How GPS Offers Parents Peace of Mind When Their Kids Borrow the Car
Here at San Diego Car Stereo, we are best known for high-end car stereo systems and professional car audio installation. In fact, we are consistently recognized by customers as one of the best car audio retailers in the San Diego area. Not only do we have the largest stock and widest selection of car audio products, we also carry a wide array of car accessories and upgrades. One accessory that vehicle owners particularly enjoy – especially those with teenage drivers – is GPS.
What is GPS? How Does it Work with My Vehicle?
Chances are you’re already familiar with the concept of a global positioning system (GPS, for short). Using 31 global positioning system satellites developed and operated by the United States, this allows people to pinpoint their location using their phones or other GPS-enabled devices. This technology can be used to provide directions from your current location to a local shop, store, or gas station. It’s also used by Uber drivers to find your current location for pick up.
Much the same way that your smartphone is a GPS-enabled device, there are also GPS-enabled devices made specifically for vehicles. Both Garmin and TomTom make navigation devices that can be installed in your vehicle that are GPS-enabled. There are other products that have GPS tracking as their main feature, meaning drivers will be able to track their vehicle’s location right from their phone.
What Are the Main Benefits of GPS Tracking?
Let’s say, for example, that you loan your vehicle to your teenager because they want to see a movie with friends. With GPS tracking, you will be able to see on a map exactly where your car is going and how long it is there in real time. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t where it’s supposed to be, you can reach out to your teenage driver and find out what’s going on.
However, with the geofencing feature, you won’t have to keep your eyes locked on the map. Instead, you can set the area that the vehicle is allowed to be within (ex: the area between your home and the movie theater). In the event that the vehicle goes beyond that area, you’ll get a text letting you know the area has been breached. GPS users typically set up geofences around places their teen drivers frequently visit such as school, work, or the gym.
The cool thing about GPS tracking is that if a teenage driver knows that they’re being watched then they’re less likely to abuse their driving privileges. This not only applies to the location of the car, but also how it’s being driven along with the time of day. Many GPS tracking devices allow users to set driving curfews along with speeding alerts.
For example, if your teenage driver is not supposed to be using the car after 8:00 p.m. and they take it out at midnight, you will get a notification on your phone alerting you to this activity. Additionally, if you don’t want your teen driver going over a certain speed, you can set up those parameters as well. You won’t be able to remotely disable the car; however, you will be notified when the car breaches the speed limit. This system of checks and balances generally keeps teen drivers accountable, and therefore, more responsible in their driving habits.
But What if the Car is Stolen?
In the event that your car turns up missing, a GPS-enabled device is the perfect thing to have installed. Of course, you should never try to track down and reclaim the vehicle yourself in the case of a theft. If your car has a GPS-enabled device, you can get in touch with your local police department and allow them to track down the car for you. Having a GPS-enabled device can save you tons of time, money, and personal inconvenience.
Get GPS Tracking at San Diego Car Stereo
The beauty of GPS tracking is that it keeps teenage drivers accountable while affording vehicle owners peace of mind. It’s also a very affordable piece of technology to get installed in a vehicle. In fact, most high-end GPS units can be obtained for around $250. If you’re looking to add a layer of accountability to your teenage driver, the best way to get started is by visiting San Diego Car Stereo. We can show you all of the latest in GPS tracking devices that have all the features you need.
Additionally, we have car stereo systems, speakers, and accessories from all the nation’s top car audio brands. San Diego Car Stereo also performs professional car audio installation, which ensures your product performs exactly as it should.
The best way to get in touch with us is by stopping by our storefront location at 4220 Convoy St. in San Diego. You can also email us directly using our contact form or call us at (858) 569-0777 to speak with a member of our staff.