alarm
Tips for motorists,  Blog,  Car device

How to choose a car alarm

Car alarms are extremely important nowadays. Its main task is to protect your car from hacking and theft. Not all car security systems are equally effective and functional. In this article you will find answers to all questions related to the selection of alarms for the iron “horse”. 

signaling

Choose the type of car alarm

To understand which alarms should be purchased, check out the types of alarms:

  • one-way - the cheapest and most unprofitable alarms. Here, the warning function is deprived in case of an attempt to penetrate into the car at a distance of more than 200 meters from the key fob. Such a signaling is more often used in domestic cars, as a remote locking system;
  • two-way - the most relevant alarm system with feedback. The keychain is integrated with a display that alerts with a signal and light indication of an attempted theft. Also, the display is able to convey the nature of the theft attempt (blow or hacking of doors), the range of 4 kilometers. Depending on the configuration, tilt, volume and presence sensors may be provided;
  • satellite - advanced and most expensive. Such an alarm system works via GSM, has an unlimited range, and in case of theft, the car can be found by satellite. It is unlikely that they will be able to hide a stolen car in underground parking lots - GSM repeaters are installed there, which means that finding a car will not be a problem.

Choose by type of control code

dialogue signaling

This applies to two-way signaling. It seems that the operation of the alarm is simple - to transmit a signal from the remote control to the central lock, but ... Attackers take advantage of the fact that a static code is used on budget alarms, which means it is easy to “catch” - then it’s a matter of technology. It was simple alarms that became the cause of frequent thefts. 

Later, a system with a floating code appeared, that is, encryption is constantly changing, which means that no scanner can recognize it. At a minimum, this will delay the attacker for longer until the police arrive. The alarm unit, with constant attempts to crack the code, is blocked, after which it ceases to work even with the correct code. Popularly, this function is called an “anti-scanner”, although it works with few scanners, which means that attackers need to calculate the code in a new way.

It was impossible to crack such an alarm system without code keys before they fell into dishonest hands. Now, attackers can pick up a signaling model, catch its signal, intercept and mute it from a native keychain, at this time the alarm block “thinks” that it works with a native keychain.  

The developers have found an alternative - a dialogue code. The system works simply: the key fob and the central unit “communicate” with each other in their own language, excluding substitution. 

If there is a choice between floating or dialog code, then the second will be preferable. 

Shock sensors

shock sensor

Зона охраны – участок ответственности, включающий в себя открытие двери, крышки багажника  и капота, которые контролируются концевиками. Соответственно преступникам проще пробраться в авто разбив стекло – для этого и существуют датчики удара. Датчики делятся на два типа

  • simple - works only on a blow of a certain force
  • dual-zone - sensitivity is adjustable in a wide range, there is a shock warning function.

Unfortunately, the shock sensor will not respond if the glass is carefully cut out, in other cases it works better than a single-range sensor. 

Volume sensors

Motion Sensor

Car alarms must be equipped with a volume sensor. His work is based on the reflection of ultrasonic waves, for better work, in order to avoid shielding, it is better to install on the windshield under the ceiling. It is important to configure the sensor so that there are no false alarms, as is often the case.

CAN and LIN bus adapters

The most popular modern alarm system is the presence of LIN and CAN buses. These adapters can be connected to the car systems of the same name for synchronization. After connecting, the adapters receive almost all the information about the car: the presence of open doors, speed, mileage, temperature in the cabin. Among other things, you can control electric mirrors and locks.

Locking systems

The locking system prevents the engine from starting by blocking the power to the starter. Usually, alarms have a blocking relay, which can be remote or integrated in the central lock. If the attacker bypassed this system, then the function of a passive immobilizer comes into play, which opens the circuit to the starter or gasoline pump. 

Anti-theft Anti-Hijack Function

Anti-Hijack

Useful feature worth buying. The system works like this: if you have an unreliable companion on your “board”, you activate this mode with a combination of buttons. If the door switch triggers when the ignition is turned on, then Anti-Hijack will think that you are not in the car. It includes light and sound alarms, and also blocks the supply of fuel or ignition. 

If the car was suddenly stolen, then a car alarm with this function from a distance activates the anti-robbery mode in the same way. 

Modern cars from the factory are equipped with GPS / GLONASS, which transmit information to the owner about the location of the vehicle.

Central locking features

central locking

Not a single alarm can work fully without a central lock. Depending on the model, the central lock can be equipped with window closers. The central lock is an actuator that operates on an alarm. Thanks to the synchronization of the central locking actuators with the signaling keychain, you can configure the two-stage opening functions of the car: first the driver’s door opens, with a second press all the doors open. There is also the possibility of remote opening of the trunk, of course with the help of an actuator. 

Autorun function

autorun

Many security systems are equipped with an autostart function. The function makes it possible to select the manual engine start mode (from the key fob button), and automatic (according to the timer or temperature sensor readings). If you have a regular immobilizer, you have to bypass it. “Crawler” is a small box where the key is located, connected to the desired output of the “signaling”. 

The outside antenna of the lineman is located near the steering column, so it helps to receive the signal. When autostarting, the crawler “reads” the key code, transmitting it to the standard immobilizer contactlessly. If you are confused that the car key is in an accessible place, then the block can be moved under the torpedo. Autostart works with manual transmission and automatic transmission, in the first case, you need to stop, leave the gearshift lever in the neutral position, pull up the handbrake, get out of the car and close it - the alarm will turn off the engine itself.

Summing up

The above information will certainly help you choose the necessary alarm system for your needs, as well as depending on the year of manufacture of the car, equipment and class. The security system is an important function that will save the car from theft and make your sleep sound.

Questions and answers:

How to choose the right car alarm? It is important to take into account the budget, security functions, compatibility with the immobilizer, the range of the key fob, the warning system for burglary attempts.

What is the best to put an alarm with auto start? Top options are: Pandora DXL 3970; Starline X96; Starline A93. These car alarms are equipped with a remote engine start.

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