There are times when we feel like someone is keeping an eye on our movements or might have attached a tracker to our regular traveling vehicle. However, it is not a big deal these days as location detectors are very easily available in the market and can be installed effortlessly by anyone. So, to answer how to detect a GPS vehicle tracker, we made this complete guide sharing some of the most amazing tips and tricks that you can follow to deal with this concern. 

How to detect a GPS vehicle tracker?

Below is a long list of ideas that an individual can practice if they want to detect vehicle trackers by themselves. So, let’s dive in and read about them one by one. 

1. Check the wheels

One of the ways to detect a tracker in your vehicle is to start by checking the wheels well. To do this, you just need to park your vehicle under bright light and check under the metal guard area which covers the partial top of the wheel. 

Check the car wheels for detecting any vehicle tracker
Image credits: Freepik

Moreover, do not forget to thoroughly check the hubcaps as well, if you have installed them. Not only this but you can also remove the wheel for more in-depth detection, however, it is not necessary. 

2. Look at the bumper

check the bumper: how to detect a gps vehicle tracker
Image credits: 123RF

The rear and front bumpers of your vehicle are an easy target to attach trackers. For checking here, you just need to pop your head underneath, use a mirror to check all around and move your hand to check the rim. Moreover, in some cases the vehicle tracker is connected with the electrical system so make sure to check the wiring as well. 

3. Inspect every storage compartment

Another possible place where someone can hide a tracker in your vehicle is any little or too big-sized compartments. 

check storage compartments for detecting gps compartments
Image credits: LovePik

For this, you just need to thoroughly check each and every pouch, holder, glovebox, and so on. Make sure not to forget the pockets present on the back of each seat or any hanging with storage capacity. 

4. Look underneath mats and seats

check car seats and mattresses to detect gps vehicle tracker
Image credits: KGAN

Another place where a tracker can be hidden in your vehicle is underneath the seats or the mats. For checking here, all you need to do is turn on the light and move your hand in those areas to suspect any unusual thing. For floor mats specifically, make sure to remove them once and then check out the bottom. 

5. Use Apple AirTag

If you are an Apple user and getting frequent notification alerts from any anonymous Apple Air Tag while driving then consider it as a major sign that someone has hidden a tracker in your vehicle. To deal with this, all you need to do is first open the “My Phone App” then click on alert, and from there select the “continue” option which is followed by “play sound”. 

use apple airtags
Image credits: MacRumors

Now, the tag or tracker will keep on beeping until you find it. Apart from this, if you are not an iPhone user then you can install the Tracker Detect application on your android device and click on the scan button to detect AirTags in your vehicle. 

6. Use a bug detector

One of the other ways of how to detect a GPS vehicle tracker is by using a bug detector. These are basically devices that can be handheld easily and search for radio frequencies in that area. You can easily buy it from any spy shop, online portals, local surveillance shop, or other stores. 

use bug detector
Image credits: desertcart

Moreover, for using it you just need to run your car and move the bug detector inside it to catch the tracker, if any. 

7. Check the undercarriage 

The undercarriage is the easiest target to hide any detector in the vehicle. And, to check this section all you have to do is get the vehicle on a jack stand, get on your back, and slide under the vehicle. 

check undercarriage- how to detect a gps vehicle tracker
Image credits: iStock

Once done, you need to turn on the flashlight and check for suspicious boxes, antennas, any wire, taped objects, and more. Moreover, a lot of trackers are magnetic so make sure to check the gas tank for sure. 

FAQs

1. What are the different types of trackers for a car?

Hard-wired (professionally installed), plug-and-play (self-installed), and mobile applications are the most common types of vehicle trackers available in the market. 

2. How to detect a GPS vehicle tracker?

Checking the exterior, inspecting the interior, and using bug detectors or Apple AirTags are a few ways to detect a GPS vehicle tracker effortlessly. 

3. Which is the most likely place to hide any vehicle tracker?

The undercarriage and bumper are the two most likely places where someone can hide a vehicle tracker without your authority. 

Conclusion

Above we shared a brief guide answering “how to detect a GPS vehicle tracker” in which we shared various tips and tricks that might have helped you in finding any hidden tracker in your automobile in the most effortless and quickest way. If you still have any further queries or want to add anything then do let us know through the comment box mentioned below. 

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