How To Install A GPS Tracker In A Car? 3 Steps To Follow

People no longer use maps to navigate the roads when driving their cars. GPS devices have long taken that place. Also, they serve the purpose of anti-theft tools, and monitoring the driving skills, and are an essential part of businesses like car rentals. Given all the positives, you might consider equipping your vehicle with one such device. But, do you know how to install a GPS tracker in a car?

A GPS system can provide information about the real-time location of an object. In addition, you will get data about the car’s speed, movement, and directions. A modern unit is equipped with so many innovative features like setting a geo-fence, an alarm system for the car drifting off the predefined routes, providing information about stopovers, and more.

GPS tracker in a car: Is It Necessary?

A GPS device is a data collection device that includes all information about your vehicle. Based on that, drivers can use it to monitor and manage their vehicle system via mobile phones/computers connected to the internet with information about the vehicle’s current location, driver, speed, travel distance, current location, fuel,… This information will be continuously updated and displayed on the screen anytime, anywhere.

To answer the question of whether to install a GPS device, we need to realize that using GPS devices on cars can protect your car against theft. Besides, the benefits of installing a GPS device can be mentioned as follows:

  • A GPS can identify location with 100% accuracy, so it can protect the car from being stolen. This equipment is an effective assistant in finding the vehicle’s coordinates to report to the authorities for handling or support when an unexpected incident occurs.
  • GPS navigation for cars also has the feature of storing detailed information about the vehicle’s route such as total mileage and fuel consumption… This is very useful when you need to control travel schedules and update vehicle status in real-time.
  • On the other hand, the GPS is designed to give warnings when the vehicle exceeds the speed or deviates from pre-set routes to ensure passenger safety.

How To Install GPS In Car?

The GPS installation in a motor vehicle is not rocket science. Following these 3 steps to how to install GPS in car will help you to figure out the process in no time.

how to install gps in car
You can hard-wire the device. (Photo Source: gps7)

Step 1

The first step involves finding out a power source for the device. There are two ways for it to draw power:

Hardwired – Attach it to the internal wiring of the vehicle by splicing a few wires. However, tweaking the wiring could nullify the car’s manufacturer’s warranty. It means that the manufacturer or the authorized dealer won’t carry the repair costs or be liable for replacing any part. Also, the hard-wiring has to be done by a professional. An amateur job can damage the electronics and affect your car’s performance.

Plugged-in – The GPS device may come with a power cord and an adapter. In this, you can simply plug it into the OBD port (which is below the steering wheel). The plug of some devices could be compatible with the cigarette lighter port of the car.

Wireless RV GPS units with a plug-in feature are easy to install and the process does not need any professional skill. Plus, it does not invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. The plug-in system is the best in terms of convenience and accuracy.

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Step 2

The modern GPS units are likely to come with a holder and an attached suction cup. You have to put the device into the holder and mount it to the dashboard or windshield.

how to install gps in car
Dashboard is the right place to secure the GPS. (Photo Source: crutchfield)

Securing the unit with the windshield might not be a good idea because it can lead to distraction and partially block the view. Secure it on the dashboard, in the middle or far from the driver’s seat. The suction cap will securely glue the device to the surface.

Step 3

After plugging the power cord into the designated slot, tuck the extra length of the cable out of your sight with a cord organizer. The final part of how to install GPS in car is to take the car for a short drive to see if the device is working.

Watch the video to learn more about the steps: