The basics of a vehicle tracker
A vehicle tracker is a small device, varying in shape and size depending on the brand and model you choose. These devices emit a signal which can allow you to view your vehicle’s location, through your phone or computer (this again varies with the brand and model you select.)
There are two types of trackers, monitored, in which location is shared live. And unmonitored, where location is stored on the device and viewable when the device is in the hands of its user.
Trackers can be installed within the vehicle so it’s undetectable, whereas others may not need installing, it is subjective to the brand and model you select.
Are vehicle trackers legal?
Yes, vehicle trackers are legal to use on vehicles you own. However, using them in certain ways is illegal, such as:
- Tracking someone without their knowledge
- Sharing the tracking information of a car you own but don’t drive
- Using a vehicle tracker for coercive or controlling/abusive behaviour.
Like many things, a vehicle tracker is a tool, and if used incorrectly, can be illegal.
Do I need permission to track a vehicle?
Yes, you must always seek permission before tracking a vehicle. If it is your vehicle, speaking with your insurance provider would be the best first step, just in case it conflicts with any of the stipulations of your insurance (which it generally doesn’t)
If you are leasing or hiring a car, you must get permission from the owner, as it is their vehicle. However, if you are planning on tracking a vehicle that isn’t yours, this is illegal. This can be considered stalking, invasion of privacy and breaching GDPR.
The only instance you can track a vehicle that is not yours is if you have the express permission of the driver, along with a signed letter of agreement just to be safe.
How can I track my car with my phone?
The easiest way to track your car with your phone is by using a vehicle tracker. Not only will you get the location of your vehicle, but depending on the model you have chosen you may be able to see the journey taken too.
With the advancement of technology, accessing your vehicle tracker by phone has never been easier, and for those who prefer, there are models that can view the tracker’s destination via computer.
At Car Specialist Customs, our vehicle tracker range is from £250 – £1500, our range is there to cover those who want the basics and those who want the most premium features included with their tracker. Our range contains trackers from reputable and established brands like ScorpionTrak, SmarTrak and MetaTrak.
Why do I need to track the location of my car?
In instances of theft, vehicle tracking becomes an absolutely vital asset in helping you get your vehicle back.
Those who own a vehicle hiring business will find a vehicle tracker to be invaluable, as they can ascertain if their vehicle was used in areas it isn’t fit for driving in if their vehicle comes back worse than when it was hired.
How are vehicle trackers installed?
This is subjective to the model of vehicle tracker you select, and who you choose to install it, using a professional service like Car Specialist Customs, enables you to have your tracker installed to a degree where it is undetectable (at your discretion of course.)
Our years of experience have granted us the expertise to install vehicle trackers seamlessly, in addition to this, we also test the devices and your vehicle rigorously to ensure we have not made any mistakes, and if we have, we fix them.
Can I install a vehicle tracker myself?
Some vehicle trackers are easy to install, so yes. However, more complicated installations will require an expert, especially if you don’t have the experience. You may end up damaging the vehicle and its interior during the installation.
Good vehicle tracker installation vs bad installation
Good
- It is impossible to see or find the tracker
- There is no damage or visible changes to the interior
- The electrical system of the vehicle works fine
- Tracker operates properly
Bad
- Tracker or its components can be seen
- Damages on the interior
- Electrical system isn’t working as it used to
- Tracker isn’t working
How do I know my car is being tracked?
It takes a lot of awareness to even have an inclination your vehicle is being tracked, but there are three obvious signs.
- Someone always knows where you are and where you’ve been
- Your car interior has been tampered with but not damaged or had anything stolen
- You come across the same person or vehicle far too frequently
This does not necessarily prove that your vehicle is being tracked, but if you’ve experienced all three of these signs, it may be worth checking your vehicle.
There are devices available that can help you detect whether or not your car has a tracker on it. Though there are manual methods of finding out, here are some helpful tips below.
Signs of a tracker in your vehicle:
- A small box or rectangle (usually with wires coming from it)
- Any abnormalities in or outside your car
- Wiring that you can physically see
- Areas that are bulging that were not before
Where to find a tracker in your vehicle:
- In the wheel-well of your car
- Around your front and back bumpers
- Any crevice or space outside the car that is not subject to heat or direct weather.
- In and around the dashboard, including the glove compartment
- Underneath, behind and on the sides of seats
- In your boot and in the spare tire storage.
What should I do if I find a tracker in my car that is not mine?
The best option is to contact the authorities immediately, depending on the type of tracker, the owner may come back to retrieve it. If not, the police can take it and investigate to find the owner of it. With enough investigation, they should be able to trace the tracker back to its owner and go from there.
Where to buy the best car tracker
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Personalisation:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We always will go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we aim to have provided what you need to know before considering purchasing a vehicle tracker.
We hope to have answered the question ‘How can I track my car with my phone?’ whilst providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in security systems for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday – Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Sunday – 11 AM – 7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk