Car security is a major concern for vehicle owners. While security cameras, dash cams, and alarms are common solutions, understanding how to track your car using GPS is a highly effective and often overlooked security measure. The good news is that free car tracking isn’t just a possibility; it’s readily available.
Let’s explore various ways to pinpoint your car’s location using GPS, covering both free and dedicated tracking options, including leveraging smartphone technology with apps like AlfredCircle to track your car without needing a separate tracker.
Understanding Car Location Tracking
The most straightforward way to track a car’s location is often through a pre-installed GPS system. Many modern vehicles come equipped with integrated GPS tracking. However, there are multiple methods to track a car, ranging from subscription-based services to completely free solutions. Let’s examine the different approaches to locating your vehicle, both with and without dedicated GPS trackers.
1. Utilizing Built-in GPS Car Tracking Systems
The easiest method for car tracking involves using the vehicle’s integrated GPS system. A significant portion of new vehicles manufactured today include built-in GPS capabilities. Drivers can typically access GPS navigation and location data through the car’s touchscreen display and often via a companion mobile app provided by the car manufacturer.
Unsure if your car has GPS tracking?
If you purchased a new car in the last decade, it’s highly probable that it has a built-in GPS system. Access the integrated GPS features through the touchscreen interface inside your vehicle. If you’re uncertain about your car’s GPS capabilities, consult your vehicle’s manual or contact the car manufacturer for confirmation.
2. Aftermarket GPS Trackers for Cars
For vehicles older than ten years, which may lack built-in GPS, aftermarket GPS car trackers provide a viable solution. These compact and relatively affordable devices usually connect to the car’s battery for power.
Some aftermarket GPS trackers utilize SIM cards and require periodic recharging, a preferable option for those concerned about battery drain. These trackers come with corresponding mobile apps, enabling you to pinpoint your car’s location remotely.
Important note: A Sat Nav is not a car tracker. While it might be tempting to repurpose an old Sat Nav for tracking, it’s crucial to understand that aftermarket car GPS trackers are distinct from Sat Navs. Sat Navs are designed solely for navigation purposes and lack the tracking functionalities of dedicated GPS car trackers.
GPS car trackers are designed to be discreet without any display, allowing for concealed placement. Explore options for the best aftermarket GPS car trackers online.
3. Smartphone-Based Car Tracking: The Free Solution
You might be wondering: ‘how can I track my car without a dedicated tracker device?’ The answer lies in your smartphone!
Smartphone-based location sharing is widely accessible, and services like Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android) offer basic car tracking functionalities. However, for a more robust and free car tracking solution, AlfredCircle stands out as an excellent option. Let’s delve into how AlfredCircle can be used for free car tracking.
Strategic Placement of Car Trackers: GPS trackers are small and easily hidden. Ideal hiding spots for car trackers include:
- Engine compartment
- Glove compartment
- Trunk
- Underneath seats
- Behind the car radio
Hardwired car trackers may necessitate professional installation to ensure discreet concealment.
4. Car Insurance Telematics: Black Box Tracking
Certain car insurance policies involve installing a ‘black box,’ a telematics device, typically placed in the car’s trunk. This device monitors driving behavior, including location, often to potentially reduce insurance premiums.
In some cases, black boxes offer location tracking features that policyholders can utilize. Check with your insurance provider to determine if your telematics policy includes location tracking capabilities.
5. Fleet Management Services for Vehicle Tracking
For businesses managing vehicle fleets, fleet management services offer comprehensive tracking solutions. These services are particularly useful for tracking multiple vehicles simultaneously.
Popular fleet management services include Verizon Connect and Geotab. While specific features vary, real-time GPS tracking is a standard feature across all fleet management services.
Free Car Tracking Without a Dedicated Tracker: AlfredCircle
While dedicated GPS trackers offer robust tracking capabilities, using a spare smartphone with a location-sharing app is a cost-effective way to track your car for free.
AlfredCircle is a free location tracking application that displays location information on a private map. Primarily designed for staying connected with family and friends, you can easily repurpose AlfredCircle for car tracking by adding a spare phone to your private Circle and concealing it within your vehicle.
AlfredCircle app interface showcasing the ‘Places’ feature for location monitoring. This free app allows users to set up geofences and receive notifications when devices enter or leave specified locations, enhancing car tracking capabilities when a spare phone is hidden in the vehicle.
Locate your vehicle for free using an old phone and AlfredCircle now. Continue reading for a simple 5-step guide on how to track your car without any additional trackers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Track Your Car with GPS for Free Using AlfredCircle
Track your car’s location using GPS without any cost by leveraging AlfredCircle. If you have a spare smartphone available to conceal in your car, setting up free car tracking is quick and straightforward. Here’s a 5-step guide to get started:
- Download AlfredCircle: Install the AlfredCircle app on both your primary phone and a spare Android or iOS device.
- Sign Up/Log In & Create a Circle: Open AlfredCircle on both devices. Sign up or log in, and create a new Circle using your primary phone.
- Invite the Spare Device: Invite the account used on your spare device to join your newly created Circle.
- Set Up Place Notifications (Optional): For location-based alerts, add ‘Places’ within the app to monitor specific locations, such as your home or workplace.
- Conceal the Spare Device: Place the spare device in a hidden location within your car, such as the trunk or glove compartment, ensuring it is discreetly tucked away.
Start tracking your car with GPS for free today! Download AlfredCircle on the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Enhance Car Security: Combine AlfredCamera & AlfredCircle
Car security extends beyond just location tracking. Security cameras are a crucial component of a comprehensive car security system.
When your car is parked at home, utilize AlfredCamera to monitor it for free and detect any suspicious activity.
AlfredCam Plus surveillance camera providing driveway monitoring. This image illustrates how AlfredCamera can be used to watch over a parked vehicle, enhancing car security by providing visual monitoring and motion detection alerts.
With motion detection capabilities, AlfredCamera instantly alerts you to any car tampering.
AlfredCamera Premium users with an AlfredCam Plus benefit from AI vehicle detection, ensuring accurate notifications specifically for vehicle-related movements. Reliable infrared night vision ensures continuous car protection even in low-light conditions.
Maximize your car’s security by combining AlfredCamera and AlfredCircle, providing 24/7 monitoring of both your car’s location and its immediate surroundings for ultimate peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use an Apple AirTag to Track My Car?
Apple AirTags are not suitable for car tracking due to their reliance on Bluetooth technology rather than GPS. Bluetooth has a very limited range, and the signal is easily disrupted.
The car’s structure itself is likely to block the Bluetooth signal, even if your iPhone is nearby. AirTags locate items by leveraging nearby iOS devices, making them unreliable for car tracking compared to GPS-based solutions.
How Can I Track My Car with Google Maps?
Google Maps offers a convenient way to remember your parking location. If you frequently forget where you parked, Google Maps can be helpful.
In the Google Maps app, once parked, tap the blue pin representing your current location and select ‘Save parking’. This saves your parking spot on the map, allowing for easy navigation back to your car later.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Car Security with Free GPS Tracking
Knowing how to track your car is an often-underestimated yet significant way to boost your vehicle’s security. Alongside car cameras and other security measures, integrating GPS tracking ensures that in the unfortunate event of car theft, you can pinpoint its location and provide crucial information to law enforcement.
While dedicated GPS trackers offer advanced features, you can effectively track your vehicle for free using AlfredCircle and a spare Android or iOS device. Combine this with car surveillance solutions like AlfredCamera to comprehensively maximize your car’s security and gain valuable peace of mind.
