what do tracking devices on cars look like

[ArcherDella]

Tracking devices on cars are typically small, black plastic boxes, often magnetic and about the size of a deck of cards or a smartphone. They are designed to be discreet and are commonly hidden underneath the vehicle, inside the wheel wells, or plugged directly into the OBD-II port beneath the dashboard. The most common types are OBD-II trackers, hardwired GPS loggers, and magnetic battery-powered units.

The easiest to spot is the OBD-II tracker. It plugs into a standardized diagnostic port, usually found under the dashboard near the driver's knees. It will look like a small dongle sticking out, often with a small light on it. If you find an unfamiliar device plugged in there, it's likely a tracker.

Hardwired GPS loggers are more隐蔽 (covert). They require professional installation and are often tucked away behind interior panels, under the dashboard, or connected to the vehicle's power supply in the engine bay. You might notice unusual wires or a small, nondescript box if you know where to look.

Battery-powered magnetic trackers are the most versatile for quick, temporary placement. They are often hidden on the vehicle's exterior. Common hiding spots include:

• Inside the front or rear bumper
• Within the wheel wells, attached to the liner
• On the frame rails underneath the car
• Inside the trunk or cargo area, attached to metal surfaces

Feature	OBD-II Tracker	Hardwired Logger	Magnetic Battery Tracker
Size	Similar to a car key fob	Smaller than a smartphone	Deck of cards or smaller
Placement	OBD-II port under dash	Wired into vehicle electronics	Magnetically attached under chassis
Power Source	Vehicle's OBD-II port	Vehicle's electrical system	Internal rechargeable battery
Visibility	Easily visible if you check the port	Very hidden, requires search	Hidden on exterior metal surfaces
Lifespan	Unlimited while plugged in	Unlimited while connected	2 weeks to 6 months on a charge

If you suspect your vehicle is being tracked without consent, these are the key areas to inspect visually and physically. It's also wise to consult a professional mechanic or a security expert for a thorough electronic sweep.

[McGabrielle]

Think of a small, heavy-duty plastic box, black or gray, with a strong magnet on one side. It’s not much bigger than a thick wallet. People usually hide them underneath the car, stuck to any metal part like the frame or inside a wheel well. You might also find one plugged in under your dashboard near the steering wheel—that’s the OBD port. It’s all about being out of sight and out of mind.

[Jocelyn]

From a technical view, they prioritize function over form. They're ruggedized, weatherproof enclosures. The antennas are integrated to keep the profile low. The OBD-II type is the most uniform; it has a specific connector that matches the port's 16-pin layout. The covert ones are more generic, but you'll identify them by the wiring—they're spliced into the vehicle's constant power source, often behind the glove box or under the seats. Look for any non-factory wiring harness.

[McJoshua]

I found one on my ex's car during the divorce, which is why I know. It was a little black rectangle, stuck with a magnet right up inside the rear bumper. I only saw it because I was looking for a dropped earring. It was creepy how small and simple it was. It just blended in with all the other mechanical parts under there. If you're worried, get on the ground and really look around the undercarriage with a flashlight.

[DeJack]

As a former repo man, I’ve placed hundreds. The best ones are no bigger than a pack of cigarettes. We’d slide them into the gap behind the license plate, zip-tie them to the radiator support under the hood, or just slap the magnetic kind onto the frame rail. They’re designed to look like a random piece of car hardware, not a spy gadget. The goal is to make it so that even if the owner sees it, they wouldn't think twice about it. It’s all about blending in.