Keeping your car secure is a top priority, especially in today’s world where vehicle theft techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As someone who values security, I’ve explored various tracking options to help protect vehicles, and I’m sharing my findings to give you a head start in safeguarding your car.
AirTags: A Popular but Flawed Option
While I don’t own an Apple phone myself, I’m aware of the growing trend of using AirTags as car trackers. These devices are small, affordable, and easy to use, but they have a major downside: car thieves know about them and have learned how to block their signals. Unfortunately, this makes them unreliable for serious vehicle security.
Testing GPS Trackers
After ruling out AirTags, I decided to test two different methods: a dedicated GPS tracker and a dog tracker.
Option 1: GPS Tracker
I started with a GPS tracker, paired with a Smarty SIM card. This setup worked fairly well, offering good tracking features like real-time updates and the ability to disable the LED light. Turning off the LED makes the tracker incredibly difficult to find unless you know exactly where to look—a big plus for security.
However, the GPS tracker’s accuracy was not as precise as I had hoped. While it’s a solid option for general tracking, I found it lacking compared to the next device I tested.
A Surprising Alternative: Dog Trackers
Next, I tried a dog tracker, and to my surprise, it outperformed the GPS tracker in several ways.
What Makes Dog Trackers Stand Out?
- Real-Time Accuracy:
Designed to track constantly moving pets, the dog tracker provided incredibly accurate real-time updates. This level of precision was far superior to the GPS tracker, making it ideal for monitoring a car. - Geofencing Capabilities:
One of my favorite features was the ability to set up geofences. These virtual boundaries alert you the moment your car leaves a designated area. For example, if your vehicle is moved from its storage location, you’ll know immediately. - Wi-Fi Integration:
The dog tracker can connect to Wi-Fi, adding an extra layer of functionality. If you’re one of my storage customers, you’re welcome to connect your tracker to our garage’s Wi-Fi. The moment the tracker disconnects from the network, it sends an alert and activates live tracking.
Considerations for the Dog Tracker
While the dog tracker is impressive, it does have a drawback: it’s less discreet than the GPS tracker. This means you’ll need to get creative about hiding it in your car. However, its superior performance and features more than make up for this minor inconvenience.
Another consideration is the cost. The tracker requires a £5/month subscription, similar to the GPS tracker’s SIM card costs, making it an affordable and effective solution for car security.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If discretion is your top priority, the GPS tracker is a good choice. However, if you want the most accurate and feature-rich tracking, the dog tracker is the clear winner. Its real-time updates, geofencing, and Wi-Fi integration provide unmatched peace of mind.
For additional security, I recommend combining these trackers with proper storage. If you’re a Car Storage Oxted customer, linking your tracker to our garage’s Wi-Fi adds another layer of protection.
Final Thoughts
Car tracking technology has come a long way, and finding the right solution can make all the difference in protecting your vehicle. Whether you choose a GPS tracker or a dog tracker, taking proactive steps to monitor your car is an investment in peace of mind.
To learn more about car security and storage, feel free to explore our website or reach out for advice.
Your car is valuable—let’s keep it safe!