Alarms and locks

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, mechanical

There is a wide variety of more or less perfect mechanical locks in the trade. You can lock the pedals, steering wheel, shift lever movement, connect the steering wheel to the pedals, and finally you can lock the gearshift mechanism. Although not popular, mechanical protection effectively prevents thieves, which is why they are not “loved”, because breaking them requires knowledge, time, tools and skills.

Then electronically

The car is a valuable device, and insurance companies in their manuals, depending on the value of the car, recommend installing at least two independently working protective devices. One of them is a car alarm. The alarm system should include: a remote control with a variable key fob code, self-arming, ignition lock, anti-theft function. In addition, there are self-powered siren, ultrasonic and shock sensors, ignition or start blocking, door and lid limit switches. This configuration can be supplemented with a vehicle position sensor and a backup power system.

The variable code transmitted by radio from the remote control to the control unit is very important for the protection function. A large number of combinations makes it impossible to read the code and turn off the alarm by unauthorized persons.

Modern alarm systems support completely new functions: burglar alarm from a distance of up to 600 m from the car, information about a damaged sensor and the ability to disable a damaged sensor. They are resistant to damage to the control unit caused by a short circuit in the direction indicators.

The alarm works well when its design is little known, it is placed in an unusual, hard-to-reach place, and the installation workshop is trustworthy. The fewer people who know how to attach and place devices in a car, the safer it is. Mass alarms installed by authorized service centers before buying new cars are repeatable and therefore easier to "work out" by thieves.

Modern electronic security is so complex that thieves are unable to do it. defeated, they rob the driver and take his keys. In this case, the anti-seize function can help. It works by automatically closing the central lock when the ignition is turned on. This feature has the advantage of opening the driver's door first and then the others, which can prevent attacks when parking at traffic lights.

Unfortunately, after joining the European Union, the use of a very effective anti-kidnapping blocking, present in good alarm control units or installed separately, is prohibited. According to the drafters of this regulation, this is necessary to prevent dangerous situations arising from the operation of the device while driving.

Immobilizer - hidden car protection

An immobilizer is an electronic device whose task is to prevent the engine from starting by cutting off the flow of current in one or more circuits. This is a very effective way to protect if it was installed outside the box. In practice, we are faced with factory immobilizers, which are part of the car's ECU, controlled by a key inserted into the ignition and optional electronic devices. Since knowledge of factory equipment is known not only in the circle of authorized service masters, it is worth recommending additional devices installed by trusted alarm installers.

Important Batteries

Electronic devices are reliable, but they can be useless if they are not powered. Power is usually provided by a small battery located inside the remote control. This can lead to serious problems when the outside temperature drops below freezing. To avoid surprises, the battery should be replaced once a year, and a new battery should always be kept in stock.

Much more trouble can be delivered by the battery that powers the immobilizer. Designers often put it in a plastic key case. If the source does not provide electricity, the immobilizer simply will not work. Therefore, as part of the service activities carried out during the annual checks of vehicles, for example, the Opel brand, it is mandatory to replace the battery. When leaving the workshop, it is best to make sure that the replacement has been carried out, otherwise the roadside assistance system can save us from trouble by towing the hapless car to the service station.

We must choose certified products

There are many electronic devices offered by various manufacturers on the market. As a rule, they perform similar functions, differing in price. When choosing an alarm to install, we must ask if it has a certificate issued by the Institute of the Automotive Industry, which is the division that tests these devices. Only certified car alarms are recognized by insurance companies.

In the event of failure of electronic devices, the user of the vehicle becomes helpless. Therefore, when choosing the type of protection, a broad study should be carried out, focusing on durable and reliable devices. It is worth installing systems for which there is a service network.

Examples of prices for car alarms

No.	Device description	Price
1.	Alarm, basic level of protection	380
2.	Alarm, basic level of protection, with computer diagnostics and memory for 50 events.	480
3.	Alarm, increased level of protection, the ability to connect a towing sensor	680
4.	Advanced security alarm, professional grade	780
5.	The alarm is controlled by transmitters in the factory key, the basic level of protection	880
6.	Sensor immobilizer	300
7.	Transponder immobilizer	400
8.	Shock sensor	80
9.	Ultrasonic sensor	150
10	Glass break sensor	100
11	Vehicle lift sensor	480
12	Self-powered siren	100

PIMOT alarm classification

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.