As fleet companies, insurance companies, and individual car owners have increasing demands for car safety and fleet management, car locators have become a must-have for vehicle safety and management.
In addition to the functions and standby time, the lifespan is also a concern when choosing a proper tracking device.
The lifespan of a vehicle tracker depends on several factors, including its types, power source, build quality, usage conditions, and maintenance. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Battery-Powered GPS Trackers
- Lifespan: Typically 1–3 years, depending on battery capacity and usage.
- Factors Affecting Lifespan：
– Tracking Frequency (more frequent updates drain the battery faster).
– Sleep Mode Efficiency (some trackers conserve power when inactive).
– Battery Type (lithium batteries last longer than alkaline).
For example, Autosali VG04 model, with 10000mAh battery capacity, lithium battery, could be use for vehicle tracking, asset tracking and logistic tracking; there are 3 working modes for different use patterns:
- fast tracking mode(data updates within 10 minutes, timer could be set)
- smart mode(data updates within 10 minutes while moving, and go to sleep while stationary)
- power-saving mode(device will wake up and work 2 minutes every hour, and go back to sleep for the rest of time, timer could be set)
The expected lifespan of VG04 under smart working mode: 3 years
2. Hardwired (OBD-II or Direct-Wired) Trackers
- Lifespan:3–7 years, sometimes longer.
- Factors Affecting Lifespan:
– Vehicle’s Electrical System Health (poor wiring or voltage spikes can damage the tracker).
– Environmental Conditions (extreme heat or moisture can degrade components).
– Build Quality(industrial-grade trackers last longer than cheap models).
For example, Autosali GT10, 4G+2G,
① 9-90V wide voltage for different type of vehicle: motorcycle, car, truck, etc., wide voltage can better prevent the device from burning out due to excessive instantaneous current when the vehicle starts;
② IP65 water and dust proof, to protect tracker from heavy raining and harsh environment;
③ To reach the industrial-grade trackers, autosali factory will strictly follow the production process:incoming material, SMT, burning, testing, assemble, aging and packing.
The expected lifespan of GT10 wired tracker: 5-8 years
3. Solar-Powered Trackers
- Lifespan:2–5 years (battery degradation is the main limiting factor).
- Factors Affecting Lifespan:
– Sunlight Exposure (poor charging reduces battery life).
– Battery Type (Li-ion or LiFePO₄ batteries last longer).
Solar-powered tracker usually is customized model for customers, if you have requirement on it, welcome to contact Autosali team directly.
How to Extend a Tracker’s Lifespan?
✔ Choose a quality brand(e.g., Teltonika, Queclink, Autosali, etc).
✔ Ensure proper installation (avoid moisture & extreme temperatures).
✔ Update firmware regularly (for security & performance).
✔ Use power-saving modes (if battery-operated).
When to Replace a Tracker?
– If it stops reporting consistently.
– If the battery drains too quickly.
– If it’s outdated (lacks modern features like 4G, Bluetooth, or CAN bus
Would you like recommendations based on your specific use case (personal car, fleet, or asset tracking)? Need help finding the right solution for your company? Contact us +86 18824141626(whatsapp/wechat), email: violachueng@auto-sali.com; or visit our company website to discover more: https://autosaligps.com).
