The content of the article:
- Types of anti-theft systems
- Electronic systems
- Mechanical systems
- Satellite tracking systems
- The nuances of choosing automotive protective systems
- Anti-theft systems for cars of different price segments
- Security systems for inexpensive cars
- Anti-theft systems for cars of "average" price
- Protective systems for expensive cars
- Important points when choosing an anti-theft system
One car is stolen every 10 seconds in the world. For some people, this has become a way of making big money. After all, a car can be sold as a whole, for parts, used to blackmail the owner, or just ride it with a breeze. In order not to become another victim of the hijackers, every car owner must equip his car with a reliable anti-theft system. But how to choose it, what should you pay attention to? Let's figure it out.
The main types of anti-theft systems
Before you start choosing, you need to understand what anti-theft systems exist.
All modern means of car theft protection are conventionally divided into three categories:
- Electronic systems;
- Mechanical systems;
- Satellite tracking systems.
We will briefly describe each type so that when choosing the necessary device, unnecessary questions do not arise.
Electronic systems
The electronic anti-theft system includes the familiar to all car alarms. It notifies about unauthorized entry into the car or about various external influences on it (impacts, approaches).
Modern car alarms have a wide range of different functions. They can produce a loud sound (for example, a siren), notify the owner of a car about a break-in via SMS or a call to the phone.
Alarms can automatically start the engine and turn it off if there is no control panel with a built-in special sensor nearby.
It's worth noting that car alarms rarely stop hijackers with experience. They learned to turn them off in about 10-15 seconds. Of course, this is a serious drawback of car alarms. The most they can do is protect the car from bullies.
The electronic anti-theft system also includes an immobilizer. This device disconnects the electrical wiring of the machine when it is broken, preventing the engine from starting. Many drivers use the immobilizer as the main security device in their car.
Mechanical systems
Mechanical anti-theft devices do not physically allow an intruder to steal a car. Such systems are usually represented by locks-blockers, which are installed on the steering wheel, gearbox, hood, wheels. Removing such devices takes time, and the criminal does not have it, so he will most likely give up his idea.
Experts advise be sure to include one of the mechanical anti-theft devices in the car's security kit. Most often, it is advised to put a hood lock so that the hijacker cannot get to the engine and electrical wiring of the car. In this case, the model and place of installation of such a blocker depends on the car model and the type of its body.
The work of the electromechanical hood lock is carried out in conjunction with an immobilizer or car alarm, therefore it is controlled by one remote control.
Satellite system
The satellite anti-theft system is a device that transmits special GSM signals about the location of the vehicle.
There are two main types of such anti-theft systems:
- The first type turns off the engine of a stolen car and sends a special signal to security agencies, whose employees immediately go to the specified place and return the stolen car to its owner. Such systems are currently considered the most reliable, but, of course, the most expensive.
- The second type is a small device that transmits a signal from the stolen car to the owner's smartphone. These transmitters are installed in inaccessible places, so it is almost impossible to find them.
These are the main anti-theft systems that exist today and are actively installed on cars. Now let's consider which system to give preference to.
What to consider when choosing anti-theft systems
You need to be realistic and understand that experienced intruders can steal any car, even with the most advanced security system. If hackers managed to break into a high-tech Tesla Model S electric car, then what can we say about ordinary cars.
But don't despair. To understand which anti-theft system to choose, you need to imagine yourself as a car thief for a second. Then you will understand that the most valuable thing for him is time. If he cannot steal a car in 5-10 minutes, he leaves this car. Therefore, you need to install a system that will not be able to give in 10-15 minutes. Then the likelihood of theft of your car will decrease dramatically. That is why experts advise installing several devices, for example, a car alarm and a hood lock.
There are three parameters to consider when choosing anti-theft systems:
- Price. In this case, it is worth paying attention not only to the price of protective equipment, but also to the cost of the car. It would hardly be reasonable to install a modern satellite security system on the old Zhiguli. But on an executive car, it will be quite appropriate.
To better understand the price issue, the main rule should be observed - the cost of the cost of the anti-theft system should be 7-10% of the market price of a car.
- Functionality. Functionality is determined by different operational characteristics of the system, which relate to security or service functions (do not confuse them with anti-theft qualities).
- Anti-theft properties. They ensure the safety of the machine.
Alas, manufacturers are not always able to find a balance between price, functionality and security capabilities of their systems. To understand whether a system is worth its money, you need to find out exactly what anti-theft functions its developer offers.
As mentioned above, when choosing an anti-theft system, the cost of the car should be taken into account. Therefore, we will consider the features of the choice of security systems for cars of different price categories.
Anti-theft systems for cars of different price segments
Security systems for inexpensive cars
For inexpensive cars that cost up to $ 10 thousand, you should choose a good alarm and some kind of blocker.
In this case, the signaling must necessarily have a dynamic code. It is not worth buying systems with persistent code as they are hopelessly outdated. If the instructions do not contain information about the type of code, it is better not to purchase such an alarm. Arming and disarming must be performed using different buttons on the remote control. It is advisable to purchase a system with one shock sensor and sensitivity settings.
In cheap alarms, as a rule, one motor lock is used, but it is better to have two. This guarantees greater reliability.
Budget-class systems will cost $ 100-300. It is advisable to purchase a system with two-way communication ("two-way"), then the car owner will be able to know, even at a great distance, what is happening with his car at the moment.
Now I must say a few words about the choice of mechanical anti-theft systems for an inexpensive car. In this case, you can purchase simple mechanical anti-theft locks on the steering wheel or pedals. They cost over $ 30.
Anti-theft systems for cars of the middle price segment
To protect a car worth 10-30 thousand dollars, you need to purchase anti-theft systems from the middle price category (300-800 dollars).
In these systems, dynamic code is already used, and more complex methods of encoding and transmitting messages (double dynamic or dialog code) can be used.
Since these vehicles are expensive and of particular interest to car thieves, they should be equipped with additional sensors (volume, tilt, motion, glass break, microwave sensors).
It is worth choosing systems with relay-immobilizers and the possibility of wireless locks. In this case, during installation, you do not have to pull additional wires. Control signals will come through the traditional car wiring. In the presence of such relays, the hijacker will not be able to quickly find the open circuit of the blocked circuit. In such systems, motor start control is one of the basic functions. It is necessary to choose systems with at least two additional channels for controlling the electrical equipment of the machine and external equipment (heater, heater, power windows).
If such a car often has to be parked on the street, you will have to purchase mechanical locking devices. In this case, it is better to install a hood lock, as all the engine controls are located under it.
An anti-theft system for vehicles of this value must have two-way communication.
Protective systems for expensive cars
On cars more expensive than $ 30 thousand, you need to install expensive class anti-theft systems with the highest possible level of protection. After all, no one wants to be hijacked by Lexus or BMW. In this case, you will have to resort to purchasing satellite anti-theft systems with GSM and GPS interfaces. Then the car, upon request, will transmit its own coordinates to the phone of its owner.
It is worth noting that for expensive cars, you can use completely different options for anti-theft systems. For example, you can even completely abandon the installation of the usual car alarms, and replace it with modern GSM pagers, which may well become an alternative to a two-way communication system. Many modern GSM pagers can set the siren and engine blocking.
Since long-distance communication between the car and the owner is carried out through the phone, there is no need to use a bulky key fob with an LCD display. In general, you can abandon the traditional key fob. Many cars are equipped with factory immobilizers, which have a button on the key that allows you to remotely open the central lock.
In a word, expensive cars can be equipped with various anti-theft systems that will most effectively protect them from burglary. True, such a pleasure will cost a lot (more than $ 2,000).
Additional nuances
- When choosing security systems, you must also take into account the peculiarities of car operation. It is important to pay attention to the operating temperature limits at which the anti-theft system can function effectively. This applies to residents of the northern (cold) regions. It is necessary to choose systems that can operate even at -40 ° C. The temperature regime must be indicated in the instructions. This is very important when using multi-module systems, in which the failure of one component can lead to the loss of the protective properties of the entire system.
- When choosing a system, you also need to consider the source of its power. If it is connected directly to the battery, the hijacker can quickly turn it off without ever getting into the car. Therefore, it is better to purchase an anti-theft system that has an autonomous power source.
- It is not always worth buying systems from well-known manufacturers; the hijackers have carefully studied the features of their work. Therefore, in some cases, it is better to buy a system with a high level of reliability, but not a very well-promoted brand.
- Better to install two good security systems. Let's say, open with LEDs, and inconspicuous. If the hijacker disables the first one, he will not guess about the second one.
- For the anti-theft system to work reliably, it must be installed correctly. This should be done by highly qualified employees of specialized services. Do not trust the installation to would-be masters.
Let's summarize
The process of choosing anti-theft systems must be approached as responsibly as the choice of the car itself. After all, you do not want to one day say goodbye to your "iron horse" and become a pedestrian? Only a reliable system will be able to protect the car from theft as efficiently as possible.
