In South Africa where auto theft is a major problem, car trackers are essential to modern vehicle management. GPS-based tracking systems for cars have been proven to be useful tools, whether they are used to track stolen vehicles or manage a fleet. As with any other technology, car trackers have their own challenges and problems. Users should be aware of these.
What are car trackers?
Car trackers are simple devices that monitor the location and movement of vehicles. GPS (Global Positioning System), and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), technologies are used to operate them. The tracker transmits location data to central servers, which allows vehicle owners and fleet managers to have real-time access to information via a smartphone application or web platform.
Car trackers serve several important purposes:
- Theft prevention: Trackers for cars are used to prevent car theft. The tracker can help authorities locate a stolen vehicle.
- Fleet management: Businesses that have a fleet of cars can use trackers for optimisation, to monitor driver behavior, and improving operational efficiency.
- Driver safety: Trackers for cars can alert you to unsafe driving habits, such as excessive speeding, abrupt braking, or dangerous routes.
The technology, despite its many benefits, is not foolproof. We’ll explore the most common problems faced by car tracker owners and provide real-world solutions in this article.
Common problems with car trackers
1. Signal interruptions and connectivity issues
Signal interruptions are one of the most common complaints against car trackers. Satellites are used by GPS tracking systems to pinpoint the location of a vehicle. Trackers can struggle to provide accurate data or real-time information in areas where the signal is weak, such as densely populated urban areas, remote areas or tunnels.
When driving in places with weak satellite signals (like remote locations or underneath tall buildings), GPS trackers can experience delays or inaccurate results.
Some advanced trackers offer cloud-based services that temporarily store data in the event of a weak signal. Even the best systems are not 100% reliable, as they can be delayed.
2. Signal jamming
The issue of signal jamming has become more prevalent, especially in areas with high theft rates. Criminals use illegal devices that block GPS signals and prevent the car tracker’s communication with satellites. It disables the tracking function, making it harder to find a stolen car.
“With signal jammers on the rise, vehicle owners must choose tracking systems with anti-jamming technologies,” states Cartrack. They have created devices that alert the user when interference is detected. This allows them to take quick action.
Signal jamming can be a serious problem, especially in areas where there is high theft of vehicles or high-value cars. If you depend on a tracker to provide security, make sure that the model you choose can detect or counter jamming.
3. Battery Drainage and Power Supply Issues
The battery of the car is another challenge. The tracker will not work if the battery is disconnected, or if it fails. The tracker will stop working if the battery is disconnected or fails.
Older trackers are notorious for draining the batteries of vehicles, especially when they’re not installed or maintained properly. It can be frustrating to depend on a tracker to provide security only to discover that the battery is dead.
Newer models come with backup batteries built in, which allow them to work even when the vehicle’s main battery has been disconnected. These backup batteries last several days and give you time to act if there is any tampering with your vehicle.
4. Accuracy Limitations and Precision Limitations
Car trackers can be reliable but their accuracy is not always perfect. GPS trackers typically provide location data in a 5-10 metre range, but environmental factors, such as trees or nearby buildings, can affect this accuracy.
This level of accuracy may be sufficient for many purposes but not ideal in situations requiring precise tracking such as emergency response, or when you want to confirm your exact location.
The wider implications of car tracker issues
1. Privacy Concerns
Privacy is one of the main concerns with car trackers. These devices gather a lot of information, such as the location, speed and behaviour of the driver. These data are vulnerable to hacking or misuse if they are not properly protected.
In some cases, stalkers and criminals may use this information to harm innocent people. Car owners are therefore required to ensure that all tracking data is stored securely and shared only with trusted parties.
2. Legal and ethical concerns
Installation of car trackers may raise ethical and legal questions. Under the Protection of Personal Information Act in South Africa (POPIA), specific requirements are set out for how to handle personal data including location data. It is illegal to install a vehicle tracker without the consent of another person.
You should be familiar with the legal framework in your country regarding vehicle tracking and make sure you are following all rules and regulations related to consent and data privacy.
3. Financial Costs
Car trackers are not free. They have their own costs. The initial cost of installation and ongoing subscription fees can be substantial, especially for large fleets. If a tracker has issues like signal loss or battery drainage, it may also require additional repair costs or replacement.
The peace of mind you get from knowing that your vehicle is tracked may be worth the cost. Budgeting for possible repairs and maintenance is important to avoid any unexpected costs.
How to resolve car tracker issues
1. Select the Right Tracker
Selecting the right tracker is essential for reducing many of the issues discussed above. Choose a model that is reliable and of high quality to meet your needs. Consider factors like:
- Accuracy & Precision: Choose trackers with the highest accuracy, especially if it is for an emergency or a high-value situation.
- Battery Back-up: Make sure the tracker is powered by a backup source in case the vehicle’s battery fails.
- Signal strength and anti-jamming: Select a tracker that works well in areas where the signal is weak and provides protection against signal interference.
- Choose reputable brands: Select well-known brands with warranties, customer service, and regular updates.
2. Maintenance and updates are required regularly
Like any other technology, car trackers require regular maintenance. It includes updating the software, checking for damage to the hardware, and making sure the tracker has been installed correctly. Regular checks will help to prevent problems such as data errors or signal loss.
3. Legal Compliance and Data Security
Be sure you are aware of any legal implications and comply with all privacy regulations. Also, ensure that your tracking system utilizes secure data encryption in order to protect sensitive information.
Do car trackers really work?
Car trackers are a valuable tool, despite the difficulties they present, for fleet management, vehicle security and driver safety. Understanding the issues and taking action to resolve them will help vehicle owners and businesses ensure their tracking system is effective.
You can avoid many common problems by investing in a tracker that is reliable, maintaining it regularly, and adhering to privacy and legal standards. Car trackers offer protection and value for your vehicle if you use the right approach.
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