How to install a connected car device?

5 min de lecture

Discover why and how to install a connected car device to optimize, secure, and track your vehicle fleet and car rentals in real-time.

Today, join us as we explore the connected car device—a small tool that can transform the management of your vehicle fleet and car rental business. Real-time tracking, geolocation, vehicle data collection… A connected car simplifies the management of your rental business and fleet. We’ll explain how to make the most of a connected device and a car-sharing app to optimize your rental agency!

What is a car connected to a device?

A car connected to a device is a vehicle equipped with an electronic device that collects and transmits valuable real-time data about its usage and condition. Typically plugged into the vehicle’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port, the connected device provides information such as geolocation, mechanical performance, driving behavior, and maintenance alerts. For fleet managers and car rental companies, this technology is a significant asset for optimizing fleet management.

5 reasons to use a connected device

A connected vehicle device offers much more than just technical data, here are 5 reasons to use a connected device to boost your fleet management!

Monitor your vehicle fleet’s performance

Monitoring your vehicle fleet’s performance in real-time is a major advantage for optimal management. With a connected car device, you gain access to a wealth of precise data, even remotely:

  • Overall vehicle status: Fuel level, headlights status, brake pad condition.
  • Trip history: Analysis of completed routes.
  • Mileage tracking: Keep track of each car’s usage.
  • Fuel consumption: Better control over costs.
  • Maintenance alerts: Upcoming service, oil changes, tire replacements, or engine diagnostics.
  • Usage frequency: Identify underused or overused vehicles.
  • Malfunction reports: Anticipate breakdowns and maintain safety.

By centralizing connected car device data on your dashboard, you optimize fleet management, reduce maintenance costs, anticipate potential issues, and boost the profitability of your rental business. It’s one of the best tips for vehicle rental business and fleet managers, whether you manage cars, scooters, utility vehicles, or trucks.

Secure Your Vehicle Fleet

A connected car device significantly enhances the security of your vehicle fleet. In case of theft, breakdown, or accident, you receive real-time alerts, allowing you to take quick action. This technology is particularly useful for detecting break-ins within your fleet or being immediately informed when a renter is involved in a collision. Depending on the model, some emergency features can even automatically notify emergency services in case of an accident, providing additional safety for drivers.

In addition to instant alerts, the connected device can deliver detailed data about the circumstances of the incident, such as the vehicle’s speed at the time of the accident, the number of passengers on board, and the estimated impact force. With integrated geolocation, you can also track the vehicle in real-time to respond quickly. Whether securing a stolen car or organizing on-site assistance after an accident, connected car device technology enables you to act efficiently.

Anticipate risky driving behaviors

With a connected car device, you can monitor how your renters and drivers use your vehicles to anticipate risky driving behaviors. This technology helps detect actions such as sudden braking, harsh acceleration, high-speed cornering, and even seatbelt neglect. By analyzing this data, you can take preventive measures by raising awareness among specific drivers or limiting their access to your vehicles. The connected device not only enhances road safety for everyone but also preserves the longevity of your fleet while reducing the risk of accidents and costly breakdowns.

Geolocate your vehicle fleet

A connected device allows you to geolocate any vehicle in your fleet in real-time, whether it’s on the road, rented by a customer, or simply parked at your agency. This feature also offers real value to your clients. For instance, if a forgetful renter can’t remember where they parked the car, you can quickly provide them with the exact location. For businesses renting vehicles to their employees, geolocation makes it easy to track and analyze professional trips, optimizing organization and enhancing the safety of business travel.

Optimize connected car rentals

A connected car device goes beyond enhancing security and tracking—it also helps optimize connected car rentals. With this technology, you can offer practical services to your renters, such as unlocking the vehicle directly from their smartphone. Combined with a fully digital vehicle inspection on a mobile device, connected car management enables self-service vehicle pick-up and drop-off without the need to visit an agency. This flexibility is particularly appealing to customers, providing a seamless experience while boosting your fleet utilization rate, revenue, and customer loyalty.

Where is the car unlocking device installed?

Let’s explore where the car unlocking device is installed. Don’t worry—despite its many features, installing a connected car device is quick and easy. This small device is either attached directly to the vehicle’s battery or plugged into the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port, which is usually located under the steering wheel. Once connected, simply take the vehicle for a short drive to start enjoying all the features and benefits of the connected car device!

How to adopt a device that starts cars?

Adopting a device that starts cars is super simple! Once installed, just connect the device to a dedicated car-sharing app to activate the remote start function. With the clickygo car-sharing app, for example, your customers can not only unlock vehicles via their smartphone but also start them without a physical key. This innovative solution is perfect for offering a 24/7 self-service rental experience while optimizing your vehicle fleet management through the myrentcar software, which centralizes all the information from the connected car device.

Hitech car rental software suite
Install the connected device from the clickygo app to offer self-service rentals.

Lucas S

Lucas is an expert in vehicle rental and fleet management, passionate about cars and new mobility technologies. He has been supporting automotive and transportation professionals for several years.