How To Locate GPS Trackers On My Car

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How to locate GPS trackers on a car.

GPS tracking systems and GPS vehicle trackers are difficult to locate using a detector. GPS trackers do no constantly transmit a signal, therefore you will not be able to locate them using an RF detector Unless you know exactly when they will be accessed. If the person using the GPS tracker is accessing and pulling information from the unit (this is usually via a cell phone signal) then and only then will you be able to detect the signal.

In order to help in locating GPS we need some background information on them first.

Live GPS Tracking : Live GPS tracking is a unit either battery powered or vehicle powered that will send a signal to report the exact location of the vehicle right now. (Real Time) This is very helpful in finding cars that need to be located at the time or that are missing or past due for an appointment. A real time GPS unit can be used for teenage drivers, wandering spouses aged parents and in some cases theft recovery. A vehicle powered GPS tracker is recommended as they will not need to be accessed again in order to change the batteries. live GPS trackers are also the most expensive. They have a monthly fee to be paid in order to obtain the information from the unit. This is called a plan much like a cell phone. Also much like a cell phone there are a multitude of plans available , each with their own characteristics.

Passive GPS Tracking : (past time tracker) ( AKA GPS logger ) This type of GPS unit is less expensive and has no monthly fees. They are placed on the vehicle and then removed at a later time and the information is then transferred to your computer. This is usually done via an included software and the data stored on the GPS tracker is over layed on a mapping system like Google Earth. You can then see the location of the vehicle for the time period that the GPS tracker was in the vehicle.

GPS trackers need to have a view of the sky somehow. This can be done through Glass Plastic wood, vinyl and fiberglass. Metal of any kind will severely limit the tracking ability of the GPS device . As a rule of thumb do not surround and GPS device with metal on more than two side. So a trunk would be a bad place for GPS. Under a plastic bumper would be a great place for GPS tracker.

Places to look for a GPS tracker include between the grill and radiator of the car. Underneath the seats of many vehicles, in the wheel wells (under the plastic) under plastic bumpers inside the dashboard. Under plastic interior panels and underneath carpet.

For the best search you will need to determine how much time someone may have had or was willing to take to install a GPS tracker on your car. Answer these questions for yourself in order to narrow down your search.

1. Was my car available for some one to put a GPS on it?
   Do you park outside? or in the garage?
2. Where was my car parked for a long enough period of time to place a GPS tracker on it.
   Is the lot at work secure?
3. Did I loan out my vehicle recently?
4. Do you lock your car doors?

If someone had only a short time to place a GPS tracker it has to be in a relatively easy location to get to. If someone has all the time in the world it can be very well hidden.

Another way to help locate it is the reason why it was done and by whom. If this is a domestic dispute the other party probably had access to the vehicle for a long time. If its an unknown entity that you believe to be tracking you it is more likely and easy location to access.

The process for location a GPS is simple. You will need some basic hand tools and a flashlight. A good pair of gloves and A basic knowledge of a vehicle and a few hours.

Go to a location that you will be able to open all your doors and windows while parked. (like an empty parking lot at the mall.) This is not recommended to be done in you driveway as the person or people who placed the device may see you. Begin by cleaning out everything from the vehicle. EVERYTHING! take out all the floor mats and anything in the trunk. Remove any personal items like CD cases and boxes, clothes and shoes, everything.

You will need to keep track of each location so you can be as efficient as possible. First check the bumpers front and back use the flashlight and your hands to check. Remember if they can reach it you can you need to be thorough you cant just try to search on your lunch hour or for a few minutes after work it will take some time.

Next we need to look under the car, again they need to be able to reach it so use your flashlight and look for a box or container that seems like it does not belong or that is attached to a flat area with a magnet or a zip tie, wire string or even rope could have been used. Remember be thorough if they had more than ten minutes to hide it you need to search for at least that long.

Now we move on to the trunk, ( I know it will not work in the trunk but check anyway) who knows what level of knowledge the people or persons have about GPS. Check everywhere climb in if you have to, look under the carpets and near the spare tire.

Next the inside of the car, pull the seats up, look under the passenger and drivers seat inside and behind the glove compartment look under the dash many new cars are all plastic and under the dash is an easy place to hide a GPS device.

Generally you need to open every door look in every pocket and ash tray every storage area and under or behind anything that moves.

Some common easy to miss spots. The head rests these have a zipper in may cars that can be opened and have a device inside. Tools and jack storage areas (mostly in SUVs).

Before you take anything apart make sure that the person who might have placed the device would have had time to remove that many screws or take apart the panel.