How to Choose a Car-Tracking System

While a tracking system doesn't keep your car from being stolen, it can help you recover it quickly - and perhaps in one piece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• GPS Car-tracking Systems
• Car Alarms
• Car-tracking Systems

1. Learn as much as you can about different systems. Research them on the Internet, call the companies and ask for literature, and talk to police about the pros and cons of each type.
2. Make sure the system monitors your car at all times. Some require that you report the vehicle stolen before the system is activated. What if your car is stolen while you're out of town on business or on vacation?
3. Find out how much monthly service costs. Monthly charges, in addition to the cost of the system itself, can add up.
4. Check the range on the system. If your car is stolen in California, will you be able to track it if it's driven to Montana?
5. Consider a global positioning system (GPS) tracker. This uses the global satellite net to keep track of your car (down to within a few feet). It also can offer the added bonus of on-board navigation, though this will cost you.
6. Look into an alarm and tracker combination. Some systems can be set up to alert the monitoring company when your alarm is set off. Some can even tell the monitors which area of the car has been tampered with. This system can also disable the vehicle's starter.
7. Put a lot of thought into your theft-prevention system as well as your recovery system. It's easier - and cheaper - to keep a thief out of your car than it is to track him down once he's made off with it.

Tips & Warnings

• Other services offered by some vehicle recovery companies include remote door locking and unlocking, roadside assistance, directions and navigation, and phone-based operations.
• Some tracking systems only operate in limited areas. Make sure yours offers national, not just regional protection.