How to Place a GPS Tracker in a Car

Things to Consider

The most important thing to bear in mind when installing your GPS tracker is signal strength. If it cannot receive an adequate GPS satellite and cellular signal, the device will not work.

Most GPS signals travel through plastic, fiberglass, foam, wood, and glass, but not all solid materials, so it’s usually a good practice to allow your GPS tracker to have a line of sight to the sky. Places like the roof, dashboard, or windscreen are obvious choices, but whether you want your tracker to be visible or not is the real decider. Let's look at the options.

Under the Car

You've seen it in the movies, but is positioning a tracker under the car a good idea? It depends on placement! If you place the tracker on the metal frame of the vehicle, on either the driver or passenger side, the GPS signal will bounce off the road and be detectable by the tracker. With the correct placement, under the car is the best all-around covert method of placing a tracker. It offers strong reception and is not immediately visible.

Inside the Dashboard

Undoubtedly the most covert option, this is also the most difficult to install. However, if you have access to place your tracker inside the dash, it is unlikely to be discovered. The composition of the dashboard allows for the GPS satellite signal to pass through with relative ease while hiding the tracker from view.

In the Bumper

If you don't have access to the inside of the vehicle, the bumper is a great way to install your tracker undetected. Many new cars have a layer of plastic or fiberglass covering the bumper. Behind this cover, you can find a gap to fit your tracking device inside.
Please note: if your car has a metal bumper, this placement will not work as the GPS signal will not be able to get through.

Under the Passenger Seat

The passenger seat is a simple and common location for hiding a tracker because it's easy to reach and well-concealed. However, due to the number of materials surrounding it, it's possible you will receive a weaker signal.

On the Dashboard or Rear Shelf

With only a glass panel in the way, this option offers robust signal strength. To avoid interference, make sure it is not too close to any other location-based devices.

Clipped to the Sun Visor

This choice is less visible but very easy to find, so we don't recommend it as a covert option. However, this location offers excellent signal transmission.

Attached to the Roof

This may be a cosmetically unappealing option, but it offers tremendous signal strength. Use a magnetic box to secure your tracker to the top of your car. This way, it's always pointing up to the sky. It is important to remember that mounting in this location may increase the likelihood that your GPS tracker is stolen!