A GPS tracker is a must-have for any vehicle owner in Ghana. As you delve into the world of GPS tracking technology, you seek nothing but the finest, most advanced solution available in the market. However, with so many car GPS trackers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To assist you in making a well-informed decision, we’ll take a look at five essential things you must know when buying a GPS tracker for your vehicle.
GPS Tracker Features
GPS trackers include a broad range of features that are intended to assist you in a variety of circumstances. However, when it comes to essential features that everyone requires and are crucial for vehicle safety, the following are mandatory:
Real-time Tracking
GPS tracking devices can be classified into two categories: real-time and delayed time devices. Real-time GPS trackers offer continuous updates on a vehicle’s location and performance data, which can be obtained through a monthly subscription service that utilizes satellite technology. On the other hand, delayed time trackers gather and store data for later use, which may not be available during the vehicle’s operation. These trackers tend to have minimal or no monthly fees, as they do not require continuous tracking.
It is recommended that every car owner purchases a GPS tracker with real-time tracking capability. This allows you to see the location of your vehicle at any given time, which can be especially useful in the event of theft. Real-time tracking can also be helpful for fleet management, as it allows you to keep track of multiple vehicles at once. This can help you monitor the whereabouts of your vehicles, ensuring that they are being used for the intended purpose and on the correct routes.
It also enables you to quickly respond to any issues that may arise, such as a breakdown or accident. When looking for a GPS tracker, make sure that it offers real-time tracking capabilities, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you can always keep tabs on your vehicle.
Alerts and Notifications
Many GPS trackers come with platforms that send alerts and notifications to your phone or email. This can include alerts for speeding, over-revving, and even for when the device is disconnected from the vehicle. These alerts can provide you with valuable information about your vehicle and its whereabouts. For instance, if you receive an alert that your vehicle is being driven at a high speed, it could indicate that your teenager is breaking the rules, or that the vehicle is being driven in an unsafe manner.
This feature can also be used to monitor the driving habits of your employees, which can help you identify and correct any issues that may arise. Additionally, if you receive an alert that your vehicle has been disconnected from the device, it could indicate that the device has been tampered with, or that the vehicle has been stolen.
Remote Immobilization
Another feature to look for is the ability to remotely immobilize your vehicle. This means that you can disable your car remotely if it’s stolen, making it much more difficult for the thief to drive it away. It also prevents the thief from starting the car, which increases the chances of the car being recovered.
This feature can also be used as a way to ensure that your vehicle is not being used without your permission. For instance, if you suspect that your teenage driver is not following the rules, you can remotely disable the car, preventing them from driving it. This feature is a great way to give you an added layer of protection for your vehicle, and it can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you can take action if your car is ever stolen.
Car GPS Tracker Type
There are different types of GPS car trackers, providing versatility and convenience for tracking assets. Magnetic trackers are compact in size, making them easy to conceal within a vehicle or attach discreetly. These trackers are ideal for tracking purposes beyond just vehicles, such as bikes. Despite their convenient design, these trackers are limited by their battery life and typically require weekly charging.
For a long-lasting solution, the plug-in trackers can be inserted into the OBD-II port of a vehicle, drawing power directly from the car and eliminating the need for recharging. However, it’s important to note that some models may cease tracking when the car is turned off or idling.
For a truly seamless tracking experience, hardwired GPS trackers provide a permanent solution by connecting directly to the internal circuitry of a vehicle. This design ensures uninterrupted tracking, even for vehicles that do not have an OBD-II port, such as motorcycles. The hardwired GPS tracker is a one-time installation, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind and forget about the need for ongoing maintenance.
Cost
GPS trackers can vary in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when making your purchase. It’s also important to keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Look for a device that offers a good balance of features and affordability. You should also consider the long-term costs, as some GPS trackers require a monthly subscription fee, while others may have additional costs for certain features. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget and choose a device that fits within your financial constraints.
Reliability
When purchasing a car gps tracker, you must always inquire about its reliability from the vendor. You must ask them to give you more information regarding the uptime of the service. Questions such as “How robust is the tracker?”, “How dependable is your service?” and “Does the car gps tracker go offline?” go a long way to reveal whether the tracker and the service you’ll receive is reliable. If the vendor cannot confidently assure you that the system is reliable, it is likely you can face challenges with it in the feature.
Usability
A GPS tracking application with excellent usability is a valuable tool for users who rely on location-based information for navigation and other purposes. Usability refers to the ease of use and user satisfaction when interacting with a system, and a usable system is one that is intuitive, efficient and effective in meeting the user’s needs. A GPS tracking application with good usability should have the following characteristics:
- Intuitive interface: The user interface should be easy to understand, with clear and concise instructions and labeling that is consistent throughout the application.
- Efficient workflow: The system should allow users to complete tasks quickly and easily, without unnecessary steps or distractions.
- Customization options: Users should have the ability to customize the application to their specific needs and preferences, such as choosing which data points to display on the map.
- Error prevention and recovery: The system should have safeguards in place to prevent errors and provide clear feedback to users when mistakes are made.
- Support and Documentation: A usable system should include sufficient documentation that can be used as a quick reference or guide for end users to consult if they need assistance.
Conclusion
In addition to these five essential things, there are also other factors to consider when buying a car GPS tracker in Ghana. For instance, it’s important to consider the size and design of the device. Some GPS trackers are small and discreet, making them easy to install and hide. Others may be larger and more obvious, which may be more suitable for fleet management or commercial use.
It’s also important to consider the ease of use and installation of the device. Some GPS trackers are plug-and-play, which means that they can be installed and configured in minutes. Others may require more time and technical expertise to set up.
Another important factor to consider is the accuracy of the device. Look for a GPS tracker that offers high-precision tracking, so you can be sure that you’re getting accurate and reliable information about your vehicle’s whereabouts.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the level of customer support that is available from your vendor. A good car GPS tracker vendor should be able to provide you with technical support and assistance if you have any issues or questions about the device.
In conclusion, a GPS tracker can be a valuable investment for any car owner in Ghana. By keeping these five essential things in mind, you can be sure to choose a device that will meet your needs and provide you with peace of mind. With the right GPS tracker, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your vehicle at all times, and know that it’s always safe and secure.
With the right device, you can be sure that your vehicle is always in the right place, at the right time, and being used for the right purpose. So take the time to research and choose the right GPS tracker for your needs and budget, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your vehicle is always protected. To learn more about tracking companies in Ghana, you can read this article.