If you think someone may have put a GPS tracker on your car without your permission, you might want to confirm it and take it off. Your location, speed, and direction of travel can be determined by a GPS tracker, which can be used for a variety of activities like spying, stalking, or theft. However, because they come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be installed in a number of locations, detecting a concealed tracker on your car is not always simple. In this article, we’ll provide you some pointers and strategies for locating a car tracker and what to do next.
How to Find a GPS Tracker on Your Car: Exterior Inspection
The first step in finding a hidden GPS tracker on your car is to perform a visual inspection of the exterior of your vehicle. Most trackers are hidden in easy-to-reach locations that are not too conspicuous, such as the wheel wells, the undercarriage, the bumper, or the gas tank. You will need some basic tools like a flashlight, a mirror, and a mat or creeper to help you slide under the vehicle.
Here are some places to look for a hidden GPS tracker on the exterior of your car:
- Wheel wells: Use a flashlight and a mirror to check inside both the front and rear wheel wells. You may need to feel around with your hand in places that you can’t see. If the hard plastic wheel well liner is loose, try to peel it back and look or feel behind it. A tracker may be attached to the frame or body with a magnet or tape.
- Undercarriage: Slide under the vehicle and shine your flashlight along the underside of the car. Focus on the perimeter of the underside, looking for suspicious boxes, taped-on objects, or antennas. Anything that is not permanently attached to your vehicle may be a tracker. Check the gas tank first, as its large metal surface makes it an easy spot to attach a magnetic device.
- Bumper: Check both the front and rear bumpers for any signs of tampering or unusual objects. A tracker may be hidden inside the bumper or attached to it with screws or tape. Look for any holes or gaps in the bumper that may indicate a hidden device.
- Gas tank: Open the gas tank cap and look inside for any wires or devices that are not part of the fuel system. A tracker may be inserted into the gas tank or attached to the cap with a magnet or tape.
How to Find a GPS Tracker on Your Car: Interior Inspection
The next step in finding a hidden GPS tracker on your car is to perform a visual inspection of the interior of your vehicle. Some trackers are plugged into the data port or hidden in the glove box, trunk, or under the seats. You will need some basic tools like a flashlight and a screwdriver to help you access some areas.
Here are some places to look for a hidden GPS tracker on the interior of your car:
- Data port: The data port (also known as OBD port) is located under the dashboard near the driver’s side door. It is used to connect diagnostic tools and other devices to your vehicle’s computer system. A tracker plugged into the data port can power itself using your vehicle’s battery and access OBD data such as speed and mileage. Look for any devices that are not part of the original equipment or that have wires coming out of them.
- Glove box: Open the glove box and look for any devices that are not supposed to be there. A tracker may be hidden inside the glove box or taped to its back wall. Look for any wires or antennas that may indicate a hidden device.
- Trunk: Open the trunk and look for any devices that are not supposed to be there. A tracker may be hidden inside the trunk or taped to its walls or floor. Look for any wires or antennas that may indicate a hidden device.
- Under seats: Lift up the seats and look for any devices that are not supposed to be there. A tracker may be hidden under the seats or taped to their bottom or back. Look for any wires or antennas that may indicate a hidden device.
How to Find a GPS Tracker on Your Car: Using Experts, Apps, and Bug Detectors
If you have performed both exterior and interior inspections of your car and still have not found any trackers, you may want to use some additional methods to be 100% sure that you are bug-free. These methods include:
- Seeking professional help: If you suspect that someone hid a tracker on your car but you can’t find it yourself, you may want to seek professional help from someone who has the necessary expertise and equipment. Technicians specializing in automotive electronics, car audio, or car alarms may be able to help you locate and remove any trackers on your car.
- Using smartphone apps: There are some smartphone apps that claim to be able to detect GPS trackers by scanning for radio frequencies (RF) emitted by them. However, these apps are not very reliable, as they may also pick up signals from other sources such as cell phones, radios, or Wi-Fi routers. Moreover, some trackers only transmit when the vehicle is moving or at certain intervals, making them harder to detect by RF scanning apps.
- Using bug detectors: Bug detectors are devices that can detect RF signals from GPS trackers and other electronic devices. They usually have an antenna and a display that shows the strength and direction of the signal. Some bug detectors can also detect magnetic fields from magnetic trackers.
What To Do If You Find a Tracker on Your Car
If you find a tracker on your car, you should remove it carefully and take it to the police. Do not try to destroy it or tamper with it, as it may contain evidence that can help identify who put it there and why. The police can also advise you on what legal actions you can take against whoever installed the tracker without your consent.
You should also take steps to protect yourself from further tracking attempts by:
- Changing your driving habits: If someone is tracking your car, they may also be following you or monitoring your activities. Try to vary your routes and destinations and avoid predictable patterns of behavior.
- Checking your car regularly: Even if you remove one tracker from your car, there may be others that you missed or new ones that are installed later. Check your car regularly for any signs of tampering or unusual objects.
- Installing anti-tracking devices: There are some devices that claim to be able to jam GPS signals or interfere with trackers’ functionality. However, these devices are not very effective, as they may also affect other devices such as cell phones, radios, or navigation systems. Moreover, some trackers use alternative technologies such as cellular networks or satellite communications that are not affected by jamming devices.
Conclusion
Finding a hidden GPS tracker on your car can be challenging but not impossible if you know where and how to look for it. By following our tips and tricks on how to find a tracker on your car, you can increase your chances of locating and removing any unwanted devices on your vehicle.
However, finding a tracker on your car is only half of the problem; you also need to find out who put it there and why they did it. If you suspect that someone is tracking your car without your consent, you should report it to the police immediately and seek legal advice if necessary.
FAQ
How do I know if my car has a GPS tracker?
The best way to know if your car has a GPS tracker is to perform a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of your vehicle, looking for any suspicious devices that are not part of the original equipment. You can also use some additional methods such as seeking professional help, using smartphone apps, or using bug detectors to scan for radio frequencies or magnetic fields emitted by trackers.
What are the common places where a GPS tracker can be hidden on a car?
Some of the common places where a GPS tracker can be hidden on a car are the wheel wells, the undercarriage, the bumper, the gas tank, the data port, the glove box, the trunk, and under the seats.
What are the types of GPS trackers that can be used on a car?
There are two main types of GPS trackers that can be used on a car: active and passive. Active trackers transmit real-time location data to a remote receiver via cellular networks or satellite communications. Passive trackers store location data on an internal memory and require physical access to retrieve it.
What are the reasons why someone would install a GPS tracker on my car?
There are various reasons why someone would install a GPS tracker on your car without your consent. Some of them are illegal or unethical, such as spying, stalking, or theft. Others may be legal or justified, such as law enforcement, parental control, or fleet management.
What should I do if I find a GPS tracker on my car?
If you find a GPS tracker on your car, you should remove it carefully and take it to the police. Do not try to destroy it or tamper with it, as it may contain evidence that can help identify who put it there and why.