. One is a portable GPS tracker, and the other is a hardwired GPS vehicle tracker. If you want your tracker to be open or movable, then portable GPS is what you need. You can adjust the position even after installing the tracker per your wish.
Portable GPS trackers come with their batteries. Therefore, you will need to charge them up once in a couple of weeks. They are pretty easy to install, and you can do it yourself.
However, hardwired GPS vehicle trackers are not that easy to install. If you are not familiar with car wirings, then seeking the help of a technician is the best choice. It is the type of tracker made for discreet purposes. You can keep a hardwired GPS device out of view and in a hidden place. Such tracking devices draw their power from the leading car battery. Therefore you won’t need to charge them yourself.
Step 2: Find A Constant 12V DC Wired Power Source
The installation process differs from the type of tracker you will be using. If you are using an OBD tracker, you will need to locate the ODB-II port that is usually under the dashboard, steering wheel, or around the gearbox. The installation of this type of tracker is reasonably straightforward.
However, if you are going for a hardwired GPS vehicle tracker, the process becomes more complex. These devices need to be connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. Firstly, you have to locate a wired power source that continuously delivers 12V DC. There should be a red wire that connects to the constant power source. You will see another black wire that connects to the ground.
Step 3: Mask the Wiring Harness and Plug It Into the Tracking Device
Secondly, you take the wiring harness and figure out the red wire, ground wire, and ignition wire. Mask them together with a tape and plug the harness into the GPS tracker.
Step 4: Install the Tracker In An Appropriate Place
This step is one of the most important ones. If you don’t want anyone to find the tracker, install it in a concealed place. You can install it under the seats, under the vehicle using a magnet, inside the bumper, or under the top of the roof.
Wherever you are installing, ensure there is a proper routing route to the power source because you do not want the wires to be visible and give out the GPS tracker location.
Step 5: Route the Wire
Once you choose the appropriate place to install the tracker, it is time to route the wire. Take out the innards using appropriate tools and run the harness through them.
If you have installed the tracker inside the bumper, then take out the bumper and run your wires through it. Once you have reached the power source, take off a bit of tape from the wiring harness.
Step 6: Red Wire Wraps Around the Wire with the Power Source
The next step is to remove an inch of insulation from the wire that has a power source. Then use a sharp tool to poke through the wire and create a loop. Now grab the red wire from the tracking device and twist the ends.
Poke it through the loop of the wire that has power. Squeeze the loop shut and twist the red wire around for contact. Once done, wrap around the electrical tape to prevent the possibility of grounding out.
Step 7: White Wire Goes Around the Ignition Wire
Similarly, find the ignition wire of your vehicle. Then use the “poke and wrap” technique mentioned in the previous step to connect it to the white wire of the GPS tracker.
Step 8: Connect the Ground Wires
Again, use the same method for connecting the ground wire of the vehicle and the GPS tracker. Usually, they are black and effortless to distinguish.
Step 9: Test the Tracker and Install a Tracking Software
Finally, power up the car’s engine if you have installed a hardwired GPS tracker. Check whether the signal of the tracker is good or not. If you have installed a portable GPS tracker, try repositioning it to see if you get better signal results.
Install and set up tracking software to complete the tracker installation. Refer to the device’s instruction manual for detailed steps. Follow the necessary steps to ensure that the device is communicating with your computer.
How to Install a Portable GPS
It seems to be an easier option! Portable GPS devices are battery-powered. And their batteries are needed to be charged regularly.
Select the Place
To decide the tracker place, make sure that the GPS tracker can get the maximum signal strength. GPS signals may not travel all solid elements. If you want to keep the GPS visible and perfectly active, then roof or windscreens can be good choices.
Power Up the GPS
After finding the location, set the GPS and power it up.
Install the Software
Now it is time to install the GPS software. You may find the correct software for the tracker in the play store. Just download it on your mobile/computer. Besides, GPS companies may provide the installation process in the user manual. Just watch it and activate the software.
Make a Test Run
Keeping the GPS on, start to run the car. Here you have to check:
- Tracker’s signal strength.
- Date and time (if they are wrong, correct them going in the settings).
- Real-time location of your vehicle.
- Navigation system.
Also, check the device by spinning the car in various directions. If any error is found, immediately contact the service providers.
How to Install OBD Port Trackers
The vehicles that are manufactured after 1996 all bear OBD ports as diagnostic ports of vehicles. Here, at the OBD port, you have to plug in the OBD tracker and then track the car. Though the OBD port is used to check malfunctions, it can be used as an excellent source for tracking devices.
Find the OBD port
Firstly, find out where the OBD port is located. You may find that near the steering wheels.
Install the Tracker
Now set the GPS tracker on this OBD port. It is a straightforward and easy process. After installing, the tracker will be active and start to work.
Start Tracking
Install the GPS software and make test runs.
Installation of GPS Navigation in Car
Installing GPS navigation is an excellent way to keep track of your car. Firstly you have to find an appropriate place to install the GPS navigation. If it’s a hardwired GPS device, find a 12V constant power source or simply take out the OBD-II port.
Connect the red wire of the wiring harness with the power source and the black wire with the ground wire. Use electrical tape to wrap around the connection. That’s how you will be done installing a GPS navigation device in your car.
How to Install Corresponding GPS Tracker in Mobile
Go to Settings
Open your phone and then go to the ‘Settings.’ Tap on the ‘Lock Screen and Security option. After that, press on ‘Other Security Things.’ This option varies from device to device and depends on your android version.
Press Device Admin Apps
Tap on the ‘Device Admin Apps.’ This step is written as ‘Device Administrator’ on some devices. Then tap ‘Find My Device’ and press on the ‘Activate’ option.
Activate the Device
After activating this app, it does
- Erasing all data
- Changing the lock screen
- Lock the screen
- Disabling some lock screen features.
Suggested Car GPS Trackers to install
We have collected a few of the popular trackers of the market. Just have a view.
1. Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real-time GPS Tracker
What We Like
- Super small and very light.
- It is available with a sim that works worldwide!
- Battery with 3500mAh and a waterproof magnetic box
Cons
- Battery life is not so good.
2. Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker
What we like
- Rechargeable in just one hour!
- Gives updates per 5, 10, or 30 minutes
- Ensures one year of free subscription and a built-in sim.
Cons
- It doesn’t show the destinations it has traveled to.
Do all GPSs have a monthly fee?
GPS trackers give real-time locations, just like making calls or using the internet on mobile. So, they cost monthly subscription fees.
Does a car GPS need internet?
No, there is just an internal memory that can save data and a sim card that you can use to connect with the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I disable my vehicle’s GPS tracking?
Ans: You can disable the GPS tracker by obliterating it from the car. To do that, use a GPS Detector. Turn it on and scan the car multiple times to find the tracker.
Q: How much does it cost to install a GPS tracker in a car?
Ans: A GPS tracker can cost from $250 to $1000. If you are not installing it yourself, the installation cost can increase up to $250 more.
Q: How do I read google maps while driving?
Ans: Activate the voice-activation feature of the google map.
Q: How long does a GPS battery last?
Ans: That battery of 20000-mAh lasts for two months for average driving.
Conclusion
Installation of a GPS tracker doesn’t only ensure your vehicle’s safety. It also gives you access to many other features. If you are not familiar with the wirings, seek the help of a professional. However, this article should’ve given you a clear idea of what to do.
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