Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Car tracking Systems Now Use Google Maps

Car tracking Systems come in many shapes and sizes. Some are for personal use while others are for business use, e.g. tracking a fleet of taxi cabs.

Usually, car tracking systems like LoJack are managed by tracker companies and you cannot manage them yourself. The plus point is that companies work with law enforcement agencies, so there is a good chance of recovering your car. On top of that there you have to pay a pretty penny to buy then and there is also a monthly fee. 

However, all car tracking systems are not like. They may look the same but may not always work the same way. There is a new type of tracker system that does not need company technicians monitoring it all the time.  These are the smartphone car tracking systems.

Like the name suggests the system consists of a smartphone app that is connected to a keyless entry system in your car. The technology involved is a GPS tracking device in the vehicle an satellites monitoring it.  This is combined with a free web based service such as Google Maps.   
   
Delta Air Start and Viper Smart Start are the major systems in the market that offer this kind of technology.  Both these systems provide locational data combined with cellular technology. An updated and current location is provided using mobile internet.   

Portable car tracking systems eliminate the need for a technician. You can track your car yourself, with a smartphone, something that is with you all the time. A smartphone car tracking system is simplicity itself; it is usually an added feature in a keyless entry system.  Above all these systems make the user feel that they are in control, rather than a technician sitting in front of a computer screen.

The way these systems work is they track the vehicle using GPS technology along with Google Maps, which is a free service, to provide information about your car in real-time. Smartphone based car tracking systems can also be called active tracker systems. This essentially means that you can know the location of your car at all times.


Locate and track your car, and receive alerts when your vehicle reaches a certain speed or enters or leaves a designated area. 

Wednesday, 24 February 2016

All you need to know about Car Anti-Theft Systems

Almost all car owners know about car anti-theft systems these days. We usually confuse them with car alarms and central locking systems, and this is where most of us are wrong. These systems are not limited to alarms or locking systems, they are much more than that.

Alarm systems and central locking systems are just types of security systems for vehicles, there are many other systems that come under this vast umbrella and this article will give you an overview of them all.

Alarm Systems


This system is one of the most common and perhaps the cheapest car anti-theft systems on the market. Most new vehicles have these systems factory installed. These systems are very good at attracting attention in the event of theft or if someone tries to mess with your car. Alarms can deter amateur thieves but they don’t stand much of a change against professionals.  On top of that, they are are fairly easy to disable. 

Vehicle Immobilizers


Once offered by only luxury brands, immobilizer devices have become a common and often necessary feature in modern cars regardless of the price tag. Immobilizers prevent a vehicle from starting unless an authorized key is present.  Some experts label them the most effective of all car security systems.

Central locking systems


Central locking systems take security one step further. A professionally installed aftermarket locking system will be a good investment. These car anti-theft systems lock all the vehicle’s doors at the push of a button on a remote, also known as a key fob.

Most systems integrate alarms, keyless entry, and vibration sensors to offer the best value for your money.  


GPS Tracking systems


Trackers use a GPS tracker, installed in a vehicle, paired with a transmitting device to communicate with the tracker company. This technology is usually used to recover stolen vehicles. New systems also offer car owners the feature to track their cars using smartphone applications.  New smartphone trackers use free services such as Google maps to pinpoint a car’s location in real-time.


Your best bet, with all the options out there, would be to go for a layered approach. If your car comes with a factory installed alarm system, install a GPS tracker or a central locking system. Keep in mind that none of these systems are 100 percent fool proof and it is a good idea to consult an expert when it comes to car anti-theft systems. 

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

How to choose the Car Tracking System that fits your needs?

A Car tracking system is an amazing piece of technology. It enables the police or the owner to track the vehicle and help recover it as soon as possible in the event of theft. The system not only reduces insurance costs but it can also increase the safety of your vehicle.

It is a good practice to take the time and do your research before buying a system that you think is best for you.

Here are some tips for choosing the car tracking system that is best for you:


  • Do your research


Different car tracking systems have varying prices, depending on the brand and the quality. Many are very costly and there also cheap ones. Then there are the features, such as coverage, alarms, immobilizer system, etc. Different manufacturers and brands make their systems more desirable to customers by clever advertising and publicity. It is your job to do research and decide which system is best for you.  

  • Compare different car tracking systems


Before buying a car tracking system it is generally a good idea to compare different brands. It gives you an idea and helps you decide in the future. Different systems have different features and qualities. So using a reliable brand is necessary to have peace of mind.

  • Make sure the car tracking system will monitor your car wherever you go


Many tracking systems are activated the moment you report to the company that your car has been stolen. Other car tracking systems work in certain areas and stop transmitting when you reach some areas.

  • Make sure that there are not any extra or hidden costs


Some if not all car tracking systems come with a monthly or yearly fee, others use free services such as Google maps and GPS (Global positioning system trackers) to track your car. Before buying, make sure that there are not any hidden or extra costs.

  • Prefer the quality over price



A cheap system may not work when you need it the most. To make sure this does not happen, always invest in the best brand.