It may become very irritating at times when you may find it hard to locate your car. Despite being widespread, trackers are not utilized by all. Fortunately, there are a lot of options to find your car without a special gadget or application. This guide discusses practical and efficient approaches to searching for your car with the help of other instruments and devices.
What Is a Car Tracker?
A car tracker is defined as a gadget which assists in identifying the location of a certain car. This is ideal for security, fleet management or for navigating around the country. It is important to note that these devices use GPS signals or operate with cellular signals. However, not all the cars currently in use are fitted with trackers. If you do not own one then there are other ways of tracking your car.
How Can I Track My Car without a Tracker?
Sometimes you lose your car and it feels quite uncomfortable when it cannot be easily traced especially when there is no tracking system. Thankfully, there are many ways this can be achieved. Starting from built-in GPS to employing modern applications, all these solutions guarantee that you can find your car conveniently.
Use Your Car’s Built-In GPS (If Available)
A lot of the latest cars already have GPS integrated into their lines like infotainment or even safety options. Those systems enable one to track your car’s location through the manufacturer’s app or site, which is quite versatile.
👉How It Works:
- Log in to your car’s app or website.
- Use the GPS feature to check your car’s location on the map.
❌Limitations:
- Only available in specific car models.
- Requires an active subscription in some cases.
Use a Phone’s GPS
To locate it, you can just put a phone on your car and make sure the GPS is on. Some of the apps include real-time location sharing that can be Google maps or the find My of Apple. This method converts the phone into a temporary tracker making the method effective and simple.
👉How It Works:
Put a smartphone in your car and start navigating with its help. Apps like Google Maps or Apple’s Find My can help:
- Enable location sharing on the phone.
- Share the phone’s location with your own device.
- Check the location via the app.
❌Limitations:
- The phone must stay powered on.
- No alerts if the phone is removed.
Use a GPS Phone Tracker
If you have accidentally left your phone in the car, a GPS phone tracker app will come in handy. For example, in MLocator, the user is able to locate a device using the phone number of the said device. This method to use a GPS mobile number tracker is also simple, fast, and does not necessitate other equipment.
👉How It Works:
- Open MLocator’s website.
- Enter the phone number associated with the device in the search box.
- Pay for the service to initiate the location tracking process.
- Receive the GPS coordinates via email or SMS with a map for real-time updates.
❌Limitations:
- Requires an active internet connection for the user to receive location details.
- Service isn’t free, as payment is necessary for access.
- Accuracy depends on the availability of GPS signals and the condition of the device.
Use a Phone Tracking App
Phone tracking apps like Life360 enable you to track your car by monitoring the location of a phone inside it. These apps use GPS technology to provide real-time updates, ensuring you can locate your vehicle anytime. It’s a reliable method for enhancing vehicle security and peace of mind.
👉How It Works:
Apps like Life360 help track your car by tracking a phone inside it:
- Install a phone tracking app like Life360 on the phone placed inside your car.
- Turn on GPS on the phone for accurate location tracking.
- Sign up and link the phone to your account.
- Use the app’s map interface to view the car’s location live.
- Enable geofencing for notifications when the car enters or exits specific areas.
❌Limitations:
- Relies on the phone’s battery life.
- Needs app installation and setup.
Use a Radio Transmitter
A radio transmitter attached to your car emits a signal that can be tracked using a compatible radio receiver. This technique is effective for short-range tracking and is commonly used in older vehicle tracking systems or as a backup when GPS-based solutions are unavailable.
👉How It Works:
- Get a compatible radio transmitter and receiver set.
- Securely attach the transmitter to your car in a concealed location.
- Turn it on to start emitting a radio signal.
❌Limitations:
- Limited range.
- May require technical skills to use.
Use an Apple AirTag
An Apple AirTag is a small gadget that helps find objects around you or can be found by others. By placing it in your car, you can track its location using Apple’s tracking app Find My. Specifically, the AirTag uses Bluetooth and a vast Apple network of devices to accurately determine locations.
👉How It Works:
An AirTag is a small device that tracks nearby locations. Hide it in your car:
- Pair the AirTag with your Apple ID.
- Use the Find My app to locate it.
❌Limitations:
- Works only with Apple devices.
- Limited range without nearby Apple users.
Click here to learn whether you can locate a person with an Apple AirTag.
Use a Portable Power Bank with a GPS
Portable power banks with built-in GPS trackers serve a dual purpose: charging devices and checkpoint places. If you keep one in your car, for instance, you can access the car’s location through a dedicated application.
👉How It Works:
- Activate the GPS feature.
- Track it using the manufacturer’s app.
❌Limitations:
- More expensive than standard power banks.
- Requires regular charging.
Use a Dashcam with GPS Tracking Feature
Dashcams with GPS tracking not only take driving footage but also track the location of your car. These devices are of much use since they offer both surveillance and tracking functions, and they are effective in improving the security of motor vehicles.
👉How It Works:
- Set up the dashcam.
- Use its app to monitor the car’s location.
❌Limitations:
- Requires a power source.
- May not work when the car is off.
Use Fleet Management Systems
Fleet management systems are strategic technologies intended for vehicle tracking and navigation. Originally designed for businesses, but has tracking services that would be appealing to individual car owners.
👉How It Works:
Businesses often use fleet management tools to track vehicles. Services like GPS Insight can also help individual car owners.
- Sign up for a service.
- Install the necessary hardware or app in your car.
❌Limitations:
- May involve a subscription fee.
- Requires installation in some cases.
Tracking Through License Plate Recognition (LPR) Systems
License Plate Recognition systems involve the usage of cameras to take pictures of the license plates to help authorities track a vehicle based on the reported information.
👉How It Works:
- Tell the police your license plate number.
- They can track your car using LPR systems.
❌Limitations:
- Dependent on other sources of authority.
- Available only where LPR systems are installed.
FAQs
Can I track my car without any hardware?
It is possible to track your car without any extra hardware. Some cars now come with built-in GPS so you can use that or you can download apps such as Google Maps or Find My iPhone for iOS. These tools frequently use the Phone’s GPS to offer precise location updates, with the need for other tools.
Can you track the car location with VIN?
No, a VIN cannot track a car’s location. It only provides details about the vehicle, like its manufacturer, model, and history. VINs are useful for identification or when reporting theft, but they don’t offer any tracking capabilities or connect to a GPS or location system.
Can my car be tracked without me knowing?
Yes, your car can be tracked without your knowledge if someone installs a hidden tracking device. These devices may be small and concealed under the car, in the trunk, or behind the dashboard. Regularly inspect your car and use a bug detector to identify any unknown trackers.
How can I detect if my car has a tracker?
To find out a tracker, start with the obvious and look under the car, in the dashboard, or in the wheel wells. Avoid using a flashlight for areas around dark corners. You can also use a bug detector, which scans for radio signals or unusual electronic transmissions, to identify tracking devices in your vehicle.
Where are car trackers usually placed?
Car trackers are often hidden in areas where they are not easily noticed. Common locations include underneath the car, inside the dashboard, behind bumpers, under seats, or in the trunk. These spots are chosen for concealment and to ensure consistent GPS or cellular signal reception.
Wrap Up
Surprisingly, it is quite possible to track a car you do not have a dedicated tracker for. This includes GPS applications, tracking devices, or even a dash cam. However, each method of its implementation has certain drawbacks. Select the method that will be most appropriate for you. Where in doubt, it is advisable to consult a professional for safe tracking solutions.
