Opening times:
Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm | Sat 9am – 5pm | Sun 9am – 10pm |
Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm | Sat 9am – 5pm | Sun 9am – 10pm |
Call Us:
0800 246 5538
Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm | Sat 9am – 5pm | Sun 9am – 10pm |
Mon – Fri 8am – 10pm | Sat 9am – 5pm | Sun 9am – 10pm |
One of the most common questions from vehicle owners considering enhanced security is, “Will a Thatcham tracker drain my car battery?” The straightforward answer is no. A professionally installed, high-quality Thatcham Approved Tracker is engineered to draw a minuscule amount of power. These sophisticated devices are designed with efficiency in mind, entering a low-power “sleep mode” when your vehicle’s engine is off. This ensures that while your asset remains protected 24/7, your car’s battery health is not compromised. For ultimate peace of mind and expert installation, explore the premium security solutions offered by the Tracker Team at our Thatcham trackers page.
It’s a valid concern. The thought of any aftermarket electronic device drawing power from your car battery can be unsettling, especially for owners of high-performance or luxury vehicles. However, the technology behind modern Car Trackers is far more advanced than many people realise.
The key lies in intelligent power management. When you park and lock your car, the tracker detects that the ignition is off. It then transitions from an active state to a standby or sleep mode. In this state, it ceases constant communication with GPS satellites and significantly reduces its power consumption to just a few milliamps – a tiny fraction of what the vehicle’s own onboard computers, clock, and alarm system use.
The tracker only “wakes up” and draws more power under specific conditions, such as:
This smart functionality means that for the vast majority of the time your car is parked, the tracker has a negligible impact on the battery.
Choosing a generic, uncertified tracker can be a risky decision. When you opt for an Insurance Approved Tracker, you are choosing a device that has passed the rigorous testing procedures of Thatcham Research. These tests are not just about a tracker’s ability to prevent theft; they also cover its electrical integrity and safety.
Thatcham sets strict limits on the maximum allowable current draw for any device seeking certification. Manufacturers must prove that their products are electrically sound and will not adversely affect a vehicle’s battery over the long term. This accreditation is a hallmark of quality and your assurance that the device is built to the highest standards of efficiency and reliability.
In the rare event that a vehicle owner experiences a flat battery after a tracker installation, the cause is often misattributed. It is essential to consider the health of the car battery itself.
Automotive batteries have a finite lifespan, typically lasting between 3 to 5 years. An older battery will naturally lose its ability to hold a full charge. The minimal extra load from a tracker might be enough to expose this pre-existing weakness, but it is not the root cause of the problem. A healthy battery can sustain the tiny power draw from a tracker for many weeks without any issue. If your car struggles to start after being left for a few days, it’s a strong indicator that the battery itself may need testing or replacement. For expert advice on the best system for your vehicle, get in touch with the Tracker Team through our Thatcham trackers selection.
The single most critical factor in ensuring a tracker does not cause battery issues is the quality of the installation. A premium Thatcham Approved Tracker is not a simple plug-and-play device. It must be carefully integrated into your vehicle’s electrical system by a certified technician.
An amateur or incorrect installation can lead to what is known as “parasitic drain.” This happens when the device is wired improperly, preventing the vehicle’s own electronic control units (ECUs) from entering their sleep mode. In this scenario, it is the car itself that drains the battery, not the tracker. Our engineers at Tracker Team are trained to the highest standards, ensuring every installation is flawless and respects the complex engineering of your vehicle.
For owners of classic cars, sports cars, or any vehicle that isn’t driven daily, long-term battery health is a key consideration. Even without a tracker, a modern vehicle will slowly drain its battery over several weeks due to the power required for its own security and memory functions.
If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period (more than two weeks), the best practice is to use a smart trickle charger or battery conditioner. This device maintains the battery at an optimal voltage, compensating for the natural self-discharge and the minimal draw from both the car and its security system. This ensures that whenever you are ready to drive, your car is ready for you.
The fear that a security tracker will leave you with a flat battery is a myth rooted in outdated technology and poor installation practices. By choosing a modern, high-quality Insurance Approved Tracker and entrusting its installation to certified professionals, you can be confident that your vehicle’s reliability will not be affected. The advanced power-saving features of these devices ensure they provide maximum security with minimal energy use.
Protect your valuable asset with a system that offers unparalleled peace of mind. Ready to secure your vehicle without compromise? Contact the Tracker Team today and discover the perfect solution in our range of Thatcham trackers.