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How to Find a Tracker on Your Car?

How to Find a Tracker on Your Car?

POSTED November 6, 2025
BY Matt Aubin

Matt is both the company founder and a nationally renowned private investigator. Matt is an intelligence specialist who excels in detecting and preventing the illegal interception of communications and in providing high-tech covert surveillance. Matt has years of hands on experience in the investigation industry and has developed a reputation for incorporating state of the art technology and innovative ideas to provide effective solutions for his clients. Matt also serves as Treasurer for the Executive Board of Directors of FALI, The Florida Association of Licensed Investigators.

Wondering how to find a tracker on your car? Start by checking under bumpers, wheel wells, and the dashboard for small devices with magnets or wires. Look for unusual battery drain or new wiring that doesn’t belong. For a complete inspection, contact Southern Recon Agency, Florida’s trusted expert in GPS tracker detection and TSCM vehicle sweeps.

Highlights

  • GPS trackers are small, affordable, and easy to hide, making unauthorized tracking more common than ever.
  • Common hiding spots include undercarriages, wheel wells, bumpers, dashboards, and OBD-II ports.
  • Warning signs include fast battery drain, unusual wiring, or strange vehicles following you.
  • A professional TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures) vehicle sweep is the most accurate way to detect hidden GPS devices.

Suspect Someone Is Tracking You?

Top view of paper cut car and location mark on beige background

If you’ve ever felt like someone knows where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s not just paranoia. Modern GPS trackers are smaller, more affordable, and easier to conceal than ever before. These devices can be planted on a car in seconds and transmit your exact location in real time.

Our licensed investigators specialize in finding and removing covert tracking devices. This guide explains how to find a tracker on your car, what warning signs to look for, and when to contact a professional for a thorough inspection.

Why Someone Might Track Your Vehicle

Understanding why someone would install a tracker helps you determine the level of threat.

Common reasons include:

  • Relationship surveillance: A partner or ex monitoring your movements.
  • Corporate espionage: Competitors collecting data or tracking deliveries.
  • Harassment or stalking: Individuals using GPS to intimidate or monitor.
  • Legal or financial disputes: Someone trying to locate assets or personal information.

While tracking another person without consent is illegal in Florida, unauthorized GPS use continues to rise. Awareness and swift action are key to protecting your safety.

Common Types of Vehicle Trackers

Not all trackers look the same. Some transmit signals in real time, while others store data for later retrieval.

Magnetic GPS Trackers

These compact devices can be magnetically attached under your vehicle, often behind bumpers or wheel wells. They’re popular for their quick placement and ease of concealment.

Hardwired Trackers

Installed directly into your vehicle’s electrical system, usually under dashboards or panels. They draw power continuously and can operate indefinitely.

OBD Trackers

Plugged into your car’s OBD-II diagnostic port, these trackers are disguised as maintenance or insurance devices but transmit constant location data.

Bluetooth or Cellular Devices

Some advanced trackers rely on Bluetooth or mobile data networks to transmit information, making them harder to locate without specialized tools.

Signs Someone Might Be Tracking Your Car

Trackers are designed to go unnoticed, but a few clues can raise suspicion.

Unusual Battery Drain

If your car battery starts draining faster than normal, it could be due to a device drawing constant power from your electrical system.

Electrical Interference

Static on your radio, malfunctioning dashboard lights, or flickering electronics can indicate unauthorized wiring or a transmitting device.

Strange Vehicles Following You

If you notice the same car appearing during multiple trips, it may be part of a monitoring effort using GPS data or direct tailing.

Suspicious Noises or Panels

New rattles, loose screws, or recently disturbed interior panels could hide a device installed during maintenance or valet service.

How to Find a Tracker on Your Car

Driver using Navigation App

Even without professional tools, you can conduct a preliminary inspection to locate visible or magnetic tracking devices.

Step 1 – Perform a Visual Check

Inspect all exterior surfaces:

  • Under bumpers and wheel wells
  • Around the spare tire compartment
  • Along the undercarriage and exhaust system
  • Inside the front grille or license plate area

Look for small, box-shaped devices (often black or gray) with magnets or antennas.

Step 2 – Search Inside the Cabin

Move systematically through the interior:

  • Beneath and behind seats
  • Inside glove compartments or consoles
  • Under dashboard panels
  • Around your OBD-II port under the steering wheel

Trackers may also be placed under floor mats or inside cargo compartments.

Step 3 – Use a Bug or RF Detector

An RF (radio frequency) detector can help identify active trackers emitting signals. Slowly move the device along the car’s exterior and interior, noting any spikes in activity.

Step 4 – Look for New Wiring

Inspect the battery area, fuse box, and lights for unfamiliar wires or taped connections. A hardwired tracker will need power to function.

Step 5 – Contact a Professional Investigator

Some trackers remain dormant until remotely activated, making them invisible to consumer tools. A professional sweep ensures complete coverage and verification.

Professional Tracker Detection by Southern Recon Agency

Hand Pointing At Location Pin On Abstract Digital App

When privacy is at stake, you need experts who know how to find even the most advanced devices.

We provide professional vehicle GPS tracker detection and removal services across Florida. Our investigators use Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) to locate, identify, and remove hidden devices quickly and discreetly.

Our detection process includes:

  • RF spectrum analysis for active signal detection
  • Magnetic and thermal imaging sweeps
  • Non-linear junction detection for dormant devices
  • Full physical inspection of interior and exterior components

We assist:

Every sweep is performed confidentially and professionally, with detailed findings and recommendations provided afterward.

What to Do If You Find a Tracker

If you locate a suspected tracking device, handle the situation carefully.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Do not remove the device immediately. It could contain evidence or be tamper-sensitive.
  2. Take clear photos of the device and where it’s attached.
  3. Record the date, time, and any visible markings or serial numbers.
  4. Contact Southern Recon Agency or local law enforcement for guidance.

Our investigators can safely remove and document the device for further analysis, helping identify who placed it and when.

Preventing Future Tracking

After your car is cleared, a few smart habits can help reduce future risks.

Prevention tips:

  • Park in garages or secured areas when possible.
  • Regularly inspect your vehicle, especially after servicing.
  • Avoid lending your car to anyone you don’t fully trust.
  • Schedule professional sweeps if you’re involved in sensitive business or legal matters.

Being proactive about your security is the best defense.

FAQ

Where are GPS trackers most commonly hidden on cars?

Trackers are often placed under the car, behind bumpers, inside wheel wells, or plugged into the OBD-II port beneath the steering wheel.

Can I find a GPS tracker without special tools?

Yes, with a detailed visual inspection you can often spot magnetic or plug-in devices. However, professional sweeps use tools that detect hidden or inactive devices.

Is it legal for someone to track my vehicle without permission?

No. Unauthorized vehicle tracking is illegal under both Florida and federal laws. Only law enforcement or the vehicle owner can legally install tracking devices.

Can GPS trackers still work if my car is parked indoors?

Yes. Some trackers store data offline and upload it later when they regain signal. Others use cellular or Bluetooth connections that can transmit indoors.

How long does a professional vehicle sweep take?

A full vehicle inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on size and accessibility, followed by a confidential report.

Schedule a Professional Vehicle Sweep Today

If you suspect your car is being tracked, take action now. A discreet inspection from Southern Recon Agency can uncover any hidden devices and restore your sense of security.

Your privacy and safety matter. Schedule a professional vehicle sweep today with us and ensure you’re the only one in control of where you go.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
Mark A., Tampa, FL | Attorney, 16 years

I have worked with Southern Recon on several investigations. He is an excellent investigator who always gets the job done no matter how complex or dangerous the situation. His fees are very reasonable and he usually puts in more hours than he gets paid for in order to make sure he does a professional job. I highly recommend Southern Recon Agency.

Tina G., Ontario, Canada

Matt provided me with superior service. He handled my investigation in a very professional manner and was always available for me 24/7. He helped solve my case and provided me with accurate evidence proving the suspicion of my husband’s infidelity. I highly recommend his services. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for his services!

Chris G., Tampa, Fl

I requested a background investigation on person that I was looking to conduct business with. I corresponded with the professionals at the Agency over email and the telephone. At no time, was I confused or concern about the process of this investigation. The process was thoroughly explained. Matt Aubin potentially saved me thousands of dollars by giving me an accurate understanding of who I was looking to do business with. Needless to say, I will not be conducting any business with this individual. I am extremely grateful for the work performed by Matt and the agency. It was worth every penny. The level of service provided exceeded my expectations.

Donnie C., Orlando, Fl

These folks are professional and will get results for you quickly. They are not the run of the mill grinding hours for billing people that often fill this profession. Thanks!