Can a tracking device cause a flat car battery?

It can be quite frustrating to get into your car, try to start it, and realise the battery is flat. A long-standing assumption is that the tracking device must have drained the battery. But with modern tracking units designed to work within strict power limits, it’s unlikely that the tracker is to blame.

How much power does a tracker really use?

Today’s vehicles have far more electronics than ever before – from infotainment systems and onboard computers to sensors and memory systems, some of which remain active even when the car is parked. As a result, vehicle manufacturers allow very limited power draw from all aftermarket fitments – up to 50 milliamperes (mA) during 24 hours.

A modern, correctly installed tracking unit is built to sit well within those limits. Tracker’s units use around one mA or less over a 24-hour period when the vehicle is switched off. In other words, a unit typically draws less power than a small LED light left on for a day.

Tracker’s units are also designed to manage their own power intelligently, becoming active only when needed and reverting to ultra‑low power mode when the car is switched off.

So, what causes a flat battery?

Common reasons include:
• Battery age and wear: Car batteries don’t last forever. Over time, they lose their ability to hold a charge. Even if the radio and lights still work, there may not be enough power left to start the engine.
• Modern vehicle electronics: Clocks, security systems, control units and onboard computers all draw small amounts of power continuously. When a vehicle is left unused for extended periods, these systems can gradually drain an older or weakened battery.
• Other aftermarket accessories: Additional accessories, such as dashcams, alarms, or audio equipment, can also contribute to battery drain, particularly if they are not installed correctly or do not manage power efficiently.

A modern tracking unit will only contribute to battery drain if the unit is faulty or installed incorrectly. Tracker’s technicians receive regular training to ensure devices are installed correctly and integrated safely with the vehicle’s systems.

Enjoy the peace of mind that your tracker is doing what it’s meant to do: protecting your vehicle. Sign up online or contact Tracker on 0860 60 50 40.


What should I know?
Does a vehicle tracker drain a car battery?
A modern vehicle tracker uses very little power and is unlikely to drain a healthy car battery. When the vehicle is switched off, the unit operates in an ultra‑low power mode and draws far less power than many built‑in vehicle systems or accessories. A tracking device would only contribute to a flat car battery if it is faulty or installed incorrectly.

What uses battery power when the car is switched off?
Modern vehicles have multiple electronic systems that remain active even when parked. While each system uses very little power, their combined draw over time can contribute to battery drain – especially when a car isn’t driven regularly.

What causes a car battery to go flat?
The most common causes of a flat car battery include:
• An ageing or worn battery that can no longer hold a charge
• Extended periods of inactivity, especially when a car is parked for days or weeks
• Built‑in vehicle electronics that continue to draw small amounts of power when the vehicle is switched off
• Aftermarket accessories that may not manage power efficiently