Vehicle trackers are a great and discreet contingency if ever your vehicle is taken, with car theft on the rise, it may not be a bad idea to invest in security for your vehicle just in case anything happens.
In this blog, we will be exploring the question ‘How does a vehicle tracker work?’
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.
What is 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.)
Can trackers be hidden in a vehicle?
Yes, you can hide your tracker in your vehicle, as technology has developed, the size of these trackers are small enough to hide within your vehicle.
Who would benefit from a vehicle tracker?
We believe any road user can benefit from a vehicle tracker, just in case your vehicle is stolen. Using the data provided by the tracker, authorities can follow and obtain the vehicle and hopefully arrest the thief.
For those who lease vehicles it can prove to be a massive benefit in instances where there are damages, as it could prove a client went somewhere unsuited for the vehicle.
How does a vehicle tracker work?
A vehicle tracker works by sending signals that can be interpreted by GPS tracking software, through an application trackers are powered by the vehicle’s battery, although most also have an internal battery that can still allow the vehicle to be tracked.
Where are trackers installed in vehicles?
Trackers can be installed in most places of vehicles, the best option is to install them in areas that are not visible, this will hopefully prevent potential thieves from finding and disposing o the tracker.
What do I do if I find a tracker in my vehicle?
Unless you are leasing this car, or its a work vehicle, its tracker is the prerogative of the owner and unless you signed any documentation that states you do not consent to being tracked, there is no further action you can take.
At the very least, contact the vehicle owner if you need to travel more than what was previously agreed.
Unfortunately, there are instances where people use car trackers for more nefarious purposes. However, with a bit of looking you should be able to find if you are being tracked, here is a quick guide on how to find a tracker on a car:
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.
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
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 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 to do if you find a tracker in your vehicle:
GPS Trackers are legal, however, if someone is tracking your vehicle without your consent, it then becomes illegal. We advise you to ring your local police and have them remove it for you. Hopefully, they should have the ability to trace its owner.
Is there an insurance-approved vehicle tracker?
Yes. Here are two of the many options we provide that are generally approved by insurance.
Meta Trak S7
The Meta Trak S7 tracker is equipped with a range of useful everyday features as standard. The Meta Trak S7 is well equipped allowing you to use real-time tracking either via the dedicated web portal or your smartphone via the Meta Trak app. Look at your driver history, live Google traffic updates as well as your driver score profile via the app.
Other features include battery monitoring alerts and tow alert notifications on your vehicle.
Convenience Features
- Insurance Approved
- 24-Hour Control Room Monitoring
- European Coverage
- Battery Backup
- Journey History & Score (up to 30 days)
- Instant Alerts
- Low Battery, Tamper and Geo-Fence Alerts
- Motion Alerts
- App & Web Access
- Transferable
- 12 & 24 Volt Compatible
- 1-Year Warranty
Scorpion Track S5 Plus Tracking System
Scorpion Track DRIVER S5 Plus -VTS responds to all known methods of vehicle theft including techniques used by the modern-day thief such as ‘relay theft’, ‘key cloning’ or various means in which the vehicles’ on-board computer is hacked and manipulated.
Additional features include remote immobilisation and automatic driver recognition, which can actively prevent theft as opposed to following the path of the stolen vehicle.
Convenience Features
- Insurance Approved
- Thatcham approved installers
- 24-hour control centre
- European Coverage
- Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags
- No tag / No start
- Remote Immobilisation via Command Centre on Police Request
- Police Supported
- Multi-vehicle Tracking
- Battery Backup
- Low Battery Alerts
- Tow Away & Tamper Alerts
- Geofence Alerts
- Journey History
- Automatic Health Checks
- Web & App Access
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo & GSM tracking technology
- Transferable to new vehicle
- 3 years device warranty
- 12 & 24 volt compatible
Invest in 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 does a vehicle tracker work?’ 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