Can you self-install a car tracker?

If you are like most car owners, you probably don't give a second thought to your car's security. But with the increasing frequency of car thefts and vandalism, it might be time to start thinking about ways to protect your vehicle. One option is to install a car tracker, which can help you keep tabs on your car's location and movements in real-time. 

While most trackers require professional installation, there are some models that you can self-install. So if you are interested in adding a car tracker to your security arsenal, read on for our tips on how to set up a GPS tracking system for a car yourself. By following a few simple steps and using the right tools, you can have your tracker up and running in no time. 

How to install a GPS tracking System on a Car

Before you begin the process of installing your new GPS tracker into your vehicle, keep in mind that no two brands are identical, and thus the fitting process may differ. Nevertheless, there are some common process components in setting up most GPS tracking systems:

1. Decide where to place the GPS tracking system

When you are considering installing a car tracker, the first thing you need to do is decide where to put the device in the car. A car tracker can come in handy if you need to locate your vehicle, but it is vital to place the device correctly for optimal results. If it cannot receive a sufficient GPS satellite signal and cellular signal, the device will not work.

Here are some possible places:

• Inside the boot
• Attached under the seats
• Inside the glove box
• Behind the plastic internal door panels
• Inside the dashboard
• In the bumper
• On the dashboard or rear shelf
• Attached to the roof

If you are using a battery-powered GPS tracking device, make sure that the device has easy access for charging so it can be regularly refreshed.

2. Connect the tracker device to a power source

There are two types of GPS vehicle trackers: battery-powered car trackers and hardwired car trackers. For anyone who wants to install their tracking device, the battery-powered GPS tracking device is a far more convenient option. This means that you will need to charge it regularly and will be able to track your vehicle.

However, setting up a hardwired GPS car tracker is a complicated process that should only be done by a professional. Any mistakes made during the installation can cause the car tracker to not work properly or even fail. 

 To install a hardwired car tracker, you need to follow this guide: 

1. Find a constant 12V DC wired power source to attach the wiring harness to your car tracker transceiver.
2. Then carefully remove about an inch of insulation from the red wire with your power source.
3. Use a sharp object and poke through the red wire creating a loop in the power socket.
4. Now take off one inch of insulation from the red wire end of your tracking device.
5. Twist the ends of the red wire of your GPS tracker and insert it into the loop created on the car's power source.
6. Squeeze the loop and twist the red wire around. Wrap it with electrical tape. 
7. Next, locate the vehicle's ignition wire and connect it to the white wire of your GPS tracker.
8. Lastly, connect both the vehicle and tracking device earthing wire together.

3. Installing the tracking application

Once the installation is complete, you will also need to install the device's vehicle tracking application on your smartphone. Each device will be equipped with its own software. For more information, please refer to the device's instruction manual.

A tracking application will allow you to track your car's location and movements in real-time, so you can quickly locate it if it is ever stolen. Plus, a tracking application can provide you with valuable information about your car's driving habits, which can help you save money on insurance premiums.

Car owners who want to make their vehicles as safe and efficient as possible should consider installing a GPS vehicle tracking system for their cars. If you are looking for a company that can install your vehicle tracking system, Smart Fits is the place to go. We offer professional installation services and also provide consultations on best practices for installing car trackers in new vehicles. 

At Smart Fits, we also provide a wide range of vehicle security products, such as vehicle camera systems, vehicle tracking systems, parking aids, and driver behaviour monitoring devices to suit any need or budget. 

Check out our website to learn more about all the product offerings we have available.