Is my GPS Tracker Responsible for my Dead Car Battery

Did you ever consider that your GPS device may drain your car battery? It’s a logical concern for anyone who uses a GPS tracker for vehicles to monitor their personal cars or fleet vehicles. After all, some devices does use the car battery as its main source of energy. But does it use so much energy that it causes your car battery to die?

To be precise, the answer is a bit of both “yes" and “no." Properly designed and installed GPS devices aren’t going to drain the battery, but there are a few circumstances where power consumption becomes a problem. You’ll read about the factors affecting power drainage and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

You can’t always blame the tracker if your battery runs out of juice. The freezing days of the winter and the blazing days of the summer months may cause problems for your car’s battery. Newer ones can resist the extreme changes in seasonal temperatures, but the older ones can’t. Intense heat or cold will inevitably weaken the battery.

Car batteries can also die if they remain unused. It only takes two weeks for it to happen. What causes this situation? Despite all the technological advancements in cars, the lifespan of batteries didn’t increase. After all, today’s vehicles are armed with various gadgets and computer technology, monitoring the systems continuously. They need power to do their job, which results in battery drainage.

GPS power consumption

If you use OBD-II GPS devices, you have to understand their power consumption rate. This aspect is crucial for optimal efficiency and performance. Multiple factors dictate the power consumption of GPS trackers, including their functionality, design, and usage patterns.

Factors dictating power consumption;

• The design - A GPS device’s design plays a significant role in power consumption. Well-designed products incorporate efficient circuitry and power management systems to reduce unnecessary energy usage. High-quality components and optimized firmware further lower power consumption.
• The frequency of tracking - It’s the frequency at which a GPS device transmits location updates and how it impacts power consumption that you need to
  consider when buying a product. A tracker that updates the location frequently will use more power than another with less frequent reporting intervals. You need to balance tracking frequency with the desired accuracy level to optimize power usage.
• The transmission of data - This method of data transmission incorporated by GPS trackers affects power consumption. Trackers using cellular networks for real-time data transmission need a continuous network connection, which can increase power usage. Conversely, GPS devices that store location data for retrieval later use less power during network disruptions.

Differences in power requirements;

• Wired - Wired trackers usually draw power directly from the electrical system. They operate continuously without depending on the vehicle battery as they have a consistent power source. This variant provides reliable tracking functionality and little power consumption.
• Plug-and-play - These devices tap into the OBD-II port, acquiring power and diagnostic data. They draw power from the car battery and may have varying power consumption levels based on their functionalities and features.
• Battery-powered - Battery-powered tracking devices operate on internal batteries, making them versatile and portable. Power consumption depends on the battery capacity, tracking frequency, etc. Manufacturers often provide estimated battery life depending on specific usage scenarios. However, these need to be recharged or changed to a new set of batteries.

Battery capacity and life;

• Battery capacity - GPS tracker battery affects runtime directly. The higher the battery capability, the more time you get between recharges or replacements. Products with larger batteries can facilitate extended tracking duration, particularly in applications needing continuous tracking.
• Tracking frequency and battery life - Both aspects are interconnected. A device that updates the location more frequently will drain battery power quickly and reduce overall battery life. You can optimize battery lifespan by adjusting the tracking frequency based on tracking requirements and battery constraints.

Energy-efficient technologies and features;

• Sleep mode - A few products feature a sleep mode, where the devices reduce power consumption temporarily or turn off automatically when inactive. In turn, it saves battery power while still retaining essential functionality.
• Power management based on accelerometer - Tracking devices outfitted with accelerometer can detect movement and adjust power consumption accordingly. When the tracker is stationary, power consumption reduces, extending battery life. It starts operating normally the moment it detects movement.
• Geofencing and Smart Reporting - Energy-efficient GPS devices leverage geofencing technology to create virtual boundaries. A tracker in a predefined area may reduce reporting frequency to save power. Algorithms for smart reporting optimize reporting intervals depending on the tracker’s location and movement patterns.

Instances of GPS trackers draining car batteries;

• Problem with the wiring - Incorrect wiring during GPS tracker installation may lead to power drainage. If you don’t connect the tracker to the vehicle’s electrical system correctly, it may draw power even when the engine is turned off, resulting in battery drainage.
• Disruptions in power supply - In certain instances, GPS trackers may experience interference from other electronic components and devices in the vehicle. This interference disrupts the power supply and causes the tracker to draw more power than needed. In the end, your car’s battery suffers.
• Faulty components - Low-standard GPS models often come with faulty elements that can contribute to power drainage. Things like inferior circuitry, low-quality components, or manufacturing defects may cause the device to use more power than intended, leading to battery drainage.

Not maintaining batteries;

• Old batteries - When car batteries get old, they gradually lose their ability to hold a charge. Such batteries may fail to sustain the power requirements of a GPS device over extended periods, resulting in faster power drainage.
• Insufficient or incomplete charging - If the battery isn’t charged adequately, or if there are any issues with the charging system, the GPS tracker will not receive sufficient power to remain operational. Eventually, the battery will drain out completely.

The solution

There are ways to mitigate power drainage in GPS devices and ensure optimal battery life. Follow the best practices below;

• Install properly - You need professional installation services or follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines carefully to ensure correct wiring and minimize the risks of power drainage.
• Choose trustworthy brands - Buy devices from reputable companies, such as Vyncs, recognized for manufacturing OBD-II or wired products that are not heavy on the vehicle battery.
• Timely maintenance - You have to maintain the vehicle’s battery by checking its condition, ensuring proper charging, and addressing issues on time.

Wrapping it up

While GPS tracking affects vehicle batteries, it isn’t universal. The device’s design and installation are usually efficient and will not drain the battery quickly. However, substandard products and incorrect installations will inevitably lead to loss of power.

As mentioned earlier, you must opt for reputable brands like Vyncs to prevent GPS trackers from draining the battery. With proper installation techniques, regular battery maintenance, and Vyncs, you can forget about getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, looking for help from other drivers to jump-start your vehicle.