How to Place a GPS Tracker in a Car
Finding the best spot to install a GPS tracker in your car can significantly impact its effectiveness. Whether you need a covert location to keep it hidden or a more visible spot for easy access, the key is to ensure strong signal reception. In this guide, we'll explore the optimal places to install your tracker, both discreetly and overtly, so you can make an informed choice to enhance your vehicle's security. From under the car to on the dashboard, we'll cover the pros and cons of each option to help you achieve the best results.
Key Takeaways
- Types of GPS Trackers: Plug-in, hardwired, and portable options.
- Covert Placement: Under the car, inside the dashboard, in the bumper, or under the passenger seat.
- Visible Placement: On the dashboard, clipped to the sun visor, or attached to the roof.
- Considerations: Ensure strong GPS signal reception and secure installation.
Choose the Right GPS Tracker
- Plug-in Trackers: These plug into the OBD-II port (usually located under the dashboard).
- Hardwired Trackers: These are wired directly into the car’s electrical system.
- Portable Trackers: These are battery-powered and can be placed anywhere in the car.
Things to Consider
The most important thing to bear in mind when installing your GPS tracker is signal strength. If it cannot receive an adequate GPS satellite and cellular signal, the device will not work.
Most GPS signals travel through plastic, fiberglass, foam, wood, and glass, but it's best to allow your tracker to have a line of sight to the sky. Places like the roof, dashboard, or windscreen are obvious choices, but whether you want your tracker to be visible or not is the real decider. Let's look at the options.
Where to Hide a GPS Tracker in a Car
If you are looking for covert positions, here are a few options:
Under the Car
You've seen it in the movies, but is positioning a tracker under the car a good idea? It depends! If you place the tracker under the driver or passenger side, the GPS signal will bounce off the road and be detected. Under the car is the best all-around covert method of placing a tracker. It offers strong reception and is not immediately visible. For exterior mounting, you will need to purchase the magnetic case accessory. It's important to note that some luxury vehicles may have fewer magnetic mounting options, so you will need to do your research when attempting to place your tracker.
Inside the Dashboard
Undoubtedly the most covert option, installation inside the dashboard can also be the most difficult. However, if you have access to place your tracker inside the dash, it is unlikely to be discovered. The composition of the dashboard allows for the GPS satellite signal to pass through with relative ease while hiding the tracker from view.
In the Bumper
If you don't have access to the inside of the vehicle, the bumper is a great way to install your tracker undetected. Many new cars have a layer of plastic or fiberglass covering the bumper. Behind this cover, you can find a gap to fit your tracking device inside.
Please note: if your car has a metal bumper, this placement will not work as the GPS signal will not be able to get through.
Under the Passenger Seat
The passenger seat is a simple and common location for hiding a tracker because it's easy to reach and well-concealed. However, due to the number of materials surrounding it, it's possible you will receive a weaker signal.
Where to Place a GPS Tracker If Privacy Is Not a Concern
If you're not trying to hide your tracker, installation is more straightforward, and there are many more possibilities for placement. The first thing to look for is a clear line of sight to the sky to give you the strongest GPS signal. This leaves several great options:
On the Dashboard or Rear Shelf
With only a glass panel in the way, this option offers robust signal strength. To avoid interference, make sure it is not too close to any other location-based devices.
Clipped to the Sun Visor
This choice is less visible but very easy to find, so we don't recommend it as a covert option. However, this location offers excellent signal transmission.
Attached to the Roof
This may be a cosmetically unappealing option, but it offers tremendous signal strength. Use a magnetic box to secure your tracker to the top of your car. This way, it's always pointing up to the sky. It is important to remember that mounting in this location may increase the likelihood that your GPS tracker is stolen!
Making Your Choice
When selecting the placement of your GPS tracker, you have to consider both visibility and signal strength. If covertness is not your primary goal, then you have a lot more options. Whatever you decide, make sure your tracker is secure, safe, and able to detect a GPS signal.
Interested in supercharging the security of your vehicle?
In addition to tracking its location, you can also track what happens in and around your vehicle with a handy, easy-to-use car camera. Some of these devices also offer GPS tracking, giving you an all-in-one tool for vehicle security.
If you have questions about the products and services offered by BrickHouse Security, or how to install a GPS tracker in a car, we can help you! We invite you to contact our team of experts so we can help you make the best decision for your security.
Posted by Todd Morris on Apr 1st 2024
