Best Place to Put GPS Tracker on Car: Everything You Need to Know

A GPS tracker can be an essential tool for ensuring the safety and security of your vehicle. Whether you’re concerned about theft or just want to monitor your car’s movements, correctly installing a GPS tracker can provide peace of mind. However, where you place the tracker inside your car can greatly affect its efficiency. In this article, we’ll walk through the best places to install a GPS tracker in your vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and discretion.

Why Positioning Matters for GPS Trackers

The position of a GPS tracker in your car is crucial because it directly impacts its signal strength and overall performance. A GPS tracker needs a strong, uninterrupted connection to satellites to function properly. The positioning of the tracker plays a key role in maintaining this connection.

Placing the tracker in locations with too many obstacles (such as thick metal or under dense materials) can significantly block or weaken the signal, leading to performance issues like inaccurate location tracking.

Therefore, choosing the right location in the car for the GPS tracker is critical for ensuring the efficiency of the system. When installed correctly, it can help monitor your vehicle’s real-time location with pinpoint accuracy.

Considerations Before Placing a GPS Tracker

Before deciding on the ideal spot for your GPS tracker, there are several factors you need to consider:

1. Signal Strength: Your GPS tracker needs a clear line of sight to the sky to communicate effectively with satellites. While most trackers can function through materials like glass and plastic, thick metal parts or dense materials can block or weaken the signal.
2. Battery Life: If you are using a battery-powered GPS tracker, you’ll want to ensure that it’s easily accessible for recharging. For hard-wired trackers, you need to choose a spot where it can connect securely to the vehicle’s power source.
3. Build Quality: The durability of the tracker can influence its placement. For example, some trackers are more resistant to temperature changes or external elements and can be placed in more exposed areas, while others need to be sheltered to avoid damage.

Types of Power Sources for GPS Trackers

There are two main types of GPS trackers based on their power source:

• Battery-Powered GPS Trackers: These trackers are typically portable and can be placed in various locations inside the vehicle. They’re great for ease of use, but the downside is that you’ll need to periodically recharge them.
• Hard-wired GPS Trackers: These trackers are connected directly to your car’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power without the need to recharge. However, installation requires more technical know-how, and once installed, they cannot be easily moved.

Both types of trackers have their pros and cons, and your choice will impact where you place the device inside your vehicle.

Most Popular Places to Put a GPS Tracker on a Car

There are many potential places to hide a GPS tracker in your vehicle. Here are some of the most popular and effective spots:

1. Under the Dashboard: This is one of the most common places to hide a GPS tracker. It’s discreet, easy to access, and allows the device to maintain a relatively clear line of sight to the sky, ensuring strong signal reception.
2. In the Bumper: The car bumper is another ideal location, especially for magnetic GPS trackers. However, be cautious about placing the device too deep inside metal bumpers, as they may block signals.
3. Inside the Glove Box: If discretion is your goal, placing the GPS tracker in the glove box is a good option. While it may not have a direct line of sight to the sky, it can still function effectively through plastic and glass surfaces.
4. Under the Seat: Placing the tracker under the car seat can be a discreet option, but it may affect signal strength, especially if the seat is heavily padded or metal-framed. Ensure that the signal remains strong after installation.

Additional Placement Locations

Other creative locations to install your GPS tracker include:

• Lower side of the rear window: This location offers an ideal balance between discretion and signal strength. However, ensure that it’s not too exposed to direct sunlight, which can affect the tracker’s performance.
• Side storage in the trunk: For cars with side compartments in the trunk, this can be an excellent hidden spot for a tracker. It provides concealment while maintaining a stable signal.
• Door storage: This is another hidden spot that offers convenience and protection, but you’ll need to check for signal strength before finalizing this location.
• Engine bay: Though it may seem like a hidden place, avoid placing GPS trackers directly in the engine bay, as the thick metal surroundings can block the signal.
• Sun visors: The visors on top of the windshield can provide a discreet location for a GPS tracker, but they may not be as secure during vehicle motion.

Best Places for Battery-Powered GPS Trackers

For battery-powered trackers, using magnetic mounts offers flexibility in placement. You can easily attach them to any metal part of the vehicle, like the underside or near the wheel wells. However, avoid placing the device near the fuel tank or pipes, as it may be hazardous or block the signal. Here are some ideal locations:

1. Underside of the Vehicle: This is a common spot due to its discretion, but make sure it’s attached to a flat metal area that won’t face direct exposure to road debris or water. Avoid positioning the device near the fuel tank or exhaust pipes, as these can interfere with the signal or cause safety concerns.
2. Wheel Wells: Inside or near the wheel wells provides a hidden location, but ensure that the tracker is securely attached to prevent it from falling off due to vibrations or bumps.
3. Behind Bumpers: Placing the tracker inside or behind bumpers (especially plastic bumpers) allows for good concealment while still enabling signal reception.
4. Inside the Cabin: If you’re looking for a less exposed location, hiding the tracker inside the dashboard, under seats, or inside door panels can be effective. However, make sure these areas don’t completely block GPS signals, which may affect performance.
5. Trunk: The trunk is another potential location, but it’s important to check whether it can still get a GPS signal. Avoid positioning it near electronics or metal parts that could cause interference.
6. Under the Hood: While this location offers a great level of concealment, it should only be considered if the tracker is heat-resistant and can withstand engine conditions.

For the best results, always ensure the tracker is placed away from thick metal components and electronics that might interfere with the signal.

Best Places for GPS Trackers Without Built-in Battery

For GPS trackers without an internal battery, the placement options are somewhat more limited, as they need a constant power source from the vehicle. Typically, they connect directly to the car’s battery or OBD II port.

• OBD II Port: One of the most common and convenient places to install this type of tracker is the OBD II port, usually found under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Since the OBD II port provides constant power, it’s an ideal location for non-battery-powered trackers. This allows for easy access to the tracker and eliminates the need for complex wiring, though the device may be more visible.
• Direct Connection to Car Battery: Another option is to connect the tracker directly to the car’s battery. This method provides a more concealed installation as the tracker can be hidden under the hood or inside the vehicle’s engine compartment. While this option requires professional installation due to wiring, it is a more discreet solution. However, care must be taken to ensure the tracker does not drain the car battery when the vehicle is off.
• Fuse Box: Some GPS trackers can be wired into the vehicle’s fuse box. This allows for a concealed and secure installation, drawing power from the car’s electrical system without being obvious. Similar to the battery connection, professional installation is recommended.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when placing a GPS tracker on your car

When installing a GPS tracker, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Placing the tracker under thick metal objects: Metal significantly interferes with GPS signals. Avoid locations like the engine bay or deep inside the car’s body panels.
2. Neglecting to test signal strength: After placing the tracker, always test its signal strength. If the signal is weak or inconsistent, try relocating the device to a more optimal position.
3. Overexposing the tracker: The tracker should be hidden from plain sight to avoid tampering or detection. Easily accessible locations like the dashboard or open glove box should be avoided if privacy is a priority.

Practical Installation Advice

Once you’ve chosen a location, be sure to test the signal strength before finalizing the placement. It’s also a good idea to check with your car service team for advice, especially if you’re placing the tracker in areas that may affect the car’s functionality, like the seat cushion.

Conclusion

Choosing the right location for your GPS tracker is key to ensuring optimal performance. Consider factors like signal strength, battery life, and concealment when selecting a spot. For vehicle owners using Kommnet GPS Tracking Systems, you don’t need to worry. Our expert team will install the tracking device in the best possible location, ensuring seamless functionality and peace of mind.