If you are looking to invest in a car tracking system then there are a variety of options out there to choose from. The final decision depends on your specific needs because each model comes with its own unique features. You can learn more about the different types of car tracking systems and the benefits they provide. Once you know what choices are available to you it will be easier to buy the one that will fulfill your needs.

Why do you need a tracking system?

The purpose of the car tracking system will help you narrow down the choices for your purchase. Do you want to install it in your car so you can track your family members? Are you concerned for the safety of your vehicle and want to prevent theft? Do you want to monitor the routes for cars in your company’s fleet? There is a tracking system specifically designed with functions made to serve each type of need.

There are certain guidelines for the usage of a car tracking system you should keep in mind.

• The usage of the car tracking system must be ethical. It is an invasion of privacy to install the tracker in a car without the permission and knowledge of the driver. You should always intimate the people who will be using the car that you have access to their location at all times.
• If you own a delivery company then you can use the tracking system to share the location of the package at all times. There are some systems that have the software to help with location sharing with other users as well.

Know how the car tracking systems work

As a user you should also know how the trackers work so you can make an informed decision. The car tracking systems use cellular technology, wireless transmitters and network satellites that are constantly orbiting the planet. Information is sent by these sources to provide you with the relative position of the system.

According to fleet tracking and management company GPSWOX - there are certain limitations that come with some systems. For example, the GPS tracker can only provide the location if the skies are clear and they cannot work if the car is in an underground parking area or tunnel. The cellular trackers also fail to operate in certain dead spots where they cannot receive signals from depending on the carrier in the tracker.

Decide upon a budget

The price of the car tracking system varies based on the manufacturer and model of the tracker. When you are buying a device you need to decide the budget beforehand so you do not spend more than you can on the system. There are many expensive trackers that will try to entice you with fancy features and you could fall into their trap if you do not do your homework before shopping.

Certain GPS trackers also charge a monthly fee for subscription to their services. You should check with the company you are buying from to confirm. This cost should also be added to the cost when setting a budget. You should consider long-term costs as well.

How often do you want to use the tracker?

The devices are also divided into categories based on how and where you need to track the car. Some provide the location in real-time while others only send updates once every hour. The less expensive devices are only activated once you notify the company your car has been stolen. Depending on the situation, some trackers might perform better than others.

• The cost of the tracking system depends on the speed and accuracy of the tracker
• A complex tracking software will also be more expensive than a simple one. Some models come with many features which are confusing to use.

Cellular tracking devices are cheaper

The most budget-friendly tracking system option is one that is cellular based. These trackers use cellular networks to send and receive information to the user on the software that comes with the device. The cellular systems do not send information in real time and provide updates every half an hour or one hour. You also have to pay a monthly subscription fee to use this service. While a cellular system is cheaper upfront its costs can add up over time taking the fee into account.

Wireless systems cost more upfront but are useful for emergencies

The wireless tracker is more expensive when you take the device costs and installation fee into account. It also only provides the location when the vehicle is turned off because that is when the data is uploaded. However, this tracker is useful when there is an emergency such as theft because the wireless system does not require cellular networks.

Satellite-based trackers use the most advanced technology

A GPS system that uses satellite data can be expensive and cost a monthly fee but they provide a lot of benefits. With this system you can receive real-time updates which is not possible with cellular data. Some trackers use a combination of cellular, satellite and wireless systems to provide the location under all conditions.

Active and passive systems

Passive tracking devices store the location, speed of the vehicle when it is on the road. Once the vehicle returns to a known location like the house, you can remove the tracker and access the information using a computer. The active trackers on the other hand collect information and send it to the user in real-time.

The vehicle trackers combine abilities of the passive and active system based on the abilities. Users have the option to view the location, speed of the vehicle, stops made and other specific details once the vehicle is idle.

What size of tracker do you want?

Some tracking devices are inconspicuous and used by shipping companies or employers so the driver cannot remove it. Visible trackers are however less expensive. If you choose a model that is smaller than go for one that has an extended battery life so it does not need to be replaced often.