The protection of tour precious vehicle is necessary if you’re buying a new car or starting a business that operates a vehicle fleet.. It not only saves costs but also ensures smooth operations. For example, during vehicle breakdowns, drivers have to wait until a replacement vehicle or assistance is received, causing delivery delays and affecting customer service, results in profit loss for the company.
And if you face a personal car breakdown, it can be difficult to tackle the situation. Besides, the fear of vehicle theft is growing as the number of thefts rises worldwide. Hence, every vehicle owner should adopt a robust security system to ensure vehicle protection and safety. Enter GPS trackers!
A GPS tracking device offers more than navigation by providing more visibility into vehicles’ whereabouts and performance, ensuring streamlined operations and reducing costs. The global GPS tracking market was valued at US$ 1.78 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to US$ 4.93 billion by 2028.
However, one can find multiple GPS tracking solutions in marketplaces. Not all GPS trackers are the same. Indeed, choosing a GPS tracker can be pretty daunting as you might get confused about which one is best for your car or fleet business.
To help you make the right decision, here are five questions you need to ask before buying a GPS tracker in 2024.
Is the GPS Tracker Compatible with Your Car?
You might be disappointed that you ordered a GPS tracker online, but it isn’t compatible with your car. Cars manufactured after 2010 have a standard OBD-II port, usually compatible with all GPS trackers. But if you own a luxury car model like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc., you should check the GPS tracker specifications and compatibility features of the GPS tracker as these cars have different vehicle electronics.
Does the GPS Tracker Offer Smart Monitoring and Alerts?
Besides real-time location details, look for a tracker that provides geofence zones and emergency (SOS) alerts. Geofence zones are digital fences you can put on the map to tell you whenever the tracker enters or leaves the fenced zone. This way, you can avoid any mishaps like thefts to take place. And if your family member gets in a troublesome situation, they can use the SOS button to alert the police authorities or close people by sending them the exact location details. Many GPS trackers now come with embedded voice capabilities for emergencies.
Regarding smart monitoring, advanced GPS trackers provide alerts on excessive speeding, unauthorised stops, and notifications on fuel consumption, maintenance, engine status, and route history. These features benefit fleet businesses by providing a comprehensive view of trips, expenses, drivers’ performance, etc.
Are there Any Hidden Costs?
Indeed, how much you’re willing to spend is highly influential when you buy anything. GPS tracker pricing varies depending on its features or capabilities. You can decide which features are important for you and buy one accordingly.
But you should also know if the solution provider adds any hidden costs. Before buying the tracker, carefully read the breakdown of costs and talk to the GPS tracker provider about any service you might need and its associated costs. For example, will they charge for system upgrades? Some solution providers include 2-3 system upgrades in the cost of the tracker, whereas some charge extra for such a service.
Do they Provide App and Tech Support?
Using a tracker for the first time might need some technical assistance installing it. Many can find the GPS tracker installation process daunting. So check the GPS tracker warranty and support services. Inadequate tech support can be frustrating if you find it difficult to operate the tracker. Typically, users get notifications through a web portal provided by the GPS tracker provider. This means, you have to log in to the web portal constantly to get updates, or sometimes you’ll miss them.
Here, an app can solve this issue. You can instantly view and access updates with the tracker’s standalone app. Moreover, your mobile phone is always with you; you can view details on the app anywhere.
How Reliable is the GPS Tracking Solution Provider?
This is an important aspect that you should always take notice of. While almost all GPS tracking devices can offer attractive features and benefits, an important deciding factor is the manufacturer’s reliability. Always check GPS tracking customer reviews and ask for system downtime issues to learn about the company’s reliability and sustainability. Ask around to know first-hand user experience of the tracker and services, guiding you to make the best decision.
Bonus: Does the GPS Tracking Device Offer Easy Integration?
This question is very critical for fleet businesses. The GPS tracking device collects vehicle data and transmits it to fleet owners through fleet management software. So, if fleet owners cannot integrate the tracker with other business systems, the GPS tracker will not be useful.
Without efficient integration capabilities, such GPS trackers can cause data silos to build up, resulting in data duplication or omission. Fleet owners will have to manually sort data and invest time, which they do not want, and an essential purpose of installing a GPS tracker.
Wrapping Up
The more questions you ask, the better you know how to use the GPS tracker effectively and gain benefits. Also, ensure to be updated with new features and capabilities to buy the latest and advanced GPS tracker and ensure your loved ones or valuables are safe.
