What kind of alarm to choose for the car? Types of devices and their functions
An alarm is not a luxury, it is one of the main means of protecting a car from theft, along with mechanical means of protection, which we have already talked about on Vodi.su. The safety of your car depends on the right choice of alarm. How to choose it correctly?
Types of car alarms
Today, there are many types of alarm systems. They can be divided into the following types:
- one-sided - a regular siren that can be turned off using a key fob;
- double-sided - the key fob is equipped with a display, it displays the current state of the car;
- double-sided with auto start - with its help you can remotely turn on the ignition and start the engine;
- interactive - constant communication between the key fob and the car, the code is protected from intellectual hacking;
- telematics - you can control the alarm both through the key fob and through a special application for smartphones or computers;
- with a GSM module - you can see on the map at any time where your car is located;
- with CAN module - allows you to monitor not only the state of the car, but also numerous parameters: speedometer readings, gear engaged.
The last type is the most expensive, it can only be installed on cars equipped with a CAN bus. In the event of a breakdown, reinstalling the CAN module will result in big money. But there are many ways to protect the car from theft, for example, by remotely turning off the engine or locking the gearbox.
The most budget option is a one-way alarm - it is good because it can wake up not only the owner, but the whole house.
Some useful features come standard:
- shock sensor;
- blocking the engine when the alarm is turned on;
- locking doors, hood, central locking.
Unfortunately, car thieves have long learned to disable this type of protection. That is, they will be able to open the car “without noise and dust”, and the range of the key fob is too small, so it will be almost impossible to track the car.
More advanced types - two-way, telematics, dialogue - have a large set of functions. However, without a GSM module, they are effective only at a short distance, so you won’t be able to track where the vehicle is at the moment.
It is also worth noting that when applying for CASCO insurance, you may be required to install a certain type of car protection. That is, the alarm today is a prerequisite if you want to fully protect your car.
Selecting the type of alarm by cost
It is clear that not every car owner can afford to install protection with a large set of additional functions, such as GSM / GPS tracking or automatic arming.
Thus, alarms can be divided by their cost:
- budget - up to 100-150 USD;
- mid-price - up to 300 USD;
- expensive - over $ 300.
Budgetary types include single-sided and double-sided types. Paying $150 for installation, you will receive a minimum set of functions: dynamic code (protection against grabbers), automatic arming and disarming (for example, at a car wash or service station), Valet button (emergency disarming), disabling the alarm without disarming security (for example, due to a lightning strike or a salute salute, the siren worked and can be turned off) and so on.
The middle price range implies more serious protection: a more sophisticated type of dynamic code, various relays and sensors (changing the angle of inclination or a volume sensor), adaptive sensors - for example, a rain sensor. Also included are an immobilizer, remote engine start, power window lock, central locking, etc.
The most expensive alarms, in addition to all the above functions, require the presence of GSM / GPS modules, as well as a unit for connecting to the car's CAN bus. The cost starts from $300 and can reach several thousand dollars. But your car will be protected practically from everything and you can track it on maps.
Recommendations for choosing an alarm
To choose the right protection, consider a lot of factors:
- where is the car - in the garage, in the parking lot, just under the house;
- the cost of the vehicle - why put a VIP-class alarm on a budget crossover or hatchback;
- how often you use your vehicle and whether you leave it in unguarded parking lots, such as in front of a supermarket.
You can save on the choice by installing GPS trackers or mechanical means of protection, which we already wrote about on Vodi.su: steering wheel locks or gearboxes.
It is clear that no one guarantees you XNUMX% protection, as thieves are constantly improving theft methods. Nevertheless, it is possible to secure the car as much as possible, however, this will result in additional costs.
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