BRITS POS – BRITS - The average lifespan of a car tracking device is anywhere from two to seven years, depending on the quality and operation of the device.
For instance, according to Concox, a wired tracker tends to have a lifespan of five years or more with proper maintenance and care.
OBD-II and battery-powered trackers, on the other hand, generally see a shelf life of one to three years owing to factors such as their installation location, battery capacity, and usage frequency.
However, it’s not so much the hardware that generally becomes outdated as it is the software. Vehicle tracking technology is an ever-evolving field and new systems and techniques are constantly being implemented to stay one step ahead of criminals.
So while the device in and of itself may not seem broken or dysfunctional, if it’s a few years old, it may no longer be as effective as it could be due to updated software that was released in the meantime.
Extending the lifetime of your car tracker
Four main factors dictate how long a car tracker will last, writes major vehicle telematics firm Cartrack.
Chief of which is the build quality of the device. Vehicle tracking companies offer different tracking units that vary in quality, and the quality of the device plays a huge role in how long it lasts. “Of course, you could find a cheaper, off-brand device that promises to do the job, but the truth is that cheaper car tracking units often don’t have the durability needed for long-term use,” said Cartrack.
“Over time, they can begin to show signs of wear and tear, and you might find yourself needing to replace them sooner than expected.”
The second element impacting the health of the tracker is the frequency of vehicle use.
Just like any electronic gadget, the frequency with which the vehicle is driven can affect the lifespan of the tracking unit.
If a car or fleet of vehicles is on the road day in and day out, consistently being tracked, the device will naturally face more wear and tear and need to be replaced sooner. The third component is the installation and maintenance of the device; if it’s installed correctly by a professional technician, it is much more likely to serve you well for a long time.
Finally, emerging technologies have a big impact on the continued effectiveness of a vehicle tracker. “Technology is always changing, and while the physical tracking unit may last for several years, it is staying current with new technological advancements that will keep it relevant,” said Cartrack. “This is particularly crucial as the tracking industry evolves, introducing new features and innovations.” A vehicle tracker should be seen as more of an investment than a grudge purchase, as it can mean the difference between finding your car and bringing thieves to justice, and never seeing your prized possession again. It’s thus advised not to go too affordable when shopping for one, and to ensure that the one you have continues working without a hitch.
