Not just alarm clocks?

Every owner who cares about their vehicle must install at least two independent security systems.

"Keys" to these devices should not be fastened to one key fob.

 

First of all - to prevent

The most important thing is to prevent and not to provoke threats. It is reckless to travel through the city with windows open and a camera or laptop left in the back seat. If we suspect that they want to steal the car for a "bump" and the perpetrator provokes us to leave the car, it is better to block the locks and communicate through a slightly opened window. If the criminal sees that he has encountered a prepared opponent, he will give up further actions and we will save the vehicle. Apart from appropriate behavior, various devices that make it difficult or impossible to seize someone else's property should be installed in the car.

Mechanical locks

There are many different mechanical interlocks commercially available. You can immobilize the pedals, the steering wheel, the movement of the gearshift lever, connect the steering wheel with the pedals, and finally you can lock the gearshift mechanism. Mechanical security devices are not popular with car owners, but they are effective in preventing thieves. These safeguards delay the preparation of the car for driving, therefore they are not "liked" by thieves. Force mechanical interlocks require a certain amount of practice, skill, and the possession of tools. 

Electronic Security

The car is a device of significant value and should be protected by at least two independently operating safeguards. One of them is car alarms. It is advantageous if the device is installed in an unusual, hard-to-reach place and the workshop is trustworthy. The alarms installed before the purchase of cars by authorized services are repeatable, therefore they can be "worked out" faster by thieves. High-value vehicles should be secured GPS system or the like, which works by emission of radio waves. Unfortunately, since Poland's accession to the EU, the use of a very effective anti-hijacking lock, present in good alarm units or installed separately, is against the regulations.

Hidden vehicle immobilizer

An immobilizer is an electronic device whose task is to prevent the engine from starting by cutting off the current flow in one or more circuits. It is a very effective way of protection if it has been installed atypically. In practice, we encounter factory immobilisers, which are part of the vehicle's computer, controlled with a key inserted into the ignition, and electronic devices, installed additionally.

Important Batteries

Electronic devices are reliable, but they can be useless if they are not powered. The energy is usually provided by a small battery placed inside the remote control. It can be a problem, especially when the outside temperature drops below freezing. To prevent surprises, the battery should be replaced once a year and a new battery should always be kept in spare.

Only certified products

There are many electronic devices on the market offered by various manufacturers. As a rule, they perform similar functions, differing in price. When choosing an alarm to be installed, we should ask if it has a certificate. Only certified car alarms are recognized by insurance companies. When electronic devices fail, the vehicle user becomes helpless. Therefore, when choosing the type of security, we should conduct a wide research, focusing on durable and reliable devices. It is worth installing systems for which there is a service network.

Approximate prices of car alarms in PLN

Alarm - basic protection level	380
Alarm - basic protection level with event memory	480
Alarm - increased level of protection	680
Professional grade alarm	800
Transponder immobilizer	400

Alarm classification according to PIMOT:

Class	alarms	Immobilizers
Популярный	Permanent key fob code, hatch and door opening sensors, own siren.	At least one blockage in the circuit with a current of 5A.
Standard	Remote control with variable code, siren and light signaling, one engine lock, anti-tamper sensor, panic function.	Two interlocks in circuits with a current of 5A, automatic activation after removing the key from the ignition or closing the door. The device is resistant to power failures and decoding.
Professional	As above, it additionally has a backup power source, two body burglary protection sensors, blocking of two electrical circuits responsible for starting the engine, and resistance to electrical and mechanical damage.	Three locks in circuits with a current of 7,5A, automatic switching on, service mode, resistance to decoding, voltage drop, mechanical and electrical damage. At least 1 million key templates.
additional	Just like professional and car position sensor, anti-robbery and burglary radio alarm. The device must be trouble-free for one year of testing.	Requirements both in the professional class and practical testing for 1 year.