How to Install a GPS Tracker in a Car

Having a GPS tracker for your vehicle can make all the difference in the world when it comes to recovering that car after a theft, tracking the vehicle as shipments are being made, or even making sure that your teen drivers are not straying further from home than you allow. Many types of tracking devices are available today, and this means that many different installation methods can be used.

Below, we’ll be looking at the methods you can use to install a GPS tracker in your car using CarLock.

The OBD II Port

One of the fastest and simplest ways to install a GPS tracker in a car is using the OBD II device. This car tracker will simply plug right into the 16-pin port on your vehicle, so it can start tracking your vehicle and recording important information about how the car’s being driven. You don’t need to have any special tools for installing the car tracker either. It’s a simple to use plug and play device.

Extension Cables for the Port

If you would like to move the location of the device to a different area of your vehicle where it won’t be as noticeable or so it’s out of the way, you can choose to buy some extension cables for the OBD II port. These cables plug into the port and then provide you with the additional length needed to move the site of the GPS car tracker device.

Again, you’ll just need to plug the device into the end of these cables for it to start working. The installation of the car tracker is fast and easy.

Hardwired to the Battery

Another option to install a GPS tracker in a car is to have the device hardwired to the battery. While this is a relatively simple operation, it’s something that should be done by a professional mechanic. They can hardwire the tracker, so it’s near your battery rather than being in your vehicle and plugged into the OBD II port. One of the benefits of this option for the installation of the car tracker is that it’s out of the way. Thieves are far less likely to realize it’s there when they steal or break into a car.

Battery-Powered Device

A third option that you may want to consider is getting a wireless device. This portable device is available from CarLock in the US only at the moment. It is a small device that doesn’t require any installation. Simply choose a location in your car to place the device and be sure that it’s turned on and transmitting. It has the same features and functions that you would expect from the other devices, but it’s possible to hide it in the vehicle so it’s not noticeable.

Because it operates on batteries, though, it does mean you’ll need to change them out on occasion.

Getting the Car Tracker Set Up

Keep in mind that once you install the GPS tracker in a car, you still need to make sure that it’s up and running properly. With CarLock, this process is simple. After the physical installation of the device, you’ll connect it to your computer and phone using the appropriate app, which you can download. The installation of the software is fast and easy. You can log in and then connect to the device in your car.

Using the app is just as easy.

The CarLock app lets you see the location of your vehicle in real-time, and it allows you to arm and disarm the device as needed. If there are any unexpected activities regarding your vehicle, the device will send an alert that goes to your phone, so you can check on your vehicle. It allows you to track driving routes, monitor car battery health, and much more.

GPS Tracker Installation and Use FAQ

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about installing and using your GPS tracker.

1 – Does the GPS Car Tracker Drain a Lot of Battery Power?

You’ll be happy to know that when you install a GPS tracker in your car, it doesn’t take much battery power at all. CarLock only uses a small amount of power for the device. Additionally, the CarLock system can give you updates on the strength of your car’s battery, so you never have to worry about having now power for your vehicle.

2 – Do I Need to Charge the CarLock Device?

You don’t need to charge the CarLock device. Once you install this GPS tracker in your car, it doesn’t need to be charged since it draws power from the battery. Keep in mind that if you choose a battery-powered device, as discussed above, you will need to occasionally replace the batteries.

3 – What if Someone Disconnects My Device?

After you install the GPS tracker in your car, you will be notified in the event it’s disconnected or if it stops working for some reason. Each of the devices has a built-in battery that will allow it to work for a short time even after being disconnected, which is how the device can still send you an alert that it’s been removed.

4 – Can I Use the Device on More than One Vehicle?

One of the great things about the Carlock OBD car tracker is that it’s so easy to install and remove. It’s a plug and play experience. If you find that you need to use it on another vehicle, simply unplug it from the first and add it to a different car or truck. It’s just as easy to do this with the battery-powered device. However, it’s not easy to switch out devices that have been hardwired to the battery.

5 – Do I Have to Pay Each Month?

Yes, after you buy and install the car tracking device, you pay a low price for a subscription to the service each month. This covers all of the operational costs including connectivity. There are no contracts and no hidden costs for the service. Additionally, the first month is free.