Being able to cut your vehicle's engine remotely from your phone: this is the most requested GPS feature in Senegal. Whether you are an individual concerned about security or a professional managing a fleet, the remote engine cut (kill switch) gives you total control over your vehicles.
How the Remote Engine Cut Works
The remote engine cut, also called "kill switch" or "immobilizer," relies on a GPS device connected to the vehicle's electrical system. Here is the step-by-step process:
- You send the command from the Traxelio web app on your phone or computer
- The device receives the instruction via the mobile network (Orange, Free, Expresso)
- The engine fuel circuit is cut: the vehicle can no longer start
- You receive confirmation that the vehicle is immobilized
- To reactivate: you send the unlock command from the app
The cut is progressive and safe: if the vehicle is moving, the system cuts the fuel supply, allowing the vehicle to slow down and stop safely.
When to Use the Remote Engine Cut
Vehicle theft
This is the primary use case. You receive a movement alert. You open the app, see your vehicle moving. You locate the vehicle live, then cut the engine. The thief is immobilized. You contact the police with the exact GPS position.
Rental vehicle abuse
For car rental professionals, the engine cut is an essential management tool. A client exceeds the authorized zone, does not return the vehicle on time, or is in payment default: the engine cut lets you regain control without confrontation.
Taxi/VTC fleet management
Taxi and VTC companies use the engine cut to manage incidents: vehicle not returned at end of shift, driver not responding to calls, or dangerous behavior detected by the system.
Parental protection
Parents entrust a vehicle to a young driver and want to be able to intervene in case of dangerous behavior or violation of curfew schedules.
Safety Guarantees
The remote engine cut raises legitimate safety questions. Here are the guarantees offered:
| Concern | Guarantee |
|---|---|
| Cut at full speed | No: the system cuts fuel supply progressively |
| Unauthorized access | App is protected by password and authentication |
| Device malfunction | The cut never activates spontaneously, vehicle remains functional |
| Network loss | The command is queued and executed when network returns |
| Hacking | Encrypted connection between app and device |
Comparison: With and Without Kill Switch
| Scenario | Without kill switch | With kill switch |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle theft | You watch the vehicle drive away on the map, helpless | You immobilize the vehicle in one click |
| Rental client in default | Long negotiation, risk of non-return | Engine cut, quick recovery |
| Company vehicle misused | Discovery after the fact via history | Immediate intervention |
| Reckless young driver | Ignored phone calls | Preventive immobilization |
How It Works in Practice
Step 1: Detection
The system alerts you to a suspicious event via alerts:
- The vehicle leaves an authorized zone
- The vehicle moves outside of curfew hours
- An unplanned movement is detected
Step 2: Verification
You open the app and verify the situation via live tracking. You see the exact position, speed, and direction of the vehicle.
Step 3: Decision
If the situation warrants it, you activate the engine cut. The vehicle stops safely.
Step 4: Resolution
You contact authorities with the exact position, or go to the location to recover the vehicle.
Pricing
The remote engine cut is included in all Traxelio plans at no additional cost:
| Plan | Price | Engine cut included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 6,000 FCFA/month | Yes |
| Premium | 10,000 FCFA/month | Yes |
| Platinum | 125,000 FCFA/month | Yes |
Initial investment: 25,000 FCFA (device) + 15,000 FCFA (installation) = 40,000 FCFA. The kill switch is operational from installation.
User Testimonials from Senegal
"My rental vehicle was not returned on time. I cut the engine remotely. The client called back within the hour." · Fleet manager, Dakar
"One of my taxi drivers was not answering his phone. I located the vehicle and cut the engine. He had broken down on the road to Mbour. I was able to send help quickly." · VTC company owner, Plateau
"My son was driving at 2 AM despite the curfew I had set. I received the alert, cut the engine. We discussed it the next day." · Parent, Almadies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the engine cut damage the vehicle? No. The system cuts the fuel supply, not the electrical circuit. No components are damaged.
Can the vehicle restart after a cut? No, not until you deactivate the cut from the app. The vehicle remains immobilized until your intervention.
Does the engine cut work everywhere in Senegal? Yes, everywhere with mobile network coverage. In areas without network, the command is executed as soon as coverage returns.
How many vehicles can I control? As many as you want. Each equipped vehicle is accessible from the same app.
Take Action
Take control of your vehicle remotely. The GPS engine cut is included in all Traxelio plans, starting at 6,000 FCFA/month.