Yes, a car tracking device can drain your battery, but it's not a foregone conclusion. The risk depends heavily on the type of device, how it's installed, and your driving habits. A poorly installed or malfunctioning tracker is the most common culprit for a dead battery. Modern, well-designed trackers have very low parasitic drain—the continuous draw on the battery when the car is off—and should not cause issues if you drive your car regularly.
The primary factor is how the device is powered. Hardwired trackers, which connect directly to your car's electrical system, are generally more efficient but can cause significant drain if installed incorrectly on a constant power source instead of a switched one that turns off with the ignition. OBD-II port trackers are convenient but notorious for draining batteries because the OBD-II port in many cars provides constant power, allowing the device to run 24/7. Battery-powered trackers have the least impact on your car's battery but require periodic recharging or replacement.
Your vehicle's usage is equally important. If you only take short trips or leave the car parked for extended periods (over two weeks), even a small amount of drain can deplete the battery. A healthy car battery can typically handle the drain from a quality tracker for a few weeks, but a weak or old battery will fail much sooner.
| Tracking Device Type | Typical Power Draw (When Car is Off) | Risk of Battery Drain | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Hardwired (Properly Installed) | 10 - 25 milliamps (mA) | Low | Must be connected to a switched (ignition-controlled) fuse. |
| OBD-II Port Plug-in | 5 - 30 mA | High | Often draws constant power; not recommended for infrequently driven vehicles. |
| Battery-Powered (Standalone) | 0 mA (from car battery) | None | Limited by its own battery life; requires maintenance. |
| Malfunctioning Device | 100+ mA | Very High | Can drain a battery in a matter of days. |
To prevent issues, choose a reputable device, ensure professional installation if hardwiring, and unplug OBD-II trackers if you plan to leave the car unused for more than a few days. For cars driven infrequently, a battery-powered tracker or a hardwired device with a built-in sleep mode is the safest bet.
