Vehicle tracking devices are a discrete and cost-effective way to protect assets, manage inventories, increase compliance, and monitor movements. These accessories use GPS to determine the location of a vehicle and the person driving it. However, the proper placement of a GPS tracker in a car can result in even more successful location insights.
Knowing the best place to put a GPS tracking device on a car or other vehicle can be challenging. The tracker needs to be in a location where it can receive GPS signals with accuracy and, in cases of covert tracking, a place where other people can’t find it.
In this guide from LandAirSea (LAS), learn where to place a tracker on a car so you can identify locations in real-time. That way you can hide your GPS tracker without a driver ever knowing. However, we at LandAirSea encourage you to adhere to all appropriate and legal guidelines before you use any hidden GPS trackers for secretly tracking a vehicle, asset or person. Now, lets begin with the basics of how a tracking system works!
How Do Vehicle Trackers Work?
GPS trackers have been in existence since the Cold War, where the military used them to track Soviet submarines. These accessories receive GPS signals from satellites orbiting Earth, relying on a process called ‘trilateration’ to determine the location of someone or something to a great degree of accuracy.
When you know where to place a tracker on a car, you can access GPS information about the vehicle from wherever you are in the world. You can find out how long a vehicle takes to get to a destination, how many stops it makes along the way, and how much time it spends idle. The best GPS trackers let you access this information from your computer or smart device, so you don’t need to collect a tracker from a car to view its data.
Take the LandAirSea 54, for example. It’s one of LAS’ most popular products because it’s waterproof and dustproof, making it a good fit for all kinds of vehicles. Manufactured in the USA, the LandAirSea 54 provides real-time geofence, speed, and InstaFence alerts when you place it inside a car. Its unique ShareSpot feature lets you share the tracker’s location with family, friends, or colleagues through your computer or smartphone. That means everyone in your circle can access the same vehicle location insights as you.
Where To Place A Tracker On A Car
The best place for a GPS tracker on a car depends on the vehicle itself. Smaller vehicles have fewer ‘hiding spots’ than trailers or larger cars; however, there are still plenty of opportunities to conceal your tracker without getting caught.
Consider objects inside a vehicle that might affect the accuracy of GPS readings or the quality of GPS reception on your tracker. That includes things like car radio antenna masts or other in-built gadgets that use GPS. Like all GPS devices, an affordable LAS tracker works best when its receiver has as few obstructions as possible, allowing it to receive GPS signals from the sky.
Another consideration for placing a tracker on a car is the different materials inside a vehicle. Generally, GPS signals travel unobstructed through glass, rubber, fiberglass, cardboard, carpets, plastic, and other materials. However, trackers sometimes struggle to receive signals when placed next to metal or concrete.
Pro-tip: If you have time, place your GPS tracker in several locations inside a vehicle to determine the best location. You might find that some areas of the car receive stronger GPS signals than others.
List Of Best Locations To Place A Tracker On A Car
Here are some of the best GPS placement locations:
Inside The Vehicle
Rear Window Panel: You can access the rear window panel through the trunk of the car and position your GPS vehicle tracker between the carpeted panel and support frame near the third brake light. The rear window panel is a discrete, safe place to keep your device for covert tracking as it’s unlikely the driver or passengers will check this area.
Under the Dashboard: Placing a GPS device under the dashboard of a car can be a good idea; however, this location is not as discrete as the rear window panel. You should also consider any other GPS-enabled devices located on or near the dashboard that might affect your tracker receiving high-quality GPS signals.
Under the Seat: Placing a tracker under the driver’s or passenger’s seat is one of the easiest ways to monitor a vehicle without getting caught. Few people check under their seats, so this location provides peace of mind, as well as accurate GPS readings.
Glove Box: The glove box in a vehicle is another option to place a tracker on a car. If the driver keeps lots of items in the glove box, such as papers, they will be unlikely to find your tracker if you place it at the back of the compartment. Even though the glove box will remain closed, a good-quality hidden GPS will still be able to receive GPS signals from the sky and provide you with the location data you need.
Outside The Vehicle
Undercarriage Steel Frame: You can attach your vehicle tracking device to the undercarriage steel frame with magnets or adapter cables and receive location information about the driver’s whereabouts. However, placing the tracker directly behind the rear or front tires is a bad idea because of exposure to road debris.
Inside Engine Compartment: Another great place to conceal a GPS tracker in a car is inside the engine compartment near the windshield wiper motor. You can attach one of these trackers to the plastic grate near the windshield and hood. LAS’ devices are waterproof and dustproof, so any liquid leakage or dust won’t interfere with GPS readings.
Bumper Frames and Brackets: If made from steel, the front or rear bumper frames and brackets are valuable locations for GPS tracking systems. However, if you place your device near the engine compartment, you should keep it away from heat sources. This is because heat can potentially cause issues with the performance tracking solutions.
Pro-tip: The great thing about LAS surveillance trackers is that they come with industrial-strength magnets or adapter cables free of charge, making it easy to attach a device to almost any location in a car, including metal and concrete.
Other Tips For Where To Place A Tracker On A Car
Here are some other tips for GPS location placement in a vehicle:
- Always place a tracking device on a flat, clean surface. Dirt and debris might interfere with GPS reception or make it difficult to attach a device to a surface, even when using magnets or adapter cables.
- As previously mentioned, always place your GPS device in a location where the driver (or passengers) can’t see it if you are covert tracking.
- Take care when attaching your tracker to a magnetic mount, as you can stress the battery and damage your device. When removing a tracker from a mount, tilt it slightly to the side before pulling it off.
If you plan to track a vehicle (or the person driving it) for an extended period, invest in a tracking device with a long-lasting battery. LandAirSea 54 car tracking devices come with batteries that last for up to 1 year, which is one of the longest battery lives on the market. For short tracking operations, consider the LandAirSea 2020, which has a rechargeable battery that lasts 2 to 3 weeks. With a 5/5 rating on Amazon, the LandAirSea 2020 is one of the most popular devices of its kind on the market.
Where To Place A Tracker On A Car: Final Word
There are multiple places to attach a GPS tracker to a vehicle if you want to monitor a car and the people inside it. You’ll get more accurate GPS readings and location insights by following these tips for the best place for a GPS tracker on a car.
LAS provides GPS devices for various industries. Check out these GPS products that you can use in vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A GPS Tracker Be Attached Directly To A Metal Surface?
Yes, you can attach a GPS tracker to a metal surface. Most trackers have a strong magnet for this purpose. For example, placing it on the inside of the bumper or under the car works well. Just ensure the metal doesn’t block the satellite signals. This ensures you keep track of the vehicle without interruption.
How Do I Maintain A GPS Tracker For Optimal Performance?
Regularly check your car GPS tracker’s battery life and ensure it is securely fitted to the vehicle or asset, especially if it’s a battery-powered unit. Also, update the tracking device’s firmware through your customer login as recommended. This will help you get the most accurate and reliable data from your tracking solution. If you feel the GPS tracking solution is not providing you with accurate or reliable GPS data, please contact technical support so they diagnose the GPS units’ performance.
What Should I Consider Before Installing A GPS Tracker To Prevent Car Theft?
Consider both concealment and signal strength. Hide the GPS tracker in a spot like inside the dashboard or the door panel to keep it hidden from thieves. Also, make sure the area does not interfere with signal transmission. This setup will help you track your vehicle effectively in case it gets stolen. In fact, Police1 has reported many instances where fleet tracking systems have been used to help law enforcement quickly recover stolen vehicles successfully!