How Long Does a GPS Tracker Last? 

GPS trackers have become a common name in our everyday lives. From vehicles to pets this product finds various applications in various aspects.

But before buying a GPS tracker, you must have come across questions in your mind like how long will a GPS tracker last or what is the lifespan of a GPS device. The answer to these questions lies in various factors like type of the location tracking device, the type of battery used, and usage patterns.

Let’s find out how much battery and service life you can expect from location trackers to select the best one for your needs.

Types of GPS Trackers And Their Average Lifespan

Wired GPS Trackers

Wired GPS trackers are generally used inside vehicles to track real-time location and monitor driver behavior. These do not require a battery and derive power directly from the vehicle battery.

Their average service life varies from 5 to 10 years depending on usage.

Battery-powered GPS Trackers

Battery-powered GPS trackers are mostly wireless and are used for personal tracking or asset tracking. They derive power from an internal battery attached within the device which is rechargeable.

The battery life varies between 1 to 2 weeks per charge after which it needs to be recharged again.

Their average lifespan varies from 3 to 7 years which totally depends on usage and battery quality.  

OBD plugin GPS Trackers

OBD GPS trackers are used in vehicles to track real-time location and driver behavior. These do not require a battery as they derive power directly from the vehicle through the port.

The average lifespan of an OBD GPS tracker varies from 5 to 10 years depending on brand and usage. 

Factors affecting GPS device lifespan

Quality of the device

One of the most crucial factors that affect the lifespan of a GPS tracker is its build quality. Products made by reliable and famous brands that have a good reputation among buyers tend to last long.

Reputed brands use high-quality components that are tested for durability and efficiency.

Power Source Type 

GPS trackers come in two main power configurations: wired and battery-powered:-

Wired Trackers

These are connected a vehicle’s power wires or to any other external power source. They generally have a long lifespan as the components inside the device do not need to be altered often.

These can be removed and attached easily from a vehicle or asset whenever needed. Non-dependency on an internal battery is an advantage to its longer service life.

Battery-Powered Trackers

These are dependent on batteries present inside the device which are rechargeable. The quality of the battery used along with its power level determines how long the tracker may last.

The frequency of charging is also a factor that influences the lifespan of these devices. 

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation plays a major role in optimizing the lifespan of a GPS tracking device. Improper installation can cause the following issues: 

• Loose connections in wiring (in wired trackers).
• Unknown exposure to environmental factors.
• Occurrence of short circuits that may harm internal components. 

Making sure that the device is installed by a trained professional helps reduce any issues that may arise afterward.

Routine maintenance is also additionally required like cleaning and inspection of the tracker for extending its lifespan.

Tracking Frequency Settings

Many modern GPS trackers provide customizing features and update frequency. Frequent data updates (every few seconds) tend to use more battery power than less frequent data updates (every few minutes or hours).

Most car trackers allow users to adjust how often the device reports location data. Switching to data updates with longer intervals can help:

• Reduce battery power consumption.
• Reduce strain on hardware components.
• Increase the lifespan of the GPS tracker.

Factors Affecting the Battery Life Of GPS Tracker

Frequency of Location Data Updates

Increased frequency in updating data also increases the battery drainage of the device. For example:

• Real-time updates (every 10 seconds): Very High battery consumption
• Medium Interval updates (every 30 minutes): Moderate battery consumption
• Daily updates: Minimal battery consumption 

Battery Type and Capacity

The majority of GPS trackers use Lithium-ion batteries as they are rechargeable and provide high amounts of energy. The capacity of the battery is measured in milliamp-hours or mAh which indicates its lasting time. The more mAh the battery has, the longer it will run on a single charge.

Operating Conditions

Harsh temperatures can affect the battery life of a GPS device. Very hot or cold environments can influence the normal functioning batteries and the hardware components associated with it. This reduces performance and increases fluctuations in power output.

Additional Features

Devices that come with extra features like voice recording, geofencing, etc are prone to consume more battery power to efficiently run all these modern features.

Practical Tips to Extend GPS Tracker Battery Life and Device Lifespan

For Battery Life:

Change Update Intervals

Increase intervals between updates to save more battery power. Use lower interval periods only when you require real-time location updates. Increase interval periods when real-time location tracking is not needed to conserve battery. 

Disable Unnecessary Features

Turn off extra features that add no value to your everyday use of the device. All the extra features drain out additional power when used along with the basic tracking feature of a GPS device. This small change in usage can save power and extend battery duration. 

Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning and monitoring of the tracker is essential to avoid the accumulation of dirt and faulty connections. A clean and well-maintained GPS device runs efficiently without any performance issues.

Optimize Usage Settings

Many GPS devices provide power modes that include a battery-saving mode. Other such battery-saving settings are also provided which can be used to conserve battery and extend the battery life of the product.

For Device Lifespan:

Choose High-Quality Product

Research online and select the GPS brand that has good reviews from genuine customers ensuring good quality.

Install Tracker Properly

Make sure that the GPS is installed by a trained professional to avoid faults regarding installation in future. 

Use Power-Saving Modes

Try to minimize battery usage by reducing frequent data updates. Opt for power-saving modes and other battery-saving features. This will ensure extended battery health in the long run. 

Reduce Environmental Exposure

Use protective covers if the device has a chance of being exposed to external elements like rain, dirt, smoke, etc.

Conduct Regular Maintenance

Inspect and clean the tracker from time to time to prevent corrosion of the hardware and external body. 

Update Software Regularly

Stay up-to-date with software updates as provided by the GPS device companies.

Conclusion

The lifespan of a GPS tracker and its battery depends on its type, features, and usage patterns. We hope you now have a clear idea about the average service that you can expect from such devices. By analyzing all the features and factors of the device you can maximize the efficiency and durability of a GPS tracker to gain long-term benefits.

Also checkout our other articles regarding the top gps trackers of India and places where a hidden car tracker might be kept. We have also covered doubts regarding the best place to keep a vehicle tracker and how much data can be used by a location tracker.