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How to track a vehicle's location with GPS
Monitor your vehicle's exact location anytime, anywhere
Recover stolen vehicles and protect valuable assets
Optimize routes, reduce fuel costs and improve fleet tracking systems
What is GPS vehicle tracking and why is it important?
GPS vehicle tracking uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to show a vehicle’s precise location in real-time. A GPS tracking device inside the car captures details like location, speed and direction. It sends the data through cellular networks to a central platform.
Business owners can view and manage fleet operations through a dashboard or mobile app. This makes it simple to learn how to track a vehicle in real-time, even in areas with crowded parking or weak signal strength.
Why is it important?
GPS vehicle tracking plays a crucial role in efficient fleet management services. It gives complete visibility of every vehicle, helping businesses stay organized, make quick decisions and remain in control.
With real-time updates, insurance companies can assess driver behavior and offer lower insurance premiums for fleets following safer driving habits. This technology also supports value-added services like dash cam integration for an added layer of security.
How does GPS Vehicle tracking work?
- GPS satellites send signals from satellites orbiting the Earth to the tracking device.
- The device calculates its exact location based on these signals.
- It then transmits the data to a cloud-based platform using cellular network signal strength.
- Fleet managers can access this data in real-time through software or a mobile app.
Benefits of real-time vehicle tracking
Track real-time locations
See your vehicles live on Google Maps and always know their precise location for peace of mind.
Review journey history
Access detailed information about past trips, including routes taken, to analyze performance and improve planning.
Monitor driver behavior
Identify bad driving habits like speeding or harsh braking and send speed alerts for immediate corrections.
Generate detailed reports
Get reports on vehicle diagnostics, fuel use and power source status to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Organize fleet groups
Group vehicles by vehicle model or vehicle condition for efficient tracking.
Track mileage
Keep a clear record of private and business mileage for tax reporting and compliance purposes.
Optimize fuel consumption
Cut wasted mileage, reduce fuel costs and encourage efficient driving practices, boosting overall savings.
How to choose the right vehicle tracking system
Self-install
Attach a plug-in vehicle tracker to your car without professional help, saving you time and money.
We offer two easy-install options:
1. Battery connection – Simple tracking by connecting directly to the vehicle’s battery.
2. OBD port connection – Achieves a CAN connection for more data. This additional option tracks the vehicle’s location with GPS and collects driving data.
Hardwired
Professional installation is Ideal for complex fleets needing additional features, like asset tracking or vehicle location tracking. However, it may come with an additional installation cost beyond the tracker.
We offer hardwired devices that provide deeper insights than self-install options, including:
1. Tachograph data – Monitor driving hours and vehicle activity.
2. Driver ID setup – Identify who’s driving each vehicle for better accountability.
Features of our vehicle tracking software
Live map
Trip history
Geofencing
Instant alerts
Detailed reporting
Live map
See the precise location of your vehicles in real time to improve safety, security and daily decision-making.
Trip history
Replay journeys, review driving patterns and analyze routes to improve efficiency. Download footage for a closer evaluation when needed.
Geofencing
Set virtual boundaries around key areas like charging stations or customer sites and track vehicle movement.
Instant alerts
Get push notifications for geofence breaches, unauthorized use or EV charging events.
Detailed reporting
Access tailored reports on battery usage, charging patterns and route efficiency for better planning.
Live map
Live map
See the precise location of your vehicles in real time to improve safety, security and daily decision-making.
Trip history
Geofencing
Instant alerts
Detailed reporting
Tracking solutions for different vehicle types
If you have a mixed fleet of different types of vehicles, our tracking device range has you covered.
Vans
Track your van fleet in real time, avoid traffic and find the fastest routes for on-time deliveries. Get simple reports on vehicle use to help cut costs and improve efficiency.
Trucks
Track your truck fleet operations to boost long-haul efficiency, improve safety and follow regulations. Monitor driving hours, rest breaks and vehicle performance to meet safety rules and carry more cargo efficiently.
Cars
Use trackers for cars to plan better routes and save fuel. Get updates on vehicle health to fix issues early and avoid downtime.
Electric vehicles
Track your EV fleet to plan routes around charging stations and manage battery conditions smartly. Our system helps you avoid running low on battery and keeps your vehicles on the road.
Tractors
Track your tractor units in real time to reduce fuel costs, avoid delays and stay compliant. Monitor driving behavior and vehicle diagnostics and prevent unplanned downtime with proactive maintenance tools.
Taxis
Track your taxi fleet to reduce idle time, improve response rates and increase safety for passengers and drivers. Gain insights into trip history, route efficiency and real-time vehicle location.
Is GPS vehicle tracking right for your business?
GPS vehicle tracking devices help businesses save money, work faster and keep drivers safe. Real-time updates help plan better routes, lower fuel costs and track driver behavior like speeding or harsh braking. This helps prevent accidents and lowers extra overtime.
Telematics devices also help companies match fleet size to actual demand. This can shrink fleet size by 15-30%, leading to significant cost savings (McKinsey, 2017).
The system supports all vehicle types, including cars, vans, trucks and EVs. Choose simple plug-and-play trackers or advanced devices that monitor fuel use, engine health and maintenance needs. Custom reports and digital tools make managing fleets easier and help improve customer service.
Boost your fleet management strategy with Kinesis
Kinesis goes beyond real-time tracking—it transforms how you manage your entire fleet. Here’s how it elevates your operations:
- Unified dashboard: View all your fleet data in one place for easy management.
- Tailored insights: Focus on the metrics that matter most to your business.
- Predictive analytics: Use AI-driven insights to plan maintenance, optimize routes and forecast fuel use.
- Seamless integration: Connect Kinesis with your fleet management services for a smooth workflow.
- Scalable solution: Whether you manage 5 or 500 vehicles, Kinesis grows with your business.
- Mobile access: Monitor your fleet from anywhere using our mobile app.
- Continuous innovation: Enjoy regular updates and new features to keep your fleet running at its best.
With Radius' Kinesis platform, you’re not just tracking vehicles—you’re streamlining operations and driving your business forward.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find an answer to your question? Talk to the Radius customer support team at 888-278-9781. We’re here to help you with any questions or concerns.
How to trace the location of a vehicle?
Do GPS trackers need an internet connection?
How accurate is GPS vehicle tracking?
Can GPS trackers drain my car's battery?
Partnership
Why choose Radius?
For over 34 years, Radius has helped over 400,000 businesses track vehicle locations and scale effectively. Our trusted telematics systems show you the exact location of your fleet, giving you an extra layer of visibility.
