Myths and Misconceptions about Vehicle GPS Tracking

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding GPS trackers

Because of this, many individuals and businesses hesitate to adopt GPS tracking, missing out on its many advantages.

Debunking these myths will give you a clearer, more informed view of what GPS trackers can really do—and why they are essential for security, efficiency, and cost savings.

Here are the five most dangerous myths about GPS tracking that you need to ignore.

1. If You Trust Your Employees, You Don't Need GPS Trackers

Trust is important in any business, but GPS tracking isn’t about distrust—it’s about optimisation, security, and cost savings. 

GPS trackers do far more than just show where your employees are; they provide critical data that helps businesses improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses.

How GPS Tracking Benefits Businesses?

  • Route Optimisation: GPS tracking helps fleet managers ensure that drivers take the most efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and delivery times.
  • Fuel Savings: By monitoring factors like excessive idling and unnecessary detours, businesses can significantly cut fuel costs and reduce vehicle wear and tear.
  • Driver Behaviour Monitoring: GPS data provides insights into driving habits, such as speeding or harsh braking, allowing companies to coach drivers for safety and efficiency.
  • Preventing Time Theft: Employees using company vehicles for personal errands or making unauthorised stops can be identified and addressed.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

One of the biggest concerns with GPS tracking is employee privacy

However, modern GPS trackers have controlled access, meaning only authorised personnel can see tracking data. 

Businesses should communicate openly with employees about why GPS tracking is being used, ensuring transparency and addressing any concerns.

GPS tracking is not about micromanaging employees—it’s about reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and keeping company vehicles secure.

Employers use a GPS Tracker to monitor vehicles

2. GPS Tracking Systems are Complicated to Install and Use

Many people assume that installing a GPS tracker requires technical expertise, but that’s simply not true. 

Today’s GPS trackers are designed for plug-and-play installation, meaning you can set them up in just minutes.

For example, a Solid GPS tracker is one of the easiest to install:

  1. Charge it up.
  2. Turn it on.
  3. Hide it inside your vehicle.

That’s it—no wiring is required.

Different Types of GPS Trackers & Their Installation

  • OBD Trackers: Plug directly into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, providing real-time data on fuel consumption, diagnostics, and driving habits.
  • Wired Trackers: Require a connection to the vehicle’s power source but provide continuous data.
  • Wireless Trackers: Battery-powered and easy to hide, making them ideal for anti-theft protection.
  • Bluetooth Trackers: Best for small objects like keys or wallets but have a limited range.
  • Satellite Trackers: Work in remote areas without cell service but tend to be more expensive.

Modern GPS trackers are user-friendly and require little to no installation effort, making them accessible to both businesses and individuals.

How the Solid GPS tracker works

3. You Don't Need a GPS Tracker When You Have a Phone

Smartphones come with built-in GPS, so why invest in a dedicated GPS tracker? 

The truth is, mobile GPS apps are not a reliable alternative to real GPS tracking devices.

Why Are GPS Trackers Better Than Phones?

  • Dedicated Tracking: GPS trackers are designed specifically for vehicle tracking, whereas phones are optimised for user navigation.
  • More Reliable Signals: Mobile tracking apps rely on cell towers and internet connections, which can be weak or unavailable in remote areas. GPS trackers use satellite signals, offering uninterrupted coverage.
  • Secure & Tamper-Proof: Phones can be turned off, have location services disabled, or be left behind. A GPS tracker stays with the vehicle at all times, reducing the risk of tampering
  • Better Battery Life: GPS trackers often last weeks or even months on a single charge, while a phone’s battery drains much faster when using GPS.

Phones are for people, and GPS trackers are for vehicles—if you want reliable vehicle tracking, a dedicated GPS tracker is the best option.

GPS Trackers VS GPS Apps

4. GPS Trackers Are Prone to Hacking and Cybersecurity Risks

A common fear is that GPS trackers can be hacked, allowing criminals to take control of a vehicle. 

However, this is a complete myth—GPS trackers do not connect to a vehicle’s internal systems and cannot be used to hack or control a car.

How GPS Trackers Ensure Security?

  • Standalone Systems: GPS trackers operate independently and do not integrate with the vehicle’s onboard computer, making them safe from cyberattacks.
  • Encrypted Data: Many modern GPS trackers use encrypted communication, preventing unauthorised access to tracking data.
  • Limited Access: Unlike mobile apps, GPS tracking systems have restricted access, ensuring that only authorised users can see location data.

GPS trackers are secure and do not pose hacking risks—they are tracking devices, not control systems.

5 Subtypes of GPS trackers

5. GPS Trackers Are Too Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

Some businesses hesitate to adopt GPS tracking because they believe the cost is too high. 

However, not using GPS tracking can actually cost businesses more in the long run due to inefficiencies and higher operating expenses.

Why GPS Tracking Saves Money?

  • Fuel Efficiency: Monitoring driving behaviour and optimising routes can reduce fuel costs by 10-20%, leading to substantial savings.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Identifying inefficient driving habits (like harsh braking and excessive idling) reduces vehicle wear and tear, extending vehicle lifespan.
  • Theft Prevention & Recovery: A stolen vehicle can cost thousands in losses, but a hidden GPS tracker increases the chances of quick recovery.
  • Reduced Overtime & Payroll Costs: Tracking vehicle usage helps businesses identify unnecessary overtime and eliminate time theft.
Benefits of installing a Solid GPS tracker

Conclusion

Many misconceptions about GPS tracking stem from outdated information or unreliable sources. 

In reality, a high-quality GPS tracker is one of the smartest investments for both individuals and businesses, offering security, convenience, and cost savings. 

With Solid GPS, you get easy installation, long battery life, and reliable tracking—all at an affordable price.

Still have questions? Explore our FAQ section below to learn more about how GPS tracking can protect your vehicle and give you peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Solid GPS Tracker
  • SIM Card
  • Unlimited SIM Card Data Plan
  • Solid GPS Sticker
  • Charging Cord
  • Instruction Manual
  • 31-Day Free Trial
  • 12-Month Warranty

All you need to do is download the Solid GPS app from the Google Play Store (Android 4.4+) or the App Store (iOS 13+).

You can also track your vehicle on any device connected to our website, from your tablet to your computer.

Yes, you can cancel your subscription during your 31-day free tracking period, and you won’t be charged anything.

You can easily cancel your subscription in your account settings or by contacting us via email or phone.

We guarantee that Solid GPS works in Australia and New Zealand, and we also support payments in each currency.

Yes, you can. All you need to do is connect your Solid GPS tracker to your vehicle through a standard USB port.

The battery in your tracker is rechargeable, so there’s no need to replace it.

You’ll also receive reminders to your phone and email when your tracker’s battery is low, at 30%.

Since the tracker is recharged infrequently (every 3, 6, or 12 months), it will last longer than most electronic devices, with the battery beginning to deteriorate after 500 recharges.

Your tracker is designed to be tucked away inside your vehicle, hidden, and away from any harsh elements.

However, if you’re concerned that it might come in contact with dust or water, we suggest putting it in a sealed container or a ziploc bag to give it some extra protection.

Yes, and it’s super easy to keep track of all your trackers – you can add as many as you want to your account.

To make sure each one is easy to identify, you can give each of them a unique name and colour.

This can be done quickly by heading over to the account settings section on the Solid GPS app or website.

The tracker does not make any noise and it ONLY emits light while being recharged.

Your Solid GPS tracking device uses the full Telstra & Vodafone network in Australia and Spark & Vodafone network in New Zealand, whichever has the strongest signal at that point in time.

If your tracker enters an area with no mobile coverage, don’t worry! It will save the locations your vehicle travels to and will upload where it went when your vehicle is back in an area with coverage.

The subscription covers the cost of the SIM card inside your tracker and the data it uses.

Instead of negotiating with telcos and finding the best SIM card and plan prices, we organise your SIM card for you, all for a flat competitive rate.

We’re able to achieve such a low-cost subscription because we have tens of thousands of SIM cards in our system, unlocking bulk discounts for you!

The subscription also covers the cost of the Solid GPS app, local customer support, & so much more.

We also don’t plan on and have never increased the price of our subscription.

As your vehicle moves, your tracker will update its location every 2 minutes and gradually increase the time between updates to every 10 minutes.

You can also turn on ‘Emergency Mode’ to lock the tracking intervals to every 2 minutes.

Additionally, you can set geofences/boundaries to receive alerts if your vehicle begins to move.

To see what the dashboard/app looks like, please create an account at solidgps.com/registration/, and you’ll be taken to our demo dashboard.

Yes, multiple people can download the same app and log in to the same account to view the same tracker.

You can also securely share your tracker with friends or family through our sharing feature.

For example, if you’re going on a trip, share your private tracking link with others, and they can see where you are without being able to change any settings. You can cancel this link at any time too.

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Standard Tracker

Standard Solid GPS Tracker in a box
$157AUD
  • Average 3-Month Battery Life
  • USB Rechargeable
  • 85mm*50mm*22mm
  • 31-Days Free Tracking
  • 4G SIM + Unlimited Data*
  • Free Standard Shipping

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Larger Solid GPS Tracker in a box
$197AUD

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  • Average 6-Month Battery Life
  • USB Rechargeable
  • 85mm*50mm*22mm
  • 31-Days Free Tracking!
  • 4G SIM + Unlimited Data*
  • Free Standard Shipping

MEGA Tracker

MEGA Solid GPS Tracker in a box
$247AUD

Best Value

  • Average 12-Month Battery Life
  • USB Rechargeable
  • 85mm*55mm*35mm
  • 31-Days Free Tracking
  • 4G SIM + Unlimited Data*
  • Free Standard Shipping
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