What Does A Car Tracking Device Look Like? (2024)

What A GPS Tracker For OBD2 Ports Looks Like

5 Characteristics Of OBD2 Port GPS Devices

1. Plug-And-Play Design: OBD2 GPS trackers are designed to plug directly into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, making installation quick, easy, and tool-free.
2. Vehicle Diagnostics: These vehicle GPS tracking devices can access a variety of data, such as engine performance, fuel efficiency, and fault codes, offering valuable insights into a vehicle’s condition.
3. Real-time Tracking: OBD2 trackers typically provide real-time GPS location data, allowing for precise monitoring and tracking of the vehicle’s movements.
4. Compact And Discreet: Though not as small as wireless trackers, OBD2 GPS trackers are still relatively compact and unobtrusive, often going unnoticed when plugged into the OBD-II port.
5. Driving Behavior Monitoring: Many OBD2 GPS trackers include features that monitor driving behaviors, such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration, helping improve driver safety and vehicle maintenance.

The easiest GPS tracker to find on a vehicle, OBD2 tracking devices are small, black devices that plug directly into the OBD2 ports of cars. A GPS device that connects to the OBD2 port islive GPS vehicle tracking systems which mean someone is remotely tracking the vehicle. These devices are typically used to monitor fleet vehicles.

What A Hard-Wired GPS Car Tracker Looks Like

5 Characteristics Of Hard-Wired GPS Trackers

1. Connection To Vehicle Power: Hard-wired GPS trackers are connected directly to a vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power and minimizing the need for battery replacement or recharging.
2. Discreet Installation: These trackers are often installed out of sight, such as behind the dashboard or within the interior of the vehicle, making them difficult to detect.
3. Data Transmission: Hard-wired GPS trackers typically provide real-time GPS location data, and some models may also transmit additional information, such as driving behaviors or vehicle diagnostics.
4. Tamper-Resistant: Due to their direct connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, hard-wired GPS trackers are more challenging to remove or disable than their wireless counterparts.
5. Professional Installation: Wired GPS trackers often require professional installation to ensure proper connection to the vehicle’s electrical system and optimal performance.

Hidden GPS trackers that are hardwired to a vehicle are the hardest to locate because they pull power from the car’s 12-volt system and are commonly used for GPS fleet management purposes. This means the tracking device could be hidden behind the stereo, inside the dash, under the steering column, or in some other location a professional installer chose to mount the device according to the make and model of the car.

What A Wireless GPS Car Tracker Looks Like

5 Characteristics Of Wireless GPS Tracking Devices

1. Compact Design: Wireless GPS trackers are small and discreet, often resembling matchboxes or decks of cards, making them easy to hide within a vehicle’s interior.
2. Magnetic Casing: Many trackers feature magnetic casings, allowing them to slide under the vehicle and attach to the frame securely.
3. Internal Antenna: These devices usually have an internal antenna engineered in the housing to receive GPS location data and transmit information.
4. Rechargeable Battery: Hidden GPS trackers typically have rechargeable batteries, ensuring continuous tracking even when the vehicle is moved or parked.
5. Multiple Functionalities: In addition to GPS tracking, some devices may also monitor driving behaviors or offer parental control features for added security.

Another type of tracker that can be difficult to locate on a car, wireless GPS trackers are portable, waterproof, and oftentimes equipped with an exterior magnetic mount. This means the wireless GPS tracking device can be placed inside or outside of a vehicle! Therefore, people would want to search under the car seats, inside the glovebox, and even underneath the automobile when looking for wireless realtime GPS trackers. Commonly used by private investigators and those concerned their spouse might be cheating, some of these vehicle trackers can not be found by a bug detector.

For more information on the most common places people put a GPS tracker on a car please click here.

Is A GPS Tracking Device Installed On My Car Or Truck – Where Should IStart To Look?

Locating Hidden Trackers Ov Vehicles

Knowing what a car tracking device looks like is good, but if you believe a hidden GPS is on your car or truck then you will need to inspect the exterior of the automobile or seek professional help to locate the GPS black box. However, if you want to perform an inspection for a GPS tracking system here are the spots we recommend you check first:

1. Around The Rear Bumpers
2. OBD Ports
3. Inside The Glove Box
4. Front Bumper
5. Near The Spare Tire
6. Underneath The Car (Hidden GPS Tracking Device)

Doing a visual inspection is the most effective way to locate a tracking device placed on your car since bug sweepers and electronic sweepers cannot pick up the low-level radio signals from passive trackers.

Helpful Advice

Car tracking devices come in many shapes and sizes but the most important thing to remember is that they are designed to be covert in nature. Therefore, finding a car GPS tracker can be challenging, but hopefully, now you have a better idea of what active trackers look like when scanning the vehicle!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does A Car GPS Tracker Look Like And Where Might It Be Hidden?

Car GPS trackers come in various shapes and sizes, making them hard to recognize. They can be hidden in your vehicle’s interior or slide under the vehicle, attached to the frame. Check OBD ports, the electrical system, or even hidden within everyday items like bumper stickers or license plate frames. Curious about their appearance? GPS trackers often resemble small boxes with antennas or magnetic casings.

How Do Active GPS Trackers And Passive GPS Trackers Differ?

Active GPS trackers and passive GPS trackers serve different purposes. Active trackers provide real-time GPS location data, transmitting it to a monitoring system, while passive trackers store the data for later retrieval. Worried about tracking apps or cell phone tracking? Active GPS often involves these features for real-time monitoring, while passive trackers focus on driving behaviors and historical data. Over 95% of GPS devices used today to secretly track someone’s car without them knowing are real time GPS trackers.

How Can I Protect Myself From Being Tracked?

To protect yourself, invest in GPS detectors or bug sweepers, which can help you locate hidden GPS trackers or hidden cameras. Counter surveillance tools can be purchased for less than $100 on Amazon. If you suspect your car is bugged, seek professional help from a private investigator or counter-surveillance expert. You can also boost your vehicle’s security by installing a car alarm and being cautious with personal information. Be proactive and maintain your privacy!

Why Would Someone Use A GPS Tracking System On A Car?

There are various reasons someone might install a GPS tracking system on a car. Parental control and teen driving safety, fleet management, business security, and even tracking a stolen vehicle are common uses. However, not all tracking is malicious or invasive. It’s essential to understand the different types of GPS tracking and their intended purposes.

Can A GPS Tracking Device Affect My Car’s Electrical System?

Typically, a GPS tracking device shouldn’t cause issues with your car’s electrical system. However, improper installation or faulty devices could result in problems. If you suspect a hidden tracker on your car, get it professionally checked to ensure your vehicle’s safety and proper functioning. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!