The vehicle tracking system (VTS) monitors any moving vehicle in real-time using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Its main functions include tracking and controlling vehicles remotely. A VTS can also store and analyze transportation data and send reports, alerts, and notifications to car owners if car maintenance, thefts, and accidents occur.
Other supplemental functionalities could be possible depending on VTS companies and vehicle owners. More importantly, each car tracker’s features have myriad benefits, such as theft prevention, improved safety, increased car performance, and lower fuel costs. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Better Route Management
VTS has a built-in GPS, so it can act like a navigator, making driving more time-saving. Particularly, the auto tracker of a vehicle tracking system can identify which route is more convenient to take, estimate travel time, and even customize alternative shortcuts.
This built-in GPS will also send alerts to vehicle owners on their smartphones if their vehicles are tampered with, such as being moved, towed, or even bumped by another vehicle or person. As a result, owners can be in the know no matter where they are and respond to the situation quickly.
Improved Safety
Another benefit of a GPS tracker is getting help quickly in an emergency. For example, emergency services and their family members can easily know the vehicle’s real-time location if drivers are stranded or in an accident, particularly in an unfamiliar area.
Vehicle tracking systems are also equipped with Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and SOS emergency panic buttons. Drivers can press these buttons to call for help in an emergency. When things get worse, this feature can essentially help save lives in danger.
SOS buttons will immediately alert two or more different contacts when pressed. First, one alert will be received by the nearby emergency services so that they can give help as soon as possible. Then, another alert is sent to the emergency contact that is registered in the vehicle tracking system.
Car Maintenance
A car tracker isn’t merely a tracking device. It also can monitor a vehicle’s overall health. The new advancements in vehicle tracking systems come with telematics technology, such as car diagnostics and engine temperature indicators, which collect vast information about vehicles. These features can help meet a vehicle’s servicing needs and minimize unforeseen costs and repairs.
Since a vehicle tracking system can monitor a vehicle’s condition and keep its data, vehicle owners can save money from routine inspection costs. Moreover, its management software system can alert owners if an inspection is needed or the vehicle has some serious issues that need urgent professional help.
Reduced Fuel Costs
Following shorter routes suggested by the navigation feature of a vehicle tracking system isn’t only time-efficient but also gas-saving. Basically, driving short distances utilizes less fuel. What’s more, most tracking systems come with “Fuel Management.” This feature can provide trip details and statistics on how efficiently a vehicle consumes fuel.
With fuel management features and GPS tracking systems, owners can know where their family members or employees drive the cars in real-time or whether they’re making unauthorized trips. It also tracks poor driving habits, such as rapid acceleration or harsh braking, which aren’t only potentially unsafe and consume a lot of fuel.
In a nutshell, if drivers opt for more convenient routes, eliminate irresponsible driving behaviors, and allow better fuel management, they ultimately reduce fuel expenses considerably.
Theft Recovery
Theft prevention is one of the very common features of vehicle tracking systems. Real-time tracking makes it possible to locate a stolen car within minutes of any electronic gadget, be it a smartphone, tablet, or tablet. In addition, vehicle owners can even remotely share their lost vehicle’s live location with the police to easily find them together.
Additionally, vehicle tracking systems send instant messages to owners whenever a geo-fenced vehicle enters or leaves a pre-set virtual border. In simple terms, virtual borders, otherwise known as geo-fence, are secure zones around a specific location that vehicle owners set in vehicle tracking systems. This feature is called geo-fencing.
If drivers geo-fenced vehicles, they can’t go out of the delineated area. Otherwise, it could be an early warning system against theft. Since the vehicle tracking system sends an alert through the system’s application installed on drivers’ gadgets, they have a quick countermeasure to deter theft. If the worst case happens, owners can immediately contact the police and recover their car right away.
Final Thoughts
The cost of vehicle tracking systems depends on their features. You can expect to spend around $200 if you opt for something with all the modern conveniences. However, you can reduce this and avoid over-consumption if you only buy a tracker that matches your needs. These trackers vary in price, so do your research to find the most cost-effective yet beneficial for you.