There are two main ways to fit a GPS tracker to a car: plug it into the OBD port, or have it wired in. Here is an honest look at both, so you can pick what suits you.
Key takeaways
- An OBD tracker plugs into the diagnostic socket under your dashboard. No wiring, fitted in minutes.
- A hardwired tracker connects to the car's wiring and is usually fitted by an installer.
- If your insurer asks for a specific approved tracker, follow exactly what they ask for.
- An OBD tracker can be found and unplugged, so tuck it away and use alerts.
First, what is an OBD port?
OBD stands for on-board diagnostics. It is a small socket that garages plug into to read fault codes. On most cars it sits under the dashboard, often near the steering column or behind a small panel.
Most modern cars have one. If you can't spot it, your handbook will show you where it is.
How an OBD tracker works
An OBD tracker plugs straight into that socket. It takes power from the car, so there is nothing to charge, and there are no wires to cut or join. Most people can fit one themselves in a few minutes.
Drift is an OBD plug-in tracker. You plug it in, then the Drift web app at live.driftgps.app walks you through the rest in your phone's browser. Most people are set up in about ten minutes.
How a hardwired tracker works
A hardwired tracker connects to the car's electrical wiring and is usually tucked deeper behind panels. It is normally fitted by an installer, which means booking an appointment and leaving the car with them for a while.
Side by side
| Feature | OBD plug-in | Hardwired |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting | Do it yourself, in minutes | Usually an installer |
| Changes to the car | None, it just plugs in | Connected to the car's wiring |
| Moving to another car | Unplug and move it | Needs removing and refitting |
| How hidden it is | Under the dash, out of casual sight | Can be hidden deeper in the car |
| Upfront cost | Usually lower | Usually higher, as fitting is included |
An OBD tracker suits you if
- You want to fit it yourself, today, without booking anyone.
- Your car is leased, financed or a company car and you would rather not touch its wiring.
- You might change cars, or want to move the tracker between cars.
- You want a live map, journey history and alerts without a big upfront bill.
A hardwired tracker suits you if
- Your insurer has asked for a specific approved tracker. If so, follow exactly what they ask for.
- You want the unit hidden as deeply as possible and don't mind paying for fitting.
The honest downsides of OBD
Because the OBD port is easy to reach, a thief who knows to look there could find and unplug the tracker. With Drift, if you arm Guardian when you park and the tracker stops sending data, you get an urgent alert, so you hear about it sooner.
Before you buy, check
- Where your OBD port is, and that there is room for the tracker.
- Whether the price includes the SIM and mobile data.
- Whether there is a minimum contract or you can cancel anytime. Our guide on tracking your car without a long contract covers what to look for.
- What the app actually does: live map, journeys, movement alerts and sharing.
Whichever you choose, a tracker works best alongside other security. See how to stop keyless car theft for the basics police recommend.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional to fit an OBD tracker?
No. An OBD tracker plugs into the diagnostic socket under your dashboard, so there is no wiring involved. If your port is in an awkward spot, ask a trusted fitter rather than forcing it.
Can a thief unplug an OBD tracker?
Yes, if they find it. Tuck it out of casual sight, and with Drift, arm Guardian when you park so you get an urgent alert if the tracker stops sending data.
Does an OBD tracker drain the car battery?
It draws a small amount of power from the car. For a car you drive regularly this isn't usually a concern, but if the car sits unused for weeks, keep an eye on the battery.
Can I move an OBD tracker to another car?
Yes. Unplug it and plug it into the other car's OBD port. With Drift you can also add several cars to one account, each with its own tracker.
Drift
Know where your car is
Drift is a small plug-in tracker and web app that shows your car on a live map and alerts you if it moves when it shouldn't. It can't promise to get a car back, but it helps you and the police know where it is.
See how Drift works