Nigeria has a high rate of vehicle theft, making it essential for car owners to invest in reliable security systems. While most vehicles already come equipped with alarms, the big question is, are they enough to protect your vehicle? At some point, you have asked yourself a question, should I invest on a traditional car alarm or a GPS tracking device to safeguard your vehicle?
In this blog, we will discuss these two key automotive security solutions, compare their effectiveness, and help you determine which system is better suited for your needs. You will also discover how Cartrack solutions can help safeguard you and your loved ones on the road.
In this article, you will:
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Know the key differences between car tracking devices and traditional alarms
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Understand the benefits of car tracking devices
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Learn why Cartrack Nigeria stands out as the best vehicle tracking partner
Car Tracking Devices vs Traditional Alarms: A Comparison
Car tracking devices and alarms aim to protect your vehicle, but they achieve this goal differently. The table below outlines each system’s key features, benefits, and drawbacks, providing a clear overview to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right security solution for your needs.
| Aspect |
Car Tracking Device |
Traditional Car Alarm |
| Primary Function |
Vehicle Location & Recovery |
Deterrent, Alerts of Intrusion |
| Effectiveness |
Highly effective for locating and recovering a stolen vehicle |
Primarily effective at deterring theft or alerting to attempted theft |
| Technology |
GPS, Cellular, Wi-Fi |
Sensors, Sirens, Motion Detectors |
| Features |
Real-time tracking, Geofencing, Speed alerts, Driver behaviour monitoring, Remote engine immobilisation |
Loud siren, Motion detection, Tilt sensors, Glass break sensors |
| Installation |
Often hidden and professionally installed |
Typically visible, usually professionally installed |
| False Alarm |
Less prone to false alarms |
More prone to false alarms (e.g., loud noises, animals) |
| Additional Benefits |
Valuable for fleet management, parental controls, emergency services and potential insurance discounts |
Limited beyond basic theft deterrence |
Key Differences Between Car Trackers and Alarm Systems
When it comes to car security, owners often consider both tracking devices and alarms. Even though they both offer car protection, they have different approaches to this. Let’s explore how different they really are by looking at their primary function, installation, technology, and limitations.
Key differences between traditional car alarms and tracking devices:
Primary function
Traditional car alarms
The main function of a traditional car alarm is to deter theft. If someone tries to steal your vehicle or break in to get your belongings, car alarm sensors will detect this, and sound will be emitted. In some cases, the vehicle’s headlights will also flash. These alerts are meant to notify people who are nearby and distract the criminal from continuing with this act.
This makes car alarms effective in theft situations.
Car tracking devices
The primary function of a car tracking device is to assist in recovering a stolen vehicle, by tracking its location through GPS technology.
Tracking devices do not prevent theft, making them ineffective in theft situations but highly effective post-theft.
Technology
Traditional car alarms
Traditional car alarms rely on sensors to detect unauthorised access or disturbances, triggering the alarm when activated. Below is a list of common sensors that an alarm system typically has:
- Tilt sensors: These are used to detect any change in the vehicle’s inclination to the ground. The alarm will be triggered if there is a sudden inclination of the car. This feature protects against unauthorised towing or jacking up of the car.
- Motion detection: If there is any movement happening near the car, this will trigger the alarm to go off. This can include even a slight touch of the vehicle.
- Glass break sensors: If someone is trying to break your window, for instance, and glass shatters, this will be detected, and the alarm will go off.
Car tracking devices
Trackers are equipped with advanced GPS technology. These devices use GPS receivers to communicate with satellites, pinpointing your car’s location in real-time. The location data is then transmitted through cellular networks (like 4G/LTE) to secure servers, allowing users to track their vehicles remotely. This could be done via apps or online platforms.
Installation
Traditional car alarms
The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) alarm systems are installed by the vehicle manufacturer during the manufacturing process. Aftermarket alarm systems are purchased separately and are usually installed by a qualified technician.
Car tracking devices
GPS trackers must be installed by a qualified technician to ensure they are installed correctly and discreetly.
It is not advisable to buy tracking devices at online marketplaces or off the shelf and attempt to DIY the installation. You are not only damaging your vehicle’s wiring and other important components, but you are also putting yourself in danger by purchasing from these non-reputable companies. These systems could easily be hacked, posing a risk to users.
Limitations
Traditional Car Alarms
These days criminals use sophisticated devices that can, unfortunately, easily disable car alarms. These systems are also more prone to giving false alerts, which negatively influences their reliability.
False alarms can be caused by the following:
- Overly sensitive sensors: If a vehicle’s sensors are overly sensitive, they can be triggered easily. This means that your vehicle’s alarm can go off even when a small animal like a bird rest on top of your car’s roof.
- Faulty key fob: A malfunctioning key fob or remote can send erratic signals to your car’s alarm system. Most key fobs have panic buttons, so if faulty, the panic button will most likely be activated randomly, causing the alarm to go off.
- Wiring problems: If you have an aftermarket alarm system and decided to install it yourself, there is a possibility that you messed up the wiring system. This is why it is not advisable to DIY. You need to get a qualified technician to do the installation, always.
- Low battery levels: A weak or dying battery could cause the car alarm to go off. If your vehicle’s battery is too old, ensure that you get it replaced to avoid this.
Car tracking devices:
Tracking devices are much harder for criminals to disable since they’re installed in discreet locations, making them difficult to find. This forces them to waste time looking for the device, giving authorities a crucial window to track the vehicle and recover it before it’s gone for good. These devices will not send false alerts due to their advanced GPS technology.
The True Benefits of GPS Car Trackers
Since traditional car systems were made for the primary function of theft deterrence, there aren’t many added benefits compared to GPS trackers. Car tracking systems have more added benefits, such as emergency assistance, fleet management capabilities, and parental control.
Let’s explore these added benefits below:
Emergency Assistance
This feature ensures that you and your loved ones get the necessary support when in an unfortunate situation on the road. Most tracking companies provide you with emergency assistance such as roadside or medical assistance. You will have peace of mind knowing that you are always protected.
Fleet management
Car tracking devices can assist fleet managers in running their day-to-day operations smoothly. This is how:
- Efficiency: Real-time tracking allows fleet managers to optimise routes, minimise idle time, and improve overall efficiency.
- Safety: They can help monitor driver behaviour and identify potential safety risks, such as speeding or harsh braking.
- Maintenance: Tracking data can be used to schedule vehicle maintenance and ensure timely servicing.
- Asset tracking: GPS trackers can be used to monitor the location and movement of valuable assets in your business.
Parental control
If you are a parent to a teenager who is new behind the wheel, you can ensure they are always protected on the road using GPS tracking systems. Geofencing allows parents to set up virtual boundaries and receive alerts if their child enters or exits specific areas. They will also be able to monitor their children’s behaviour on the road by analysing their harsh events and can offer necessary coaching.
Potential Insurance Discounts
Insurance companies tend to offer low insurance premiums to customers who have security systems in place, such as GPS trackers. This is because they know that, in case of theft, the high likelihood of vehicle recovery reduces the need for claim payouts.
Why Cartrack Stands Out as Your Vehicle Tracking Partner
From the above, it is clear that having a car tracking device is essential for your safety. However, it isn’t just about finding and installing the GPS tracker and calling it a day; you need to ensure that you get this device from a reputable company. Cartrack is such a company.
During the festive season (December 2024), we successfully recovered 1739 vehicles in South Africa. With a stolen recovery rate exceeding 90%, it’s no wonder we are the leading tracking company in Africa.
Cartrack offers the following features and solutions to help ensure that your vehicle is safe and more likely to be recovered if stolen:
- Advanced Fitment Technique
Our highly trained technicians are responsible for the installation of our tracking devices, ensuring that they are installed correctly and do not interfere with other important components in your vehicle.
- Air and on-the-ground recovery teams
If a vehicle theft occurrence is underway, our highly trained recovery team is immediately dispatched. This is usually carried out by both air and ground teams to ensure the fastest, safest, and most proficient tactical response.
- Cartrack Mobile App
Our tracking devices are integrated with the mobile app, allowing you full control of your vehicle and fleet. You will also be able to access our wide range of features at just a touch of a button.Our app allows you to:
- View your vehicle’s live location and past trips
- Activate Carwatch which alerts you if your vehicle moves once parked
- Activate Protector which provides Medical, Roadside, Legal, accommodation, and Car Hire Services
- Share your live location with your loved ones
- View the last position report, which indicates the last known position of the vehicle
- View driving reports to monitor driving behaviour and reduce fuel and maintenance costs
- Carwatch
Carwatch is a value-added service that we offer to our customers. Think of it as a virtual car guard; it watches over your car once you activate it. You will receive instant alerts if your vehicle moves without your knowledge, allowing you to take necessary action.
- Jamming detection
Cartrack offers signal-jamming detection as a value-added product feature. This is to ensure that if criminals use signal jammers to jam the tracking system’s cellular connection, we can still track your vehicle. We will switch to RF frequency, which allows us to continue communicating with the vehicle.
- Protector
The Cartrack Protector is a value-added service, available for an additional fee. At just a push of a button from the app or Cartrack website, you will have access to a range of services to make your travelling experience as comfortable as possible. A call centre agent will contact you immediately to assist with the following:
- Medical assistance
- Roadside assistance
- Legal assistance
- Accommodation and car hire services
- Geofence
You will be able to set up virtual boundaries in high-risk areas. This means that you will be notified instantly should your drivers or loved ones who are using your vehicle enter these zones. You can then call them to make a U-turn immediately.
- Panic Button
In case of an emergency, you can simply press a panic button, which will instantly send a silent alert to our 24/7 Cartrack control room. An operator will provide the necessary assistance.
- Strip Warning
In the event that your tracking unit is tampered with, which generally indicates that theft is in progress, our control room will receive an alert and contact you immediately to investigate.
- Power Event Notification
You will receive an alert should your vehicle battery be disconnected. This could indicate some form of tampering with your vehicle.
In conclusion, it is important to protect your vehicle, especially with the increasing theft and hijacking numbers in Nigeria. Ensure that your car is equipped with car alarms and GPS tracking devices for optimal security. Contact us today to find out about all our offerings and have peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions about alarms and tracking devices
Q: Is it possible to combine both a traditional alarm and a car tracking device?
A: Yes, many vehicle owners use both systems together for enhanced car security—alarms for theft deterrence and trackers for recovery.
Q: Can I transfer a car tracking device to a new vehicle?
A: Yes, you can transfer a tracking device from one vehicle to another. We will send a Cartrack technician to deinstall and reinstall the unit for a nominal fee. This is done at a time and place that is convenient for you. Simply contact us to make arrangements.
Q: Do car alarms or tracking devices drain the vehicle battery?
A: Both systems use minimal power and are unlikely to drain your battery under normal conditions.
Q: Can GPS tracking devices locate my car if it is stolen and taken to another country?
A: Our tracking units have international roaming, allowing tracking both locally and abroad. In areas with no GPRS/GSM coverage, the unit can store up to 5000 positions and events, such as ignition changes, every 3 km of travel, or deviations of 10 degrees or more. These data points are transmitted once GPRS/GSM communication is re-established.
