You’ll need just a few simple tools, such as a flashlight, mechanic’s mirror, and some sort of creeper or mat to assist you beneath the vehicle if you think someone may have planted a GPS tracker inside it. If a visual inspection alone is insufficient, specialized tools like electronic sweepers or bug detectors could also be required.
The following are the fundamental procedures for finding a hidden GPS tracker on your car:
- Perform an exterior inspection: Check the wheel wells under the car using a flashlight and a mirror. Most trackers in such places are easier to find. The tracker could be dirty and challenging to see.
- Perform a thorough internal inspection: First, check the data port. The majority of GPS trackers are compact, so keep an eye out for any possible hiding places, including the trunk.
- Sweep the car with a bug detector: The places that sell trackers usually also sell bug detectors. Be aware that sweepers cannot identify passive trackers and that some trackers only broadcast while the vehicle is moving.
- Know when to seek professional assistance: If you believe someone may have hidden a tracker on your automobile but not visible or hidden in such a way, a specialist may be able to assist. Automotive electronics, car audio, and car alarm technicians frequently have the required knowledge and tools.
Where To Look For A Hidden GPS Tracker: Exterior
Small GPS trackers could be hidden practically anywhere, although they are usually concealed in places that are easy to access. Therefore, the first step in locating a hidden GPS tracker on your car is to visually check for potential hiding places that someone may easily and quickly access.
Inside a tire well is a popular area to conceal a GPS tracker, and it is also simple to check. Examine the interior of the front and rear wheel wells with a flashlight. You might need to use a telescoping mirror to get a clear look. Additionally, you can use your hand to feel around in dimly lit situations.
Try to pull down the hard plastic wheel well liner if it is loose so you may peek or feel inside. It’s possible that someone unfastened the liner so they could fasten a magnetized tracker to the body or frame behind it.
You can inspect underneath the car with the help of your flashlight and telescoping mirror. Use a creeper to slip beneath the vehicle if the ground clearance is high enough and you want to give it a full check. Pay attention to places where a tracker could be quickly and conveniently hidden, and keep in mind that the tracker might be in road grime and grit.
Trackers are hidden inside bumpers or under them. A mirror and flashlight might be necessary for a detailed inspection of this area. Sometimes, you might have to reach up and feel around within the bumper.
Although it isn’t typical, trackers are hidden inside the engine compartment. Someone is more likely to conceal the device inside your car if they can enter it and pop the hood.
Where To Look For A Hidden GPS Tracker: Interior
Small enough to fit anywhere in a car or truck, disguised GPS trackers are available. You should pay attention to locations where such a gadget might be conveniently hidden, but sometimes that won’t work.
Most covert trackers are battery-operated, while less complex models are hooked directly into a vehicle’s data port. Locating the data connector—typically found under the dash, next to the driver’s legs—and discovering it has something plugged into it raises red flags.
Use your flashlight and mirror to look behind the seats, behind the dash, inside and behind the glove box, and the center console if you don’t see anything immediately apparent. Other places where trackers might be concealed are:
- between the seats,
- beneath sun visors, and
- in-seat pockets.
Because it could blend in with other parts, finding a hidden GPS tracker inside a car can be challenging. Small modules, such as the one that controls the power door locks, for example, could easily be mistaken for something more dangerous.
Someone who is determined for their surveillance device to remain undiscovered may conceal a tracker beneath a seat cushion, behind a door panel, or in other awkward places.
These devices could also be kept in a trunk. If you have a spare tire, take it off and inspect it. At that moment, you can also remove the trunk liner, which you can use to hide a little GPS tracking gadget.
Locating A Hidden GPS Car Tracker With A Bug Sweeper
Electronic sweepers also referred to as bug detectors, are devices that detect electromagnetic signals, for instance, those used by radio transmitters, telephones, and other electromagnetic gadgets. This kind of gear is available in some of the same stores where GPS trackers are available, or if you have the necessary spare parts lying about, you may build a bug detector.
Due to their reliance on signal detection, sweepers are useless for locating passive GPS trackers. However, they can help find well-hidden active trackers.
If you can, start the insect sweeper before carefully circling your car. Depending on the sensitivity, you might need to hold it close to each location mentioned in the prior sections.
A bug detector will typically warn you if it detects a suspicious signal by buzzing, vibrating, or lighting up. Now is the time to carefully go over that area with a fine-toothed comb.
Therefore, if you initially don’t see anything, have someone else drive the car while you keep an eye on the sweeper.
What To Do When You Find A Hidden GPS Tracker?
Most covert GPS trackers are battery-operated and attached using tape or magnets. If you encounter one of these, all you have to do is pull it loose. The same is true for trackers that plug into cigarette lighters or car diagnostic tool connectors.
When a GPS tracker is hard-wired into power and ground, which happens in fewer instances, you might wish to hire a specialist. Although cutting the wires that way could cause future shorts, it might work. An expert will know that it is crucial to confirm that the component you are cutting out is indeed a tracker.
Why Use A Hidden GPS Tracker?
Like many other technological tools, GPS trackers have acceptable and undesirable uses. With a valid warrant, law enforcement agencies frequently employ these tools, as do private investigators.
Although the majority of them don’t need to hide the device, there are several reasons why car owners might choose to utilize one of the finest car GPS trackers.
Typical applications for GPS automobile trackers include:
- Management of fleet
- Dispatching deliveries and taxis
- monitoring your minor teen
- assisting you with your parking spot
- theft recovery
Big box stores like Walmart, electronics retailers like Best Buy, and specialty shops that serve private detectives all provide GPS trackers made for use in automobiles. Additionally, virtually any retailer that sells electronics, including GPS devices and surveillance gear, offers them for sale online.
Written by- Terry Whysong
Terry is an Automotive Enthusiast and the face behind TTR. He’s an avid reader, mechanic and loves writing blogs about car guides. You can find him on Linkedin
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