Do Cars Have Trackers? [Everything You Should Know!]

Cars have come a long way since their inception. Many modern automobiles have navigation systems that give driving directions and help you find the quickest route from point A to point B. So, considering all the technology present in modern vehicles, can we assume that cars have trackers?

Many cars have trackers. It’s not uncommon for newer cars to use a GPS (Global Positioning System) to determine your location for navigational purposes. Some automobiles may be able to capture and store similar information, but you’ll need special tracking apps to monitor your vehicle remotely.   

Keep reading if you’re concerned about your privacy or want to know where your vehicle is at any time. Aside from letting you know if cars have built-in trackers, this article will cover different tracking devices, how they work, and the information they provide.

Do Cars Have Built-In Trackers?

Many modern cars have built-in trackers in the sense that they have systems in place that monitor information that can be made available to people. However, tracking a vehicle remotely using its onboard electronics and GPS may require authorization from the manufacturer and owner.  

It helps to examine the role computers and electronic systems play to better understand their “tracking” capabilities.

Onboard Computers and ECUs

These days, vehicles are highly computerized, as many of the car’s functions work using drive-by-wire technology. Mechanical parts like the throttle, gear shifter, suspension, and steering now rely heavily on electronics. Cars have onboard computers, sensors, and ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that monitor and control different systems.  

The use of electronics provides the car with more features and gives the driver more convenience and control by making essential functions more configurable and easier to operate. A driver can steer the car and shift gears with much less effort, while the car can adapt better to different scenarios and road conditions with features like traction control and lane-keep assist.  

One of the most used modern-day features in the car is the navigation system, which relies on its GPS to determine its location and provide the necessary driving directions. However, it’s important to differentiate that a vehicle’s sat nav uses location data to provide driving directions. In contrast, a GPS tracker uses it to inform the owner of the vehicle’s whereabouts.  

Another attribute of having computers and electronics in vehicles is allowing service technicians to diagnose a car by plugging a laptop into the OBD (On-board Diagnostic) port of a vehicle. The vehicle sensors warn drivers of potential issues and help technicians isolate where the problem may be.

Event Data Recorders

An EDR (Event Data Recorder) is another onboard device that tracks vehicle information like a plane’s black box. Over 60% of vehicles produced after 2005 have EDRs.  

The primary purpose of an EDR is to record technical information about the car and driver to assess how a vehicle’s safety systems perform in the event of a collision. Manufacturers or insurance companies typically use data captured by EDRs to study accident dynamics or assess the car.  

Tracking Apps and Services

Given all this technology, we can conclude that many modern vehicles have tracking capabilities since they can monitor vast amounts of information.

However, you may need to download apps like FordPass or subscribe to services like OnStar to access tracking information for your vehicle. Automakers will have specific apps or software that are compatible with their brand.  

Universal tracking apps like Google Maps allow you to find your vehicle, but you will need to save your vehicle’s location. These apps come in handy if you have trouble remembering where you parked.  

Unauthorized Vehicle Tracking

If you’re wondering whether or not someone can track your vehicle without your authorization, the sad truth is that it is entirely possible. All they need to do is mount a tracking device on your car without you knowing. Some tracking devices are magnetic and relatively small so they can be mounted to your car discreetly. 

Rest assured that built-in tracking systems require your permission or a security code for outsiders to access. 

How To Tell if a Vehicle Has a GPS Tracker?

There are tools in the market that can detect GPS trackers, but the only other way to tell if your car has a GPS tracker is through a thorough visual inspection. However, some trackers will be hard to find, especially if they are hard-wired or built into your vehicle.

Aftermarket GPS Trackers

You can purchase an aftermarket GPS tracker if your car does not have a built-in tracker. Whether you want the piece of mind of recovering your car in case it gets stolen or simply need to monitor a fleet vehicle or a family member, an aftermarket GPS tracker is a perfect solution.

Keep in mind that aside from purchasing the tracking device, you may need to sign up for a subscription for cellular or coverage and to gain access to a GPS server. Other systems work with the software or app on your smartphone and don’t need a monthly subscription.  

GPS data loggers also don’t require a subscription but do not give you the benefit of real-time reporting; you can only check where your vehicle has been after retrieving the tracking device.

Different Types of GPS Trackers for Vehicles

There’s a wide array of different GPS trackers to choose from, but they will perform the same primary function of letting you know where your vehicle is. The best GPS tracker for you depends on your application and needs.

Hard-Wired Trackers

A hard-wired tracker is the best option if you plan on tracking one vehicle. The vehicle’s electrical system powers hard-wired trackers, so they will not require external batteries to work.  

Since hard-wired trackers are linked to your car’s onboard computer, they can provide you with additional information like speed, distance, fuel mileage, and maintenance reports. Another benefit is that they can be discreetly installed and remain undetected.

The disadvantage of hard-wired trackers is that they may require professional assistance to install if you’re not comfortable tinkering with your car’s electrical system. Another drawback is that you can’t quickly move the device from one car to another.

The O3 Optimus GB100M Hard-wired GPS tracker (Available on amazon.com) works with Android and iOS apps and refreshes every 30 seconds to provide accurate data. This tracker can send driving reports through email and text, aside from providing you alerts for entering or leaving specific areas and speed information.

Plug and Play Trackers

Plug-and-play GPS trackers also obtain power from your car’s electrical system. These trackers are slightly easier to install than hard-wired trackers since they plug into the car’s OBD port or a 12-volt outlet. The ease of installation allows you to move them from one car to another if the need arises.  

Plug-in trackers that connect to the vehicle’s OBD port can also provide you with additional vehicle information, like hard-wired trackers. GPS trackers that connect to your car’s OBD will continue working even when the vehicle is switched off, but those that connect to the 12-volt outlet will not.  

If you’re worried about draining your car’s battery, this article will shed light on how your car battery can drain overnight.  

The Brickhouse Security TrackPort GPS Tracker (available on Amazon.com) does not require professional installation since it conveniently connects to your car’s OBD II port under the dashboard. This tracker lets you monitor your vehicle’s location each time it’s on the move. 

You’ll be able to track driving behaviors since this tracker can report information like excessive speeding and harsh braking or acceleration.  

Battery Operated Trackers

Battery-operated trackers are the best option if you move the device from one vehicle to another. Since these trackers are highly portable and require no installation, you can place them anywhere in the car or use them as tracking devices for your children.

The battery life for these trackers varies, but most will last one to two weeks between recharging. Some battery-operated trackers have motion sensors that minimize sending out signals when stationary to conserve battery power.  

Aside from having to worry about power consumption, battery-operated GPS trackers will not be able to provide you with the vehicle’s technical information since they do not have a connection with the vehicle’s onboard computer.  

The Brickhouse Security SparkNano 7 GPS Tracker (available on Amazon.com) is one of the smallest GPS trackers available, allowing you to conveniently place it anywhere in your vehicle or have your loved ones take it with them. This tracker provides you with geofencing capabilities and real-time and historical travel reports.

How GPS Trackers Work?

GPS trackers cater to more than just vehicles since they can be placed on almost any moving object. These trackers can coordinate with satellites to determine their location on (or near) the earth’s surface.

There are over thirty satellites orbiting the earth as part of the Global Positioning System. These satellites constantly send out radio signals, which contain their precise location. The GPS receiver uses a process called trilateration by sending a return signal to at least four satellites to determine its position.  

Since radio signals travel at a constant speed, the GPS receiver can pinpoint its location by calculating the amount of time it takes for the radio signal to reach each satellite. The accuracy of the location can have a variance of 7 meters (22.96 ft) or 1 centimeter (0.03 ft) depending on the receiver.