Central locking. Which to choose
The centralized door locking system is not a mandatory element of the vehicle, but makes its use more convenient. In addition, central locking, as this system is usually called, complements the anti-theft alarm and other security features, increasing the vehicle's protection against burglary and theft.
Now almost all new cars are already equipped with a remote-controlled central locking as standard. However, this was not always the case.
In those days when there were no such devices at all, the driver had to push the lock buttons for each door separately to lock the locks. And the doors had to be unlocked with an ordinary mechanical key. And also each separately. Tolerable, but not very convenient.
Centralized locking simplifies this procedure. In the simplest version, all locks are blocked when the driver's door lock button is pressed. And they are unlocked by raising this button. Outside, the same action is performed using a key inserted into the lock. Already better, but also not the most convenient option.
Much more convenient is the centralized locking system, which includes a special control panel (key fob), as well as a button inside the cabin. Then you can lock or unlock all the locks at once by pressing just one button remotely.
The possible functionality of the central lock is not limited to this. An even more advanced system allows you to open and close the trunk, hood, fuel tank cap.
If the system has decentralized control, then each lock has its own additional control unit. In this case, you can configure a separate control for each door. For example, if the driver is driving alone, it is enough to unlock only the driver's door, leaving the rest locked. This will increase security and reduce the likelihood of being a victim of criminal activity.
It is also possible to close or adjust loosely closed windows at the same time as locking the doors. This is a very useful feature, since an ajar window is a godsend for a thief.
Thanks to one of the additional functions, the doors and trunk are automatically locked when the speed reaches a certain value. This eliminates the accidental loss of a passenger or cargo from the car.
If the central lock is docked with the passive safety system, then in the event of an accident, when the shock sensors are triggered, the doors will automatically unlock.
The standard installation kit for a universal central lock includes a control unit, actuators (someone calls them activators or actuators), a pair of remotes or keys, as well as the necessary wires and a set of mounting accessories.
The central locking system also uses door sensors, which are door limit switches and microswitches inside the locks.
The limit switch closes or opens the contacts depending on whether the door is open or closed. The corresponding signal is sent to the control unit. If at least one of the doors is not closed tightly enough, the central locking will not work.
Depending on the position of the microswitches, the control unit receives signals about the current state of the locks.
If the control is performed remotely, control signals are transmitted from the remote control (key fob) and received by the control unit thanks to the built-in antenna. If the signal comes from a keyfob registered in the system, then an enable signal is generated for further processing. The control unit analyzes the signals at the input and generates control pulses for the actuators at the output.
The drive for locking and unlocking locks, as a rule, is of an electromechanical type. Its main element is a DC electric internal combustion engine, and the gearbox converts the rotation of the internal combustion engine into the translational movement of the rod to control the rods. Locks are unlocked or locked.
Similarly, the locks of the trunk, hood, gas tank hatch cover, as well as power windows and a sunroof in the ceiling are controlled.
If a radio channel is used for communication, then the range of the key fob with a fresh battery will be within 50 meters. If the sensing distance has decreased, then it is time to change the battery. The infrared channel is less commonly used, as in remote controls for household appliances. The range of such key fobs is significantly less, moreover, they need to aim more accurately. At the same time, the infrared channel is better protected from interference and scanning by hijackers.
The central locking system is in the connected state, regardless of whether the ignition is on or not.
When choosing a central lock, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its functionality. Some features may be superfluous for you, but you will have to pay extra for their presence. The simpler the control, the more convenient it is to use the remote control and the less likely it is to fail. But, of course, everyone has their own preferences. In addition, in decentralized systems, it is possible to reprogram buttons to use the functions that are needed.
If remote control is not a priority for you, you can purchase a simpler and more reliable kit with a key to manually open and close the central lock. This will eliminate the situation when an unexpectedly failed battery will not allow you to get into the car.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. Quite reliable ones are produced under the brands Tiger, Convoy, Cyclon, StarLine, MaXus, Fantom.
When installing, it is advisable to combine the central locking with the anti-theft system so that when the doors are blocked, the alarm is simultaneously turned on.
The correctness and quality of the functioning of the central lock depends on the correct installation of the system. If you have the appropriate skills and experience in such work, you can try to mount it yourself, guided by the accompanying documentation. But still it is better to entrust this work to professionals who will do everything competently and accurately.
