GPS tracker for car: How and which GPS locator to choose based on features?

A GPS locator works by receiving a location from satellites and then sending it via the mobile network to an application or online system. In the application, you can then see where the car is, how fast it is moving and what route it has taken. The GPS signal itself will determine the location, but mobile data is required to track the car online via the application. Therefore, a GPS tracker without a SIM card does not work as a full-fledged online tracking device. Without a data SIM card, real-time GPS car tracking will not work; the device can determine the location, but has no way to send it to the application or web interface.

If the GPS locator also has a listening or voice monitoring function, the SIM card must also support voice services. This means that it must be possible to make calls to the SIM card. If you use only a data SIM card without voice services, online tracking may work, but you will not be able to use the listening function. When choosing a SIM card, we recommend checking the coverage of the mobile operator, data package, call support and any roaming conditions if the locator is to be used abroad. If you want to track a car via GPS in real time, you need a GPS locator, a SIM card with data and an application for Android or iOS. It is ideal to combine these devices with, for example, a car reversing camera .

Types of car GPS trackers by power supply and installation

1. OBD GPS locator for car

It is suitable for:

• passenger cars,
• company vehicles,
• car rentals,
• taxi services,
• vehicles where you want a GPS locator for your car without charging.

2. Battery-powered GPS tracking device with magnet

Battery GPS locator with magnet is a universal solution for customers who need flexible placement. It can be a mini GPS locator for a car, or a larger GPS tracker with a long battery life. The life depends mainly on the battery capacity and the interval of sending the location. The more often the device sends data, the faster the battery is low.

It is suitable for:

• cars,
• vans,
• caravans,
• trailers,
• work machines,
• vehicles without an available OBD port.

Solar GPS locator is suitable when you want a battery-powered device with support for charging from the sun. However, a solar panel does not mean unlimited endurance. The actual endurance depends on the lighting conditions, the location of the device, the battery capacity and the set tracking interval. Solar models in the category include, for example, a 4G solar GPS tracker with a 10000 mAh battery, IP67 protection and real-time tracking.

It is suitable for:

• vehicles parked outside,
• trailers,
• caravans,
• vans,
• work machines,
• shipping containers or equipment located outdoors.

It is suitable for:

• Passenger cars
• Company vehicles
• Rental cars
• Discreet monitoring
• Frequent rotation

Not every GPS locator has a listening device. Some models are only used for GPS car tracking, routes, speed and alerts. Other GPS locators for cars or for tracking property/persons also have a built-in microphone and allow voice monitoring. If you want to use a GPS locator with listening, the SIM card must have not only internet data, but also voice services. You can then call the device or activate voice monitoring depending on the specific model.

The wiretapping function should always be used only in accordance with the law. GPS tracking of a car without the driver's knowledge or unauthorized wiretapping of a third party may be illegal. For company vehicles, we recommend that GPS tracking of company vehicles be handled transparently, in accordance with internal rules and applicable legislation.

GPS locator and Bluetooth locator are not the same devices. Bluetooth locator is more suitable for short distances, for example, for keys, wallets or objects near the phone. Therefore, terms such as GPS locator for keys or GPS locator for keys without a subscription are often searched for, but in fact these are often Bluetooth solutions.

A car GPS tracker works differently. It uses GPS and a mobile network, making it suitable for remote vehicle tracking. That's why it needs a SIM card and data services. A GPS tracker for children or a GPS tracker for a dog is another category of devices, where dimensions, portability, battery life, and safety features are important.

The battery life of a GPS tracker depends on the battery capacity, the set tracking interval , the signal quality and the method of use. A mini GPS tracker usually has a smaller battery, so it is more suitable where small size is important. A larger battery GPS tracker may have a longer battery life, but it is larger in size. If you are asking how long a GPS tracker battery lasts, the answer depends mainly on how often the device sends its location. With frequent real-time GPS tracking, the battery drains faster. With a more energy-saving mode and less frequent location sending, the battery life can increase significantly.

If you want a car GPS tracker without charging, a better choice is an OBD model or a device powered by the vehicle. If you need flexible placement, choose a battery or solar model.

Online tracking via app

A modern GPS car tracker is most often controlled via a mobile application or web interface. In the application, you can see the current location of the vehicle, route history, speed, notifications or set zones according to the functions of a specific model. If you want to know how to find a car using GPS, the principle is simple: the locator sends its location via a SIM card to the application and you see it on your mobile or computer. For company vehicles, the advantage is the ability to track multiple cars at once under one account.

Several models use the TrackSolid or TrackSolid PRO system, where you can also find driving history, set functions such as geo fence, various notifications, etc., while online tracking licenses for 1 or 10 years are also available in the category.

GPS tracking of company vehicles and legal use

GPS tracking of company vehicles is practical for fleet management, route control, work planning, vehicle protection and reducing the risk of loss or theft. However, it is important to use GPS monitoring for company cars transparently and in accordance with legislation.

If you are solving the question of how to track an employee's car legally, we recommend having clear internal rules, informing drivers, and using GPS tracking only for legitimate work purposes. GPS tracking of a car without the driver's knowledge or unauthorized eavesdropping, even through listening devices, can be problematic and is not recommended.

How to secure a car against GPS theft ? The most practical is to use a GPS locator with online tracking, movement alert, GEO-FENCE zone or alarm according to the specific model. A GPS locator is not a substitute for insurance or mechanical security, but it can significantly help in locating the vehicle.

Comparison table of types of car GPS locators

Choose an OBD GPS locator if: You want a GPS locator for your car without charging, easy connection and long-term power supply from the vehicle.

Choose a battery-powered GPS tracker with a magnet if: You need flexible placement, your own battery, and don't want to plug anything into the OBD port or wiring.

Choose a solar GPS locator if: Your vehicle, trailer or work machine is often parked outside and you want support for charging from a solar panel. Also suitable for shipping containers

Choose a GPS locator in a car charger if: You want the simplest solution without assembly that just plugs into the car's cigarette lighter.

Choose a GPS locator with wiretapping if: You have a legal reason to use voice monitoring. The SIM card must have both data and voice services.

Choose a non-eavesdropping GPS locator if: You only need to track location, route, speed, and alerts.

GPS locator price depends on the type of device, battery capacity, 4G network support, water resistance, magnetic mount, eavesdropping, application and online tracking license. A cheap GPS locator may be enough for simple use, but for a car, van or company vehicle, we recommend looking mainly at reliability, battery life, application quality and power supply method.

If you are looking for the best GPS locator for your car without a monthly fee, you need to distinguish between the price of the device, the SIM card and the possible application license. Even if the device itself does not have a monthly fee, a SIM card with data is still needed. With GPS locators, it is definitely advisable to also have a license for online tracking, e.g. via the TRACK SOLID system in the app or via the web interface.

Experience will also help when choosing a GPS locator for a car, but the most important thing is to choose the type according to real use - OBD, battery, magnet, solar charging or wiretapping.

A common mistake is choosing a small mini GPS locator where the customer expects a very long battery life. Another mistake is the idea that a solar GPS locator will last indefinitely regardless of the weather and location. Solar charging helps, but does not replace the completely correct setting of the tracking interval and sufficient light conditions.

And we certainly consider the biggest mistake to be the idea that a GPS locator works without a SIM card. With models with eavesdropping, customers often forget that the SIM card must also support voice services. And with company vehicles, you also need to think about legal use and informing drivers.

When choosing a GPS locator for your car, the most important thing is to know how you want to use it. If you want a simple solution without charging, an OBD GPS locator is suitable. If you need flexible placement, a battery-powered GPS tracker with a magnet is a better choice. If the vehicle or trailer is often parked outside, a solar GPS locator can be an interesting solution. In all cases, the GPS locator needs a SIM card with active mobile data. Without data, online tracking will not work. If the locator also has a listening device and you want to use this feature, the SIM card must also support voice services.

When choosing, we recommend looking not only at the price, but also at the power supply, battery life, type of installation, application, eavesdropping capability, water resistance and legal use. A properly selected GPS locator for a car can help protect the vehicle, track the company fleet and quickly find the car in case of a problem.