Discover the cars with built-in GPS tracking systems and their benefits. Learn about GPS tracker functionality, popular car brands, and how they enhance security and navigation.
What cars have built-in GPS tracking?
Built-in GPS tracking in cars
A lot of cars today come equipped with built-in GPS tracking. These systems assist with navigation and emergency services. A GPS tracking device for cars is a feature and its availability generally varies from one car manufacturer and car model to another.
What is a built-in GPS tracking system?
A built-in GPS tracking system uses a device that relies on the Global Positioning System (GPS) to find its precise location and provide GPS navigation. It provides the vehicle’s exact location by triangulating its relative position with the help of the signals received from satellites orbiting the earth.
How does a built-in GPS tracker work in cars?
The built-in GPS tracker works by connecting to a network of satellites to determine its location. It works on the basic GPS technology, which involves trilateration with the help of three or more satellites belonging to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. The process involves calculating the tracking device’s distance from the satellites and finding its location based on latitude, longitude, and other factors.
Fleet vehicles and commercial applications
GPS fleet tracking is an important tool for fleet managers and businesses that rely on multiple vehicles for their business’ operations. Using GPS tracking systems can help you gain greater control over your fleet, increase productivity, and boost efficiency and profits. Some of the key benefits of using a GPS tracking system for commercial applications include:
- Greater fleet visibility: GPS tracking allows you to know the precise location of each vehicle at any given time. Additionally, you can define geofences for your vehicle’s operation. Whenever a vehicle crosses its geofence’s boundaries, the GPS system can instantly alert fleet managers.
- Gain driving behavior insights: Certain GPS tracking systems can also monitor driving behaviors. Such systems can alert fleet managers on adverse driving behavior so that they can be trained.
- Route optimization: Advanced GPS systems can analyze real-time and historical data to find the most efficient routes. They consider factors such as road conditions, traffic, and delivery schedules to choose the most efficient routes.
- Improved asset security: These systems can raise alerts whenever unauthorized usage or suspicious activity is detected. If a vehicle gets stolen, real-time tracking can help you recover it quickly.
- Enhanced customer service: When you have real-time access to data on your fleet’s status, you can provide info on accurate arrival times to your customers. This can help improve customer service and customer experience quality.
Do all cars come with GPS tracking?
Do all cars have GPS tracking? The answer is no. Not all cars have a built-in GPS tracking system. However, most modern cars come with GPS capabilities. This allows drivers to navigate their vehicle’s GPS instead of relying on their phones. Still, tracking features are unique to certain cars only.
Differences between built-in and aftermarket GPS trackers
Built-in GPS tracking device for cars may seem most convenient to use. Still, aftermarket GPS trackers generally provide more advanced features, greater flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Some of the advantages offered by the latter are as follows:
- Cost-efficiency: Built-in GPS trackers for cars are typically bundled with other premium features that increase the vehicle’s price. On the other hand, you can find aftermarket GPS tracking devices at different price points. You will not have to pay for features that you don’t need.
- Greater accuracy & coverage: Car manufacturer-provided GPS trackers are optimized for the built-in navigation systems. They are limited in terms of accuracy and coverage. Aftermarket trackers are made by companies focused solely on GPS tech. They can offer models with GPS and cellular connectivity, increased accuracy, signal strength, and reliability.
- Advanced features: Built-in GPS for cars typically have basic functionalities and standard tracking features. They may not have the advanced features businesses require. You can find aftermarket trackers with features such as geofencing alerts, real-time tracking, driver behavior monitoring, remote engine disabling, and mobile application integration.
Customization and ease of upgrading are additional reasons for considering aftermarket GPS for tracking cars.
When choosing cars with GPS tracking, it is recommended to consider the following features:
- Real-time tracking: This is the most basic feature to consider when choosing cars with GPS tracker. It should not only provide real-time tracking, but also alerts.
- Geofencing: This feature allows you to set up virtual areas on maps for the authorized usage of vehicles. You can receive alerts whenever the vehicle goes out of these marked areas. This is a big improvement over the general vehicle tracking system.
- Mobile accessibility: Look for cars with GPS tracker that provide easy-to-use app access. Some systems also allow easy web access so that you can access the data anywhere, anytime.
- Data reporting: The ideal GPS tracking system should also provide easy and quick access to historical data and reports.
It is also recommended to choose a system that can easily integrate with other systems.
How to check if a car has GPS tracking?
Before you buy a car, it is recommended to check whether the car already has a GPS system or not. The following points should help you:
Identifying built-in GPS features in your car
To check your car’s GPS system, access its infotainment system. Navigate through the menus to explore the options. If it allows you to search for destinations, choose route types, or check traffic updates, it means that your vehicle has a built-in GPS tracking system.
The following steps should help you learn more about your car’s GPS system:
- Navigation app: Look for the navigation icon on the infotainment system and tap on it to access the GPS interface.
- Search destination: Use voice commands or an on-screen keyboard to enter the name or address of the destination.
- Route options: Check the suggested routes and select the right option based on distance, time, and traffic conditions.
- Map views: Check whether there is an option to toggle between 2D and 3D map styles.
You can also check your car’s manual to see whether it has a built-in GPS system and how to use it.
Ensuring privacy and detecting hidden trackers
If you are concerned about your privacy, you should look for hidden trackers in your vehicle.
Follow these tips to locate GPS for tracking cars:
Check the car exterior
- Use a mirror fixed on an extendable pole to check behind the bumper. Make sure to illuminate the area.
- Next, check the car’s undercarriage. Look out for areas that seem to be significantly cleaner than other areas.
- Look inside the wheel wells.
- Next, check under the hood while ensuring that you do not disconnect anything.
Check the car interior
Once you have ensured there is no GPS for tracking cars on the outside, you must check the interiors. Follow these steps:
- The simplest GPS tracking device for cars is plugged into the OBD port under the dashboard. You can also check the 12V receptacle.
- Next, check the dashboard, under the seats, storage compartments, and under the spare tire.
- If you do not find a tracker in these locations, check behind the interior plastic trim. They are typically easy to remove in modern cars.
You can also use an electronic bug sweeper to check your car for radio and GPS signals.
Conclusion
GPS tracking systems are found in almost all modern cars. If your car doesn’t come equipped with it or you have an older vehicle, you can purchase an aftermarket GPS tracker for cars and have it installed. Whether you need basic GPS systems for your personal vehicle to simplify your travels or advanced systems for your fleet of vehicles, these devices provide lots of benefits. Whatever your needs, make sure to choose a GPS tracking device for cars that perfectly meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which cars have GPS trackers?
If you ask, do cars have GPS trackers in general, the answer is not all cars have them. However, most modern cars come with trackers. However, all luxury cars will almost always come equipped with these devices and advanced features. Besides, your dealership is likely to install hidden trackers if you have a financed car.
Q. How do I know if my car has a built-in GPS tracker?
You can check the car’s infotainment system or the user manual. If the menus show options for searching for destinations and choosing route types, it means your vehicle has a built-in GPS tracker.
Q. How do I find out if my car has a tracker from a dealership?
You can use an electronic bug sweeper for this purpose. Otherwise, you can conduct an interior and exterior inspection to look for a hidden tracker.
Q. What happens if you remove a dealership tracker?
Dealerships usually equip their installed GPS trackers with tamper alert systems. So, it is likely that they can receive an alert when you remove a GPS tracking device for cars.
Q. Is it illegal to remove a GPS tracker from a car?
You can remove a GPS tracker if you own the car. However, you should not remove it if you lease or rent a vehicle.