Difference Between GPS Trackers And Traditional Car Security Systems
Cars – well, they used to be inexpensive but not anymore. Even the entry-level cars these days cost a lot of money. And car ownership used to be a luxury back in the day but these days, cars are essential. Sure taking the bus is a cost-efficient and environment-friendly way to commute from point A to point B, but that’s hectic.
Anyway, since buying cars is a form of investment, it is natural for people to protect their investments.
Importance of protecting cars from theft
A car needs regular maintenance, preventative repairs, and high-quality fuel to remain operational. At the same time, the car needs security as well. The reason is simple.
Car thefts and vandalism are increasing all over the US by a significant margin. Thieves are upping their carjacking game which means that even in your garage; your car is not safe.
So what’s the solution?
Round-the-clock real-time monitoring of vehicles using a car tracking device – that’s the solution!
What kind of cars are targeted by carjackers?
Statistical data shows that carjackers tend to target cars that have a lot of demand in the used car market or tend to fetch a lot of money on auctions or online as well as offline marketplaces
Additionally, carjackers also tend to steal luxury vehicles since each part of a luxury vehicle fetches a lot of money on the gray markets.
What about insurance – won’t that cover the damages or the theft?
Truth be told, car insurance companies will try their best to exploit loopholes and avoid paying for the damages your car sustained in the aftermath of vandalism, or theft. Additionally, even if a car insurance company is kind enough to settle your claim, the entire process that follows will be cumbersome, to say the least!
So, how do car owners protect their cars?
Well, modern cars are equipped with several anti-theft devices such as –
- Steering lock – the steering wheel is locked as soon as the engine is turned off.
- Engine immobilizer – the engine is kept from starting unless the right key is inserted in the keyhole or the authorized keyfob is detected by the car.
- Alarm system – sensors installed all over a car detect if someone is trying to get in forcefully. When that happens the horn will blast and the amber lights will start flashing.
But there’s a catch. The theft deterrents installed in modern cars from the factory are powered by the onboard 12V battery. If somehow, a carjacker cuts the power supply to these theft deterrent devices, the devices won’t be able to keep the vehicle from being stolen.
In short, the OEM-installed theft and vandalism deterrents on your car are not at all efficient in real-world conditions.
Yet again, the solution boils down to vehicle trackers.
Vehicle trackers – what are those?
These are simply GPS-based devices that are either used solely for tracking a vehicle or at the same time detect Diagnostic Trouble Codes the ECUs of vehicles generate whenever on-board sensors of the vehicle detect anomalies.
Why GPS trackers are better than traditional car security systems?
Apart from locating the position of your car in real-time, round the clock, GPS trackers also offer the following unique features.
Keep your vehicle confined within geozones
Leading GPS trackers and the apps that come with them, allow users to set geozones around their parking zones and even neighborhoods. In this way, if your car is being stolen and driven off its designated parking space, you’ll be notified instantly.
On the other hand, if your car is being towed away, without your consent, you’d get instant notifications.
Monitor how your vehicle is being driven
Modern GPS car trackers are often categorized as connected car devices. The reason is simple. These devices are equipped with a bunch of sensors that detect in real-time how the car is being driven at any given point in time, in real time. Instant alerts are sent to the car owner the moment harsh braking, harsh accelerations, and accidents are detected by the device.
A properly driven vehicle will last longer, will need fewer trips to the service center, and will consume less fuel.
Track your loved ones
There are add-on features available with leading GPS trackers that let users track their loved ones when they are out for a hike or are taking a trip through an offroad trail. All one would have to do is install the app that came with their preferred GPS tracker, log in and that’s it. From the comfort of their home or cubicle, they can track their loved ones in real-time.
GPS car trackers are ideal for keeping cars safe, period!
GPS trackers provide an additional layer of security to cars. Additionally, add-on features like driver behavior monitoring, geofence, etc. add to the appeal of GPS trackers. In essence, GPS trackers along with the on-board antitheft features of your car will protect it against theft and vandalism effectively.
It is that simple!