Alarms, immobilizers, bars and locks

Every owner taking care of their vehicle must install at least two independently functioning security systems. "Keys" to these systems should not be tied to one key fob.

Every owner taking care of their vehicle must install at least two independently functioning security systems. "Keys" to these systems should not be tied to one key fob.

The car is a valuable device and, according to the rules of insurance, in addition to the key, it must have at least two security features that work independently of each other. One such device is a car alarm. The alarm should include: variable key fob switch, auto-arming, ignition switch, anti-theft function and possibly anti-theft function.

The package includes: self-powered siren, ultrasound and shock sensors, ignition or start blocking, door and cover 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 have a number of new features, such as burglary radio notification from a distance of up to 600 m from the car, information about a damaged sensor, the ability to turn off a damaged sensor. In modern alarms, the possibility of damage to the control unit by a short circuit in the direction indicators has been eliminated.

When installing the alarm, make sure that the control panel is hidden in a hard-to-reach place. The fewer people who know how to secure and place devices in a car, the safer it is.

Important features save the car

Modern electronic security devices are so sophisticated that, unable to bypass them, thieves attack the driver and take the keys from him. In this case, anti-seizure and anti-abduction functions can help. The operation of the anti-panic system is based on the automatic locking of the central lock after the ignition of the car engine is turned on. This function preferably allows the driver's door to be opened first and then the remaining door. It can protect against grabs when parking under a traffic light.

The anti-theft blocking is present in good alarm control units, it can also be installed separately. It consists in the fact that in a stolen vehicle, the supply of current in important circuits is interrupted after a few seconds and the car is permanently immobilized. To disable this feature, press a hidden switch that only the owner knows about.

Next to the alarm - immobilizer

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 that are part of the ECU of a car controlled by a key inserted into the ignition switch, or additional electronic devices installed. Since knowledge of factory immobilizers is known not only in the circle of authorized service mechanics, it is recommended that additional devices be installed by alarm installers.

Sultan chose

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, we must ask if it has a B certificate and a safety mark issued by the Institute of the Automotive Industry, which is the body that certifies these devices. Only certified car alarms are recognized by insurance companies when concluding contracts.

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.

Mechanical safety

Mechanical safety devices are also available on the market in the form of a gear lever lock that locks the steering wheel or road wheel. They should be considered as an additional safety element that increases the time for an unauthorized person to start the car. Mechanical locks are closed with a key and a lock that is easy for a specialist to open. Putting a lock is often burdensome for the owner of the vehicle, which is why such devices are becoming less popular.