On this page
01. How the parts connect02. What a tracker can tell you03. What makes an installation hard to defeat04. FAQ
A GPS car tracker is a small unit wired into the vehicle. It receives satellite signals to work out its position, then sends that position over the mobile network, using a SIM card, to a tracking platform. You see the vehicle on a map in an app or web portal, get alerts for events like ignition on, movement or leaving an area, and can replay past trips.
Key takeaways
- GPS gives position. The SIM and mobile network carry it to the platform.
- The app or portal is where you see location, alerts and history.
- Most trackers keep a small backup battery to report tampering if the main power is cut.
- A hidden, neat installation is what makes a tracker hard to find and remove.
- Trackers need an active SIM and an active platform subscription to keep reporting.
01How the parts connect
The tracker reports at intervals, more often when the vehicle is moving and less often when parked, to save data and battery. Events such as ignition on, harsh braking, power cut or leaving a geofence are sent immediately.
02What a tracker can tell you
03What makes an installation hard to defeat
- The unit is hidden and wired so it isn't obvious behind the dashboard or under a seat
- Wiring is neat and blends with the factory loom rather than hanging loose
- Power-cut and tamper alerts are switched on and go to someone who will act
- It's combined with an immobilizer or remote cut-off so the car can't simply be driven away
- Alerts reach more than one person, for example the owner and a family member or fleet manager
Businesses running several vehicles usually need more than location. See the fleet management system guide.
04Frequently asked questions
Does a car tracker work without internet on my phone?
The tracker uses its own SIM to send data. You need internet on your phone or computer to view it in the app, and some systems also send SMS alerts.
Will a tracker drain my car battery?
A correctly installed tracker draws very little power. Vehicles left parked for many weeks may need a check, and the tracker's sleep settings can be adjusted.
What happens if thieves cut the tracker's power?
Most trackers have a small backup battery and send a power-cut alert, which is why that alert should go to someone who will respond.
Can a tracker be moved to a new car?
Often yes. The unit can be removed and reinstalled, and the vehicle details updated on the platform.
