Knowing the location of your car, either when you’re parked far away from it in a dodgy area, when you’re abroad, or any instance in which you can’t instantly access your car can grant you peace of mind.
With that in mind, in this blog, we will be exploring the question ‘How can I track the location of my car?’
At Car Specialist Customs, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options when it comes to making your car a unique expression of who you are, alongside security options that can protect your vehicle. We are excited to share with you the option of our vehicle trackers.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
Can I protect my car without technology?
As time goes on it becomes more difficult to protect a vehicle without the aid of technology such as trackers. Though having items like a steering wheel lock acts as a primitive immobiliser. As handy as they are, an experienced thief can bypass a steering wheel lock.
Can a dashcam help my vehicle security?
There are camera systems that record if your vehicle is touched. Usually, these are discreet so it is unlikely it would act as a preventative measure, it would be more as a means of recording evidence.
Dashcams may act as a deterrent if the thief knows they are being recorded. Which usually isn’t the case when the vehicle is already off.
How does a vehicle tracker work?
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 is undetectable, whereas others may not need installing, it is subjective to the brand and model you select.
How can I track the location of my car?
Tracking the location of your car is simple with the aid of a car tracker, these compact machines can be placed in your vehicle to a degree that can be undetectable. Depending on the car tracker you choose, you can expect a variety of features.
Most car trackers come with capabilities for you to track your car on your phone, which is especially helpful if you don’t have a computer handy.
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.
Can I track someone else’s vehicle?
No. If you do not own the vehicle you want to track, it is illegal to track other people’s vehicles without their permission. Doing so can result in criminal offences being put to you. If you do receive this permission from someone, be sure to at least have a written agreement with a signature and date.
If you are hiring or leasing a vehicle for an extended period of time and the owner does not have a tracker, you can ask if you can install one during your usage though it may be unlikely if the installation requires irreversible alteration to the vehicle itself.
How do I know my car has a tracker?
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 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.
Order a vehicle tracker today
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 the location of my car?’ 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