How to Detect a GPS tracker in Your Car 

In today’s advanced world, technology is evolving rapidly and privacy has emerged as a major concern. GPS tracking devices are primarily used for safety and monitoring purposes like asset management and parental monitoring. However, they are very much prone to be misused for malicious intentions. This leads to unwanted tracking and privacy invasion. 

If you suspect that someone has put a GPS tracker inside your vehicle, it is important to know the process of finding and removing it as soon as possible. This article will help you to gain knowledge on some of the steps needed to detect a GPS tracker in your car. Follow these exact guides to make sure no one is watching over you without your consent.

Signs that might indicate your car has a GPS tracker

Before you initiate your search for a hidden device, we would advise you to know about some possible factors or signs that might indicate the presence of a gps tracker:

Sudden drainage of car’s battery 

Hardwired GPS trackers require an ample amount of power thus drain the car battery very fast.

Error or malfunction of car’s electronics

Interference in signal while listening to radio, car alarms going off without warning or problems in infotainment system.

Individuals knowing about where you have travelled

If you suspect that someone knows about where you have been and you have previously not shared that info to that person.

Unknown additions in your car

If your car has returned from servicing or you gave your car to someone you know for a period of time, it is advisable to remove any unknown objects that you can locate inside or outside your vehicle.

The usual places where a GPS tracker can be hidden in your car

GPS trackers are mostly kept at places where one might not be able to notice with naked eyes. Some of the most common places a GPS tracker might be hidden are:

Underneath the car

A normal person rarely checks the underneath of a car during daily use. This is a usual spot where trackers with magnets are attached.

Inside the car’s glove box

Small and compact tracking devices are sometimes hidden along other belongings inside the glove box.

Along the wheel walls or bumper

Although easily accessible, these spaces are rarely checked by a car owner and can be the ideal place for keeping a GPS device.

Underneath the seats

Spaces under the seat of a car are often overlooked even while cleaning, thus it is a suitable to attach a tracker away from everyone's eyes.

In the OBD-II port

OBD ports provide diagnostic reports of the car when an OBD device is plugged-in. Plug-in GPS trackers work in the same way but use the car’s battery to track location discreetly.

Detection and removal of GPS tracker from your car

1. Use a torchlight and conduct a visual inspection

The most simple way to hunt for a hidden tracking device is by searching every nook and cranny that is accessible with bare hands. Flashlight will help you see dark areas clearly. Check every space like the space under the seats, wheel walls, bumper, engine bay. Try to inspect all the spaces wherever a small device can be kept.

2. Use tools that can detect electronic devices

After you have completed visual inspection of your car using a torchlight and want to level up your search process one step further. You should check out these specific tools that can detect hidden tracking devices :

GPS Bug Detectors   

These devices detect signals from electronic devices including GPS trackers. They function by detecting radio frequencies transmitted by the hidden devices.

Magnet Detectors

Various new GPS devices come with magnets. These can be detected by specialized metal detectors that can recognise magnets .

Radio Frequency Detectors

These devices can detect signals transmitted by a GPS tracker thus indicating its presence inside a vehicle.

4. Disconnect the battery supply to the car (Only for hardwired devices)

If you are going to a confidential location with your car you can apply this process. However this will only work for GPS devices that rely on the car's battery to power itself. This process cannot help you to detect the tracker in your car but will surely stop the transmission of location data to someone else.

5. Use Mobile Apps that can detect hidden GPS trackers

Various mobile applications can now detect GPS tracking devices. These apps use your phone’s sensors to scan for any other signals that are present nearby. Although they are not so precise when compared to tools dedicated to finding hidden GPS devices, they can surely help you to some extent.

6. Consult a professional 

If you are unable to find the device yourself and want to skip the hassle then consult a mechanic. Mechanics and automobile security experts have specialised tools to detect hidden devices in a car. This would relieve you of any concerns of having a hidden GPS tracker in your car.

What to Do If You Find a GPS Tracker in Your Car ?

Locating an unknown GPS tracker in your car can be a cause of serious concern. If found, try to document the device details like taking a photo of the device along with its model number. This will come in handy when you will be reporting to the authorities or the police. Deactivate the GPS tracker and keep it intact to submit as proof if you decide to take any legal action against the perpetrator trying to invade your privacy.   

Why Someone Might Place a GPS Tracker in Your Car 

GPS tracking devices have many legitimate uses but can be dangerous if used for ill-intent. Location data can be harmful if it falls in the wrong hands. Criminals can use that data to gather information about your daily life and places of visit to plot illegal actions. Your personal enemies could try to gain confidential knowledge to hamper your reputation and what not. 

Although determining the exact reason is difficult, it is wise to prevent any kind of privacy invasion that might hamper your well-being and safety.

Preventing Future Incidents: Enhancing Your Vehicle’s Security

If you are worried that someone might put a device in your car during your absence, it is best to take some precautions. This will ensure that no one is trying to spy on you or your family. Here are some tips:

Use signal blockers

These devices block GPS signals from transmitting data thus rendering the trackers useless.

Use surveillance cameras around your parking area

Setting up CCTV surveillance around your garage is a basic security measure. You will be aware of any unwanted activities around your vehicle during your absence.

Use dash cams and hidden cameras around your vehicle

Using dashcams and other cameras inside your vehicle is a good method to detect intrusion and unwanted activities.

Conduct regular inspections

Now that you are aware of the places a tracker can be placed, it is advisable to regularly check your vehicle for any such device.

Conclusion

Detecting a GPS tracking device inside your vehicle is no doubt a difficult process. But if performed successfully it can safeguard your privacy as well as your safety. By following the steps explained in this brief article we believe you will be able to screen any unwanted device in your car

Remember, protecting your privacy is your right. Never hesitate to take action against illegal surveillance. Be aware, perform regular checks in your car, and seek professional help whenever you feel the need.