Before we delve into how car trackers work (the technical stuff!), we have a handful of articles that cover a range of topics related to car trackers, so to help you find the right one based on what you’re looking for, please review the below (or just ignore it if you’re here for the tech stuff!):
- Help choosing a car tracking company: Top 5 car tracker companies in South Africa
- Access to a free car tracking comparison service: Compare car tracker quotes online in under a minute
- More information about a leading car tracker brand (we covered Matrix): Everything you need to know about the Matrix car tracker
- A summary of the prices charged by the five major car tracker companies: Your Guide To Car Tracker Prices In South Africa
- An overview of the cost of car trackers that touches on installation prices: Car Tracker Price: What You Can Expect To Pay
- An overview of everything car-tracker related: The ultimate guide to car trackers in South Africa: Protecting your vehicle with the latest technology
- Help understanding what is and what is not legal when it comes to car trackers: Are Car Trackers Illegal in South Africa?
- A short article examining whether car trackers are worth it (spoiler alert: they are!): Securing your vehicle: Are car trackers worth it?
Definition of car trackers
A car tracker is a small electronic device that can be attached to a vehicle to track its whereabouts and gather important information about its performance. These devices use global positioning satellite (GPS) technology or cellular network connectivity to communicate with servers that store and analyse the data for use by customers who have subscribed to the tracking service.
Brief overview of how car trackers work
Car tracking systems work by using a combination of GPS technology or cellular network connectivity along with server-based software applications which analyse collected data sent from the tracker device itself. The tracker uses geostationary satellites orbiting Earth or cellular networks to calculate its position based on signals it receives from those sources.
Once this information is obtained, it is then transmitted wirelessly through various means to the tracking company’s servers. This can be via cellular networks, satellite networks, or other wireless communication platforms.
The server then processes this data and presents it in an easy-to-understand format for customers using the tracking service. Overall, car trackers provide a wide range of benefits to businesses and individuals alike.
They help improve safety and security for vehicles while also providing valuable insights into driving habits and fuel consumption. By using these devices, companies can make better-informed decisions about their logistics operations, while individuals can gain peace of mind knowing that their vehicle is always within reach.
Types of car trackers
When it comes to tracking your vehicle, there are three common types of car trackers available on the market: GPS trackers, cellular trackers, and radio frequency (RF) trackers. Each type has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your needs.
GPS trackers

GPS or Global Positioning System is a familiar term to most people. GPS technology is used for navigation purposes in phones and smartwatches. A GPS car tracker works by communicating with satellites orbiting the earth.
The device receives signals from multiple satellites at once and then triangulates its position based on those signals. This allows GPS devices to provide real-time location information with a high degree of accuracy.
GPS trackers are great for tracking vehicles over long distances or in remote areas where cellular coverage may be spotty or non-existent. They can also help you keep track of your vehicle’s movements in real-time which can come in handy if you’re trying to monitor a driver’s behaviour or locate a stolen vehicle.
Cellular trackers

Cellular trackers rely on cellular networks for communication between the tracker and user. This type of tracker sends data through the internet using a SIM card that’s installed inside the device. Because most vehicles nowadays have good cellular coverage wherever they go, this type of tracker is ideal when you need real-time location updates regularly.
One advantage of cellular-based systems is that they are not affected by satellite obstruction as sometimes occurs with GPS systems travelling through tunnels or under bridges. A disadvantage is that it doesn’t work well at all in low signal areas – something prevalent in rural locations without good 4G/5G coverage.
Radio frequency (RF) trackers

RF-based systems are different from other types because they work by emitting radio waves. These waves can travel through walls, making them ideal for indoor use such as with warehouses, car parks or other buildings where a vehicle may be kept.
RF trackers are also less prone to interference and signal loss compared to GPS or cellular-based systems. However, the range of RF systems is much shorter than the other types of car trackers.
They are limited in range with a maximum operating distance of only a few hundred meters (up to 300). This means that you’ll need to be within the designated range in order to receive updates on your vehicle’s location.
Each type of car tracker offers its own unique set of capabilities and drawbacks. Choosing the right one will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. GPS trackers work well when you need long-range tracking capabilities, while cellular-based systems are best suited for real-time updates over short distances.
RF trackers are ideal for indoor use where their signal can penetrate through walls. Ultimately, whichever type you choose, having a car tracker can provide peace of mind knowing that you have an extra layer of protection for your vehicle.
How GPS car trackers work

GPS technology explained
Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers use satellite technology to determine the location of a vehicle. GPS satellites orbit the earth and transmit signals that are received by GPS devices. These signals contain precise information about the satellite’s location, which allows the tracker to calculate its own position on earth.
A GPS tracker includes a small receiver and antenna that gathers data from several satellites to determine its location. The device uses trilateration, a mathematical process that measures distances between the tracker and multiple satellites to pinpoint its exact location.
How the tracker communicates with satellites
The GPS tracker sends a signal to at least four satellites in order to determine its position. Once it has collected data from these satellites, it uses trilateration calculations to pinpoint its exact location. The accuracy of this positioning can vary depending on factors such as atmospheric interference, building obstructions and other environmental factors.
GPS trackers typically need an unobstructed view of the sky in order to communicate with satellites effectively. This means that they may not work as well when located indoors or in areas with heavy tree cover or tall buildings.
How data is transmitted to user
Once a GPS car tracker has determined its exact location, it transmits this data via cellular or satellite networks so that users can monitor their vehicles remotely through specialized software or apps on their smartphones or computers. Some newer models of GPS car trackers also include features such as real-time tracking, geofencing (defining virtual perimeters around specific areas), speed monitoring and remote engine shut-off capabilities.
Overall, GPS car trackers are an effective way for individuals and businesses alike to keep track of their vehicles’ locations and improve safety measures while driving. However, they do have some limitations depending on factors such as environmental conditions and network coverage.
Cellular trackers: How they work

The power of cellular technology for car tracking
Cellular car trackers use the same technology that allows smartphones to connect to the internet. Instead of relying on satellites, they rely on cellular networks to transmit data.
This technology is incredibly useful because it allows for real-time tracking and reporting. Additionally, cellular trackers can provide much more detailed information than GPS-based trackers.
Communicating with cellular networks
Cellular car trackers communicate with cellular networks through a SIM card that is installed inside the device. The tracker sends data to the network, which then transmits the information to a server.
This server processes the data and makes it available for users to access through an online platform or mobile application. The network coverage determines how reliable and accurate a cellular car tracker will be.
In areas where there is low network coverage, there may be gaps in tracking information or slower data transmission speeds. However, in areas with strong network coverage, real-time tracking can occur with high levels of accuracy.
Transmitting data to the user
After a cellular car tracker sends data to a server over a cellular network connection, it needs a way to transmit that same information back to users who are monitoring their vehicle’s location using an online platform or mobile application. Some providers use push notifications in real-time while others offer frequent automated updates throughout periods of time every day or week like every 5 minutes, 10 minutes etc., depending on user preferences (for example, when vehicles are used for business purposes). Users can access this platform from any device connected to an internet connection such as desktops computers or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Overall, cellular car trackers provide highly accurate location data by leveraging modern cell phone technology known as ‘GPRS’ (General Packet Radio Service) which relies on radio towers for communication rather than satellites like GPS does. The benefit is increased accuracy, real-time monitoring and a wider range of useful information being available to users.
The inner workings of RF car trackers

RF technology explained
Radio Frequency (RF) technology is a type of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit information. In the case of car trackers, the RF tracker emits a signal at a specific frequency, which is then picked up by receivers situated in specific locations. These receivers are typically set up at various points throughout an area, enabling them to detect the signal emitted by the tracker.
The frequency used by RF trackers typically ranges from 300 MHz to 5 GHz, depending on the device’s manufacturer and intended use. The higher frequencies allow for more precise tracking and location data, while lower-frequency devices can cover wider areas but with less precision.
How the tracker communicates with radio frequencies
To communicate with radio frequencies, an RF car tracker consists of two components: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends out signals at regular intervals that are picked up by receiver antennas set up in different locations.
The location data is then sent back to a central server or computer system for processing. The positioning and number of receiver antennas determine how accurately the tracker can locate itself within an area.
Typically, the more antennas there are, and closer together they are positioned; the more precise the location data will be. This is because as soon as the antenna picks up on one signal it will be able to triangulate where it came from and thus give you accurate information about where your vehicle is located.
How data is transmitted to user
RF trackers have significant advantages over GPS-based tracking systems when it comes to data transmission. One significant advantage is that they do not rely on satellite signals or cellular networks to transmit their data; instead, they transmit directly using radio waves.
This feature makes them particularly useful in remote areas or places where GPS signals may not be readily available. However, the transmission range of RF trackers is typically limited to a few miles only, which means that you may lose contact with your vehicle if it’s out of range.
The data transmitted by RF trackers can be viewed through a dedicated app or web-based platform, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. Generally, this data includes location coordinates, speed, and distance travelled over specific periods.
RF technology has been around for decades but has found new applications in recent years thanks to improvements in miniaturization and wireless communication. RF car trackers are ideal for businesses that need to track a large fleet of vehicles or individuals who want an affordable and reliable way to keep tabs on their car’s whereabouts.
While they may not have the same precision as GPS-based tracking systems, they do offer several benefits such as lower costs, broader coverage areas, and no reliance on external networks. The future looks bright for RF technology in general and car tracking specifically as manufacturers continue to work on improving accuracy and range while reducing costs further.
And, that’s that!
Before using a car tracker, it’s important to carefully research different types of trackers and read reviews from other users. Consider the features that are most important to you and weigh the costs versus benefits before making a final decision.
In this article, we’ve looked at how different types of car trackers work – GPS, cellular, and RF – as well as their benefits and drawbacks. GPS car trackers receive signals from satellites to determine a vehicle’s location. If you’re interested in getting a car tracker or want to check out if you could save by switching, please use the free car tracker comparison service Track My Stuff via our affiliate link – it helps us keep this site up and serving top-notch safety and security-related articles.