SIMULATED DESIGN OF A REAL-TIME VEHICLE TRACKING AND REMOTE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SYSTEM

Vehicle theft and unauthorized access to people’s vehicles remain critical challenges worldwide, with developing countries such as Nigeria experiencing a rising incidence of automobile-related crimes due to inadequate security measures and poor enforcement of tracking technologies. Conventional anti-theft solutions such as alarms, mechanical locks, and immobilizers often fail against organized theft operations using signal jammers and key cloning devices. This project focuses on the simulated design of a real-time vehicle tracking and remote engine shutdown system using MATLAB Simulink and proteus as cost-effective development platforms. The proposed system integrates three primary components: a GPS module for continuous vehicle location monitoring, a GSM communication link for transmitting control signals, and a relay-based engine cutoff mechanism to remotely immobilize the vehicle when unauthorized movement is detected. The simulation model evaluates the system’s performance in terms of location accuracy, communication efficiency, and response speed, which are critical factors in environments where GSM coverage can be inconsistent, as is common in several regions of Nigeria. By leveraging Simulink’s block-based modeling, the design eliminates the need for immediate physical prototyping, reducing costs while allowing early validation of functional behavior. Results indicate that the system can track vehicle position accurately and execute engine shutdown commands within seconds, offering a practical solution for private vehicle owners, logistics companies, and government agencies managing various transportation fleets. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating real-time tracking with active control to enhance vehicle security in Nigeria and similar developing markets. It further provides a scalable platform for future extensions, including Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, cloud data storage, and encrypted communication protocols to counter network vulnerabilities and improve reliability under real-world condition.