In recent times, the amount of technology we use daily has dramatically increased, making all of us more tech-savvy. Well, most of us.

Even still, more complex tasks require the involvement of professionals. But, there is no point calling for help every time you need to install or reconfigure a new device. Less demanding tasks, like car alarm installation, can be performed very effectively by non-professionals who are willing (and able) to follow a simple set of instructions.

Doing it yourself saves a lot of hassle - as well as money - so it’s well worth taking some time to learn this useful skill.

Let’s get you started with the fundamentals of the GPS tracker installation process.

Which types of GPS trackers are available?

The first thing that you need to know about your GPS tracking device is its type.

There are two main designs found on modern car security systems – ODB-II –based devices, and hard-wired trackers. The first kind is much easier to install, as it simply needs to be plugged into the diagnostic port included on all vehicles manufactured after 1996.

 On the other hand, hard-wired devices need to be connected directly to the electrical system of your car, which can be tricky for a non-professional. However, some of the newer hard-wired trackers are not that complex and can be installed with some help from the user manual.

Where to put a GPS tracker?

Another key decision is where to stash the device in order to get the best functionality.

Two main factors need to be considered – the device must be able to pick up satellite signals, and it shouldn’t be obviously exposed to view. This prevents it being vunerable to theft, along with the rest of your car.

Some of the most commonly used areas include underneath the seats, inside the rear bumper, or inside the roof. It’s also possible to attach the tracker to the bottom side of the chassis by using a magnet. Nobody knows your car better than you, so you should be able to find a logical spot where your GPS tracker can reside and receive signals from a Pioneer GPS antenna without attracting undue attention.

How to connect a GPS tracker?

As we already mentioned, connecting an ODB-II device is a simple plug-and-play job.

The only possible difficulty is to identify the ODB-II port that needs to serve as the power source, as this port is rarely used during normal operation of the car and most owners don’t know where it is. If you are dealing with a hard-wired model, you need to understand how your car’s electric system is organised.

You can find this information in a manual, but there are also a few important rules to keep in mind. Red wire should be connected to a power source, while black wire is reserved for grounding. Another important detail is to make sure you don’t leave any wires exposed since this will immediately reveal the location of the GPS device to any intruder.

And there you have it! As mentioned, installing a GPS tracking device can be easy, so long as you follow a few simple instructions.