Vehicle Tracker Installation

Vehicle tracking devices: How are they installed?

Quartix offers three types of vehicle tracking devices, all with slightly different installation processes, giving you the flexibility to choose which installation will suit your business.

The hardwired Quartix tracking device must be installed by a trained engineer. Although this is a quick process, it does require a small amount of vehicle downtime while our installers come on site to fix the devices into place.

If you would prefer a self-install option, Quartix has two easy-install devices that are a less permanent fixture and can be moved between vehicles at your convenience.

Engineer installed vs self-install vehicle trackers

Hardwired by an engineer

  • An engineer will visit your site and handle the installation
  • Vehicle down-time is scheduled while the trackers are fitted
  • Device is completely hidden from view
  • Tamper detection
  • Device is soldered into place
  • Driver ID key fob compatibility
  • Tailgate lift & emergency door warnings

Self-install vehicle tracker

  • Easy-to-follow installation guides and videos
  • Less vehicle down-time needed for installation
  • Device can be removed with ease
  • Tamper alerts if devices are moved
  • Easy to switch between your vehicles
  • Access to the standard system features

Which vehicle tracking device is right for your fleet?

Establishing the physical requirements of your fleet will help you choose between the three types of devices available with Quartix. A good place to start is considering whether you would like your tracking devices to be hardwired into the vehicles or if you need the flexibility of a self-installed device.

Some points to consider are:

Depending on the types of vehicle that make up your fleet, the hardwired tracker may be better suited. Our self-install vehicle trackers are suitable for cars and vans, whereas the hardwired device is compatible with all vehicle models.

If you will need to move your tracking devices from one vehicle to another on a regular basis, our self-install vehicle tracking devices could be the most portable and practical option.

Our hardwired vehicle tracking device is compatible with Driver ID key fobs to help you separate the journeys made by different drivers in the same vehicle.

Several additional features are available with the hardwired vehicle tracker, such as alerts for emergency door openings or tailgate lifts. If you would benefit from these features, you may decide on our engineer installed tracker.

Hardwired vehicle tracking devices

The Quartix hardwired vehicle tracking device measures 9cm x 5.5cm x 2.4cm, and weighs just 90g. The unit is completely hidden from view following installation, which typically takes our trained installers 30-40 minutes.

Once installed by an engineer, the hardwired device is extremely difficult to tamper with. It also gives the option of additional functionality, such as driver ID key fob readers and warnings for tailgate lifts.

Installation can be arranged anywhere in the UK, either during the working day or on evenings/weekends, to suit your business.

See the hardwired device specification

Quartix hardwired vehicle tracking device

Self-install vehicle trackers: The flexible option

For customers who require their tracking devices to be moved from one vehicle to another on a regular basis, self-installed devices are the most practical option; they are portable and require no installation appointment to get started.

Quartix offers two different self-install tracking devices, each one providing the same live tracking and basic reports as the hardwired unit, but without the specialised features. Learn more about our self-install device options below.

Connect & Track self-install vehicle tracking device

Connect & Track is a simple and discreet self-install vehicle tracking option. Simply attach the device’s two wires to your vehicle’s battery, and in minutes you can access the telematics data for any journey that the vehicle makes.

It’s easy to switch Connect & Track devices between vehicles yourself, making it the perfect choice for temporary contractors and businesses using leased vehicles. The device can be used for all types of light, medium and heavy good vehicles.

Key features of Connect & Track:

  • No engineer required
  • Device is secured out of sight
  • Simple over-the-air upgrades
  • Tamper alerts via email
  • Stores up to 500 trip events

Learn more about the Connect & Track installation

Quartix Connect and Track device

Plug & Track self-install vehicle tracking device

Quartix Plug & Track is an OBD self-install tracker ideal for those who may require a simple and fast way to switch devices between vehicles.

The Plug & Track plugs straight into the OBD port; ideal for vans and cars and especially convenient for fleets with leased vehicles.

The key features of Plug & Track:

  • Quick and easy over-the-air (OTA) firmware and support upgrades
  • Lots of storage space: Up to 500 trip events
  • Supported by an internal battery
  • Tamper detection alerts when:
    • The tracker is plugged in
    • The tracker is unplugged
    • The vehicle is moving with ignition off

Learn more about the Plug & Track installation

Quartix offers three types of vehicle tracking devices, each with a different installation method . You can choose a hardwired tracker, which a Quartix engineer installs out-of-sight in the vehicle’s electrical system, or one of two self-install trackers if you prefer flexibility. The self-install options are the Connect & Track (a small unit that connects to the vehicle’s battery) and the Plug & Track (an even simpler device that plugs into the vehicle’s OBD diagnostic port). This range of options means you can either have a professional installation with no effort on your part, or install the device yourself in minutes, depending on your needs.

It’s up to you. Professional installation: If you choose the hardwired device, a trained engineer will come to install the tracker for you – this is quick (typically under an hour) but does require scheduling a fitting and a brief vehicle downtime . Self-installation: Quartix’s self-install devices come with easy-to-follow guides and do not require special tools . The Plug & Track simply clicks into the standard OBD port (usually under the dashboard), and the Connect & Track attaches to the battery with two wires. Most customers find these DIY options very straightforward, so you won’t necessarily need an engineer unless you prefer that route.

The hardwired tracker is a permanent unit installed behind the dash – it’s concealed, tamper-resistant, and compatible with additional accessories like driver ID fob readers or alerts for tail-lift usage . This option works on any vehicle type (cars, vans, trucks or heavy equipment). The self-install devices are more temporary: the Connect & Track is semi-concealed (wired to the battery, but without an engineer) and the Plug & Track fits into the OBD port. Both self-install units can be removed easily and swapped between vehicles, which is ideal for leased cars or vans . They also include built-in features like internal backup batteries and motion sensors – for example, the system can send a tamper alert if a device is unplugged or moved without ignition . In short, hardwire is a fit-and-forget solution with the most integration, while the self-install options offer flexibility and quick setup.

Yes, if you use a self-install tracker. Both the Plug & Track and Connect & Track devices are designed to be transferable. You can unplug or disconnect them and then install the device into another vehicle at any time. This makes them popular for fleets with high turnover or short-term rentals/leased vehicles – you won’t be locked into one vehicle . The hardwired tracker, on the other hand, is intended to stay with the vehicle once installed (it can be removed by an engineer, but not as conveniently). So if you anticipate frequently switching devices between vehicles, the self-install options are very convenient.

Yes. All Quartix devices have anti-tamper features. The hardwired unit is hidden behind the dashboard, making it difficult to access without detection. The self-install units (Connect & Track and Plug & Track) are smart enough to notify the system if they are disturbed. For example, you’ll get an alert if the Plug & Track device is unplugged from the OBD port or if the vehicle starts moving with the tracker removed . This means you’ll be aware immediately if someone tries to disable tracking, ensuring the integrity of your monitoring.

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