GPS Vehicle Tracking

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By Frank Hague

GPS monitors have a multitude of legitimate uses, but have also generated controversy as they further diminish privacy. Some customers of car rental companies have complained that their movements have been tracked without their consent by the installation of GPS vehicle tracking systems in rental vehicles. However, the positive uses of this technology have, at least so far, outweighed the negatives.

Fitness enthusiasts use GPS tracking devices to measure distances remaining in marathons, and back-country hikers use them to prevent themselves from getting lost (or to facilitate rescue if they already are). Police can enforce restraining orders and parole conditions by stopping criminals from stalking victims and being in neighborhoods (such as near playgrounds) where they are forbidden. Lost and stolen vehicles can be located with the touch of a button. Parents can use GPS vehicle tracking to check on teenagers’ driving habits to make sure these inexperienced drivers are not speeding or otherwise endangering themselves and their passengers. And GPS in-car navigation systems can guide drivers through unfamiliar terrain to their destination.

Information Loggers (Passive Tracking)

These basic systems are for companies or individuals who seeking a record of an asset’s or even person’s whereabouts during a given time period, without the ability or cost of real-time tracking. These are useful for fleet management.

GPS vehicle tracking eliminates moonlighting with company vehicles. It reduces accidents and lowers insurance premiums by promoting safe employee driving habits. GPS vehicle tracking creates reports of miles driven by each vehicle. Fleet management will reduce the company fuel bill and increase miles driven per gallon of fuel. Some GPS systems even have maintenance modules to inform the fleet manager when each vehicle is due for an oil change or tire rotation.

Real Time (Active Tracking)

This allows the user to watch the progress of the persons or assets travelling in real-time from their PC. This option is more expensive because of the costs of devices, programs and air-time charges for communication between the PC and the asset. It is used, for instance, by a taxi company to dispatch the closest available vehicle to a customer.

In Europe,some of the most popular in-car tracking systems are the Tom-Tom Navigator, Magellan Roadmate, Navman and Garvin. They range in price from five hundred to a thousand dollars, depending on what features are chosen by the user.

TomTom GO 300 offers the most easy-to use GPS system of travel planning throughout the UK. This award winning private navigation program is a portable, cable-less design that fits in any briefcase, handbag or even backpack. TomTom GO 300 is ideal for any car driver. It is easy to install, just plug in, switch on and drive away. There is no need for a PC link, in fact no technical knowledge is needed at all. It fits simply into the included car mounting kit, which is easily attached to the car dashboard or windshield. It is extremely easy to opertate: just turn it on and users can instantly access all the programs, maps and colour 3D navigation views, as well as voice-guided instructions in their chosen language. It has a touch screen interface to avoid fumbling with multiple buttons or extra devices while sitting in traffic. The touch screen is totally intuitive and the entire route can be planned with just a couple of screen taps.

The features of this user-friendly system along with its relatively low price (around 700 dollars) has made it a hit with consumers.

Others, such as the Magellan Roadmate, are slightly more difficult to use but also come with a database of maps and local attractions such as restaurants.

In North American, the most popular brands are Garmin and Magellan.

Selecting the Right GPS Unit for Your Needs: Handheld vs Dash-Mounted

When selecting between a handheld unit versus a dash-mounted unit for your vehicle, consider whether you may want to use it for any other purpose, such as boating or camping.

Pros and Cons of Dash-Mounted GPS Units

Advantages

Larger screens with better resolution which are simple to read at a glance even in poor lighting conditions

More sophisticated models have features such route recalculation if the driver diverges from the planned route

Larger buttons for ease of operation while driving

Unit is securely attached to your vehicle to thwart theft

Some units have voice instructions that communicate distance, street names, and direction of the next turn thus keeping the driver’s eyes on the road instead of on the screen

No batteries needed, runs off car battery

Address lookup capabilities

Some units have a individual address book to store locations for quick and simple search

Advanced mapping capabilities

Better reception outside the city

Boosts car resale value

Disadvantages

Difficult to remove from vehicle if you decide to use it elsewhere

Larger footprint in/on dashboard

Too large for use by bikers, kayakers or hikers.

More expensive

Hopefully this advice will help you find the best unit for your needs among all the different GPS vehicle tracking units available.

About the Author: Frank Hague does not have a GPS vehicle tracking device yet.
http://www.gps-vehicle-tracking.info

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Vehicle Inspection

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By Terje Ellingsen

A vehicle inspection should be done at least once a year and even if you’re a person who hates do it yourself auto repair, it is easy to go through this procedure and find out if some parts of your vehicle needs fixing. If necessary you can then decide whether you want to go to an auto repair shop or do the car repair yourself.

You should check your vehicles fuel system to find out if it functions properly. This inspection also includes the built in computer controls. You also have to check the general engine performance, ignition system – computer controls included, as well as all the instruments and gauges.

Then do a check of your vehicles lights the car horn and mirrors. Your seat belts also have to be checked – security inspection is crucial in any vehicle. You should also perform a car body evaluation which encompasses both the auto interior as well as exterior. Are there many scratches, cracks and other things that should be fixed? Even if it don’t impact your cars functions, a nice looking vehicle is much more comfortable to drive.

Your car’s steering and suspension system should undergo a careful inspection. This also includes your vehicles shocks, struts and CV boots where applicable. Your auto’s tires are some of the most exposed parts there are, so it is important to inspect them for smooth areas or nails etc. In the most extreme cases neglected tires can represent a severe accident risk. Remember to include checking the tire spare when you inspect your car’s tires.

Another potential accident creator is unbalanced or bad aligned wheels. Therefore check your auto’s wheel balance and alignment. If you have a front wheel drive vehicle, all four wheels on your vehicle should be checked for balance. Your motorcar’s windshield wipers and washers, air condition or heather system, de-froster as well as all fluids contained in you car.

The battery and electrical system also have to be checked and this should also include alternator output. Your vehicles braking system is a critical part of your auto’s safety system and should therefore be checked very carefully. A car braking system inspection always includes drums, rotors as well as electronic and hydraulic components. The components of your car’s cooling system should be inspected and in connection with this a pressure test should be included. And last but not least; don’t forget to check your vehicles emission control system and it’s components.

Whether you own a VW, Cadillac or BMW; if you follow this check-list or procedure of checking your vehicle from time to time you can save much money by detecting damages early enough to get it fixed while the damage is minimal. What this means for your auto safety is probably worth even more than the money you’ll save.

About the Author: Terje Brooks Ellingsen is an internet publisher. He runs the website http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like car repair, see http://www.cheap-used-cars.w.eland.com/auto_repair_help.htm and auto insurance, see http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com/cheap_car_insurance.htm.

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What Vehicle is Right For You?

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By Tom Tessin

When looking to purchase a car, you may not know what type you want. If this sounds like you, here’s a low down on a few of the car types on the market today.

Sedans

Sedans are obviously the most bought, and most of the time the cheapest option. Sedans are great for families, considering you buy one with high safety ratings such as the VOLVO brand. Sedans have greatly improved in safety over time, and more than ever now. Most sedans made by car manufacturers today have steel beams surrounding the entire car, not just on the sides! Also, most sedans get the BEST GAS MILEAGE! If you want to get the most for your buck, then the sedan will be right for you- but if you getting a V6 Ford Mustang, then that would be a different story!

Minivans

Minivans seem to be the typical “I’m a soccer mom” vehicle. Minivans have also improved in safety and they have lots of interior utility-as long as you’re not off roads. Most minivans are going “out of style” and models are starting to fade out, particularly because of the rise of the crossover which I will talk about later.

Minivans can be considered to be a bit more upscale than sedans but not necessarily. Minivans are pretty much just minibuses, but much more convenient and sometimes stylish!

Trucks

If you consider yourself to be butch and more tough than your next-door neighbor, then a truck will probably be right for you! Trucks are great for moving things no matter the condition. In the United States, Ford and Chevrolet have the biggest competition amongst truck sales. Trucks are wonderful off road and later models are becoming much stronger and more fuel efficient. If you like to have that aggressive body style while driving on the road, then you will love to have a truck. Once you get custom installments you will appear to be a fierce fighting machine!

Sport Utility Vehicles

SUV’s seem to be the new minivans. They look just like a minivan but they are raised higher and have a bigger front panel and engine. SUV’s are stylish and can be custom made to resemble today’s hip-hop and urban lifestyle. SUV’s are much more luxurious now from when they were first released with the Ford Explorer. If you’re a dad with a truck, but you are going to have a baby soon, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to trade your truck in for an SUV! Remember, most brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan, produce SUV’s that use the body style of their base truck! Just like the name, if you want utility that’s sportier than a minivan, then go for an SUV!

Crossovers

More and more crossover models are being developed every year. It all started when Nissan released the Nissan Murano. Once car companies saw how unique the body style was they began to make their own versions. If you compare the Mazda CX-7 and Nissan Murano, you will see the have many similarities!

Just like the name says, crossovers are pretty much a cross between an SUV and a car. It has a wideer back.

About the Author: Save up to 10% on gas with gas rebate credit cards all at FINDgascards, where you can find even more of Tom’s work.

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What is the Difference Between Vehicle Tracking and Vehicle Tracking Systems?

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By Kent Stabler

Many people have trouble interpreting the differences between the terms ‘vehicle tracking’ and ‘vehicle tracking systems’. It is important to differentiate between the two when looking to invest in personal tracking or tracking for a fleet for your company.

Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking is the method by which the police are alerted to an illegally moved vehicle and by which they can recover such a vehicle after a theft. Most new consumer vehicles are fitted with an immobiliser security system, which any vehicle tracking unit can then be integrated with. The vehicle tracking unit uses motion sensors to alert a control centre if the vehicle has moved without consent, in effect becoming part of the on-board security system and aiding recovery as the result of a breakdown or theft. This is the most basic type of vehicle tracking available and does not have the capability to indicate the status of the vehicle ie if the vehicle is off or is not working properly.

Vehicle Tracking Systems

Vehicle tracking systems however are a sophisticated means of keeping tabs on an entire fleet of commercial vehicles where data is collated by GPS tracking. Global Positioning Systems allow for regular updates to the manager of the fleet and can inform the company as to the status of the vehicle as often as every five minutes while the vehicle is away from its base. This means the company can tell how long the journey has taken and for how long the vehicle was stationary for and when and if the engine was turned off.

Used primarily as a source of monitoring business efficiency and productivity, having a vehicle tracking system means you can plan better routes for your fleet according to traffic and so decrease your fleets overall speed. This is possible since you will have the exact location of your vehicle in front of you and if you become aware of a problem in the road up ahead you can redirect the driver to another route so as to avoid any delays.

A GPS tracking system not only helps to keep your business up and running, it can also help to keep down the cost of fuel and wear on the vehicle. This allows for your business to save on operational costs as well as to make sure every driver is running to schedule.

A vehicle tracking system also means that once unauthorised movement of the vehicle is detected the immobiliser will keep the vehicle stationary allowing for faster recovery. Acting as a security asset as well as a cost effective means of keeping your business interests in check at all times, installing a vehicle tracking system can improve your business’ interests all round.

Since the rise in popularity of mobile phones over the last few years the technology used in the communication between satellite and the masts on the ground has grown so much as to decrease the cost of having a tracking system for your business dramatically.

Not only is having a vehicle tracking system a great way to save on overall costs for your business then but, depending on which system you choose, you can even customise your tracking needs to accommodate data for when the vehicle was turned off and even to monitor if the vehicle is being used outside of working hours.

About the Author: Kent Stabler – Marketing Manager – Chameleon Direct are suppliers of gps vehicle tracking systems, hands free car kits and speed camera detector equipment. With over 1 Million UK customers Chameleon Direct they also provide hands free installation services.

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Vehicle to Vehicle Communications: It’s a Whole New Language

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By Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer

Inclement weather has created hazardous road conditions. After your car maneuvers around a bend in the road, you encounter a collision. Your vehicle assesses the critical situation and transmits the relevant information to nearby automobiles. Traffic further away also receives warning and is given ample time to respond to the situation. In cases of traffic congestion, drivers receive rerouting directions around the obstruction.

This kind of “car talk” is a developing language in the world of vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V). New vehicles will soon be equipped with the ability to detect, assess and communicate potentially dangerous traffic situations to drivers. While aspects of passive safety may still need to be improved upon, many vehicle manufacturers have turned their efforts to real-time active safety features. A goal for the automotive engineer is to produce vehicles that take on the role of sender, receiver or router.

Until recently, active safety features have been mostly relegated to luxury vehicles with expensive radar and/or laser sensors. To help protect passengers before potential collisions, Volvo, for instance, offers a number of active safety features. The Volvo S80 comes available with collision detection and mitigation systems, which alert the driver of an imminent collision and if inescapable, pre-charges the brakes for fast activation to mitigate the crash.

Currently, the development of an open wireless protocol, such as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), is allowing manufacturers to develop V2V systems for more moderately priced vehicles. Similar to Wi-Fi, prototype systems transmit vehicle speed, GPS locations and braking information. The idea is that other vehicles in the vicinity equipped with V2V capabilities will also be able to receive and process those signals. Once fully integrated, vehicles may provide drivers with blind-spot warnings, alert drivers to vehicles approaching at high speeds and automatically perform emergency braking.

Other warning systems employ V2V communications to alert the driver to take defensive action in situations where an on-coming vehicle is not yet visible but poses a potential threat. For example, as the vehicle approaches an intersection or attempts a right turn, the system may warn the driver of a potential collision with an on-coming vehicle as it accelerates after a stop, even when the driver fails to notice.

One challenge is that only as manufacturers increase the number of vehicles on the market equipped with V2V systems will the technology reach better efficiency. In the meantime, however, the technology is also being considered by government agencies for communications between vehicles and roadway infrastructures, such as stoplights and traffic-monitoring systems.

According to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) that coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs, 21,000 of 43,000 deaths that occur annually on U.S. highways result from vehicles leaving the road or traveling unsafely through intersections. Wireless communication, supported by DSRC, is a technology also being developed by these entities to help save lives and prevent injuries on roadways.

Data transmitted from the roadside to a vehicle (known as vehicle to interface communication – V2I) could warn the driver that it is not safe to enter an intersection. Meanwhile, vehicles would serve as data collectors – anonymously transmitting traffic and road condition information from every major road within the transportation network. This information would provide transportation agencies with the information needed to implement strategies to relieve traffic congestion.

Given that there are so many safety applications, both vehicle manufacturers and government agencies will continue to explore the development of this technology. With the aid of V2V and V2I communications, road safety will be enhanced. And it’s surely a language consumers will be eager to embrace.

About the Author: Delphi Corp. is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corp., please visit Delphi.com Delphi.com/4innovation Delphi.com/4connected

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