Will A Car Tracker Drain Your Battery?

A flat battery has to be near the top of the list of the motorist’s worst nightmares, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere or late for an important meeting when it happens. Most drivers, faced with this situation will automatically think back to the last device installed on their vehicle which may well be a tracker.

At Fit My Tracker we’ve come across this situation many times. We’re here to tell you that because there are so many appliances on a car which are constantly taking power from the battery even when the engine is switched off, including the clock and alarm/immobiliser for example, that the tracker is unlikely to be the culprit.

There are so many good reasons why you should fit a GPS tracker to your car so let us tell you why you can do this safely in the knowledge that it won’t drain your battery. In general, a car tracker should have a minimal impact on your battery because these devices are designed to operate efficiently to avoid battery drainage. However, there are a few factors to consider.

Power Source

Most car trackers are designed to operate on their own power source either through a built-in battery or connection to the car’s electrical system. It will typically draw a small amount of power but not enough to notice any impact on the battery.

Quality of the Tracker is Important

Poorly designed or low quality trackers may draw more power than is necessary and could cause battery drain issues. It is therefore important to choose a reputable tracker from a reliable manufacturer. Here at Fit My Tracker the experienced and knowledgeable team can advise you.

Correct Installation Essential

Proper installation of a tracker is absolutely critical. If it is installed incorrectly it could cause electrical problems or indeed, drain the car battery. Car trackers are not difficult to fit if you have a good idea of what you’re doing but if you are at all unsure about how to install a tracker properly it is advisable to have a professional install it for you. That way you will avoid any problems.

Reporting Frequency

This refers to the tracker’s ability to report things like the location and movement of the vehicle. Some trackers offer real time tracking and reporting which is a great feature. It gives you more peace of mind and confidence that the tracker is keeping your car safe and secure. Real time reporting may require more frequent communication which means greater power consumption but this is still typically minimal and should not result in significant battery drain.

Battery Life

If the tracker has an internal battery, this will have a finite battery life before it needs recharging or replacement. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the battery status and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintenance.

In summary then, a car tracker should have minimal impact on your car’s battery. However, if you notice a sudden and significant battery drain after installing a tracker it’s essential to check the quality of the device and its installation. If you have concerns, seek professional assistance.