GPS tracking systems are in demand due to vehicle theft and monitoring. These devices efficiently maintain a close eye on where the vehicles go. It serves as sufficient control over the fleet in the delivery business.
However, users tend to spend hundreds of dollars to install a GPS tracker in their cars. The process is not difficult and is entirely DIY if the necessary steps are performed properly.
Type of GPS systems
Portable
Car owners widely demand portable GPS trackers, and companies produce the most accurate and durable ones. The portable GPS trackers require no installation. You need to purchase it, put batteries inside it, turn it on, and place it anywhere you want.
These GPS trackers are easy to move, and you can also take them to any other vehicle. The best place to keep portable GPS trackers is near the windshield, where they can receive and send readings to the satellite network.
Portable GPS trackers are easy to install, but batteries can run out quickly. This thing makes it essential to check the batteries every day. You can opt for wired GPS trackers to overcome this flaw.
Wired
Wired GPS devices are more orthodox and reliable when compared to portable ones. These GPS trackers are connected to the power cables of your car. You will find the installation process a bit trickier. However, there will be no batteries to worry about. Wired GPS trackers make your life a lot easier and safer.
How to install it?
Expose the wires under the dashboard
The installation process starts with searching for the best place to connect your wired GPS tracker. In most cases, the dashboard is an ideal place to install it. Grab a screwdriver and open/unscrew the dashboard cover.
Once the dashboard is opened, a cluster of wires is fixed inside. Search for the ignition wire and the live power cable using the vehicle wire map provided by the manufacturer. If you cannot find them on the map, trace them via the ignition plug. To ensure the current flows through the wires, detect it using a tester or a voltmeter.
Connecting the GPS tracker
You need to peel the live wire with a cutter of the appropriate size (make sure you do not cut the wire, or your dashboard will stop functioning). Use a pick tool to set the wires apart. GPS trackers usually contain either red or red and orange wires.
Connect the red wire’s exposed end to your car’s live wire and the orange wire to the ignition wire. Make sure you firmly connect the ends and wrap/twist the copper wire to make the junction more reliable. Cover the exposed end area with insulation tape.
Fixing the tracker
The last step is an important thing to perform. The functionality of your GPS tracker is not entirely dependent on the electric connections. The placement of your tracker is a critical factor in determining if it will function correctly. Fix the tracker under the dashboard with tape.
Do not make permanent attachments as you might need to change the location later. Also, avoid placing it inside a metallic layer because metals block GPS signals. Also, keep the device upright to ensure prompt detection of signals. Close the opened dashboard and fit the wires properly to prevent inconvenience later.