Where to Put a Magnetic Tracker on a Car: A Comprehensive Guide

 

 

Vehicle tracking technology has become an indispensable tool in today’s world. Either for commercial or personal purposes, GPS trackers are now a necessity to ensure your vehicle is in a safe position during your absence or when you are away from your car.

All major tracking device manufacturers sell magnetic GPS trackers that can be attached anywhere to be used. But the question arises - which could be the best positions where you can attach a magnetic tracker on your car. If you are also wondering about the same, then you are just at the right place.

This article includes the best places to put your magnetic tracker inside your vehicle, with tips for enhanced tracking along with pros and cons of the positions given.

 

What Is a magnetic GPS tracker and Why Use It?

Magnetic GPS trackers are small, portable tracking devices which can be attached to any metallic surface to track its location. It can be attached with a car’s hood, engine bay or any other metallic area. The features of these devices include real-time tracking, anti-theft alerts, geofencing, overspeed alert and much more.

Overall magnetic trackers are versatile thus can fulfil your GPS tracking needs for both vehicle and personal use.

 

Key Benefits of Magnetic Trackers:

 

Portable: Easy to install and use, can be used for vehicles, assets and kids as the devices are wireless.  

Stealth: Can be kept in discreet placed inside a car or a bag without anyone noticing which reduces the chances of it being stolen or tampered.

Versatile: Compatible with almost any vehicle or asset that has metallic surface or can simply be kept at a hidden location away from naked eyes.

 

Best Locations to Place a Magnetic Tracker on a Car

 

Let’s explore the most effective spots for placing your magnetic tracker:

 

1. Underneath the Vehicle (Chassis Area)  

 

The underneath of a car is one of the most common as well as covert location to attach a magnetic tracking device. There are enough metallic components for magnetic attachment and the device is kept away from plain sight.

 

Pros:

•  Hard to spot by naked eyes during normal conditions  
•  Secure placement due to a wide metallic area for the magnets to be attached.

 

Cons: 

• Exposure to dirt, random debris and water  
• Prone to fall off from the car during rough road conditions

 

2. Inside the Rear Bumper

 

The rear bumper can be an excellent choice to keep a GPS tracker in a discreet manner. Most rear bumpers are made of metal and can act as the attaching base for magnetic trackers and if your bumper is not metallic, attach the device from the internal side of the bumper to ensure discretion and safety of the GPS device.

 

Pros:

• Protection from direct exposure to road elements.  
• Ideal for anti-theft purposes.  
• Safe from the fear of the GPS device falling off from the car when installed internally.

 

Cons:

 

• Might require deattachment and reattachment of the rear bumper if installed internally

 

3. On the Wheel Well

 

The wheel wall is rather an unconventional place to keep a GPS tracker. It provides concealment but the device might get subjected to dirt and external elements. Attach the tracker on the inner part of the wheel well so that it can efficiently attach with magnetic part of the well. 

 

Pros: 

 

• The device can be placed by yourself without the need of specialised tools
• As the wheel well is above the tyres thus the device is not directly exposed to the elements of the road.

 

Cons:

 

Can be found if someone bends over near the car thus does not provide much stealth or secrecy.

 

4. Under the Car Hood 

 

The engine compartment is a perfect blend of safety and concealment thus an optimal  position to attach a magnetic GPS tracker. You just have to make sure that the tracker does not come near any moving or hot engine component or the wiring.

 

Pros: 

• Completely concealed.  
• Protected from weather and dirt.
• Only accessible to the vehicle owner  

 

Cons:  

 

• Signal strength might be weak or disrupted due to the metallic hood covering the GPS device.

 

5. Inside the Trunk

The trunk is a very practical and safe placement to keep a portable tracking device. Attach the device along the edge or on the trunk door whichever seems suitable for you. You can also keep the device without attaching the magnets as there is no chance of it falling off from inside the trunk. 

 

Pros:

 

• Safe from weather, dirt and external road elements.
• Easy access by opening the trunk hood or door.

 

Cons: 

 

• Chances of signal issues are there if the layers between the device and outer environment is too thick.

 

6. Inside the Cabin (Glove Compartment or Under Seats)

 

If you do not require concealment then keeping the tracker inside the driver cabin will be the perfect choice. You can easily keep an eye on the device and also perform maintenance checks whenever required. Some places where you can keep the GPS device inside your cabin are glovebox, under the seats and at the dashboard of your car.

 

Pros: 

 

• Simple to install and remove.  
• Protected from external damage.  

 

Cons:  

 

• Easily visible to others in the car. 

 

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Magnetic Tracker

 

Before you finalise where you will put your GPS tracker, we suggest you to consider the following factors: 

 

1. Signal Strength

 

GPS trackers need a restriction free passage towards the sky for receiving signals from satellites. Obstructions like multiple layers and thick metals might hinder the effciency and accuracy of the GPS device.  

 

2. Durability of Placement

 

Make sure the spot you have chosen to put your magnetic GPS tracker is safe in terms of usability. If the spot is prone to external physical damage or can fall off from the vehicle during a rough journey, try to avoid that placement. 

 

3. Stealth and Discretion

 

If ensuring stealth is your priority, then it is advisable to keep the device inside compartments where others wont have access to. This will  keep the device hidden from others maintaining its discreet use.

 

How to Install a Magnetic Tracker Safely

Once you’ve chosen a spot suitable for you, follow these steps for efficient installation of the magnetic tracker: 

 

Step 1: Clean the surface to be attached with

 

Make sure the surface where you will be attaching your magnetic GPS tracker is free from dirt and grease to prevent de-attachment or falling off.

 

Step 2: Test the GPS signal

 

Attach the tracker to your desired place and check whether the device is working properly or not after placing it in that location.

 

Step 3: Secure the Tracker  

 

Place the magnetic part of the device firmly upon the metallic surface. Try to simulate jerks to check that the device stays attached firmly.

 

Tips for selecting a suitable magnetic GPS tracker

 

Opt for waterproof/weatherproof models: Choose devices which are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

 

Choose long battery-life models: Try to opt for trackers that provide extended battery backup to prevent the hassle of charging it frequently.  

 

Conclusion

Wondering about where to place a magnetic tracker in your car while keeping it secure is no less than a dilemma. Through this guide i hope you now have a better understanding about the best position to attach your tracker in your car.

Investing in a well built GPS tracker and positioning it well can make a significant difference in securing your vehicle and loved ones. Select wisely prioritising both functionality and usability alike.