Auto theft has become such a problem in the United States that it is barely considered a headline maker any longer. When there is a desire to protect a vehicle from being targeted by the bad guys, there are plenty of car security systems that can help. The only problem is picking out the right system to fit personal style.

Just about every system out there has its share of pros and cons. Still, with auto theft numbers high, any type of security is considered better than none. In the grand scheme of things, any security system that can slow down the bad guys or alert them to the fact a vehicle will not be an easy mark can be quite useful. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that anything that can be done to make a car look and be less easy to steal can prove to be a very good deterrent for theft. Thieves generally want a vehicle that will only take seconds to get into and drive off with.

Some of the top system styles out there that can help get this job done include:

Siren or horn-based systems – Also known as an audible system, this type of car alarm will activate with loud noises coming from a vehicle if a connection is broken. Horns will go off, sirens will sound and lights may even come on. This type of system can include a number of different activation features, including those that signal the alarm if the door is opened while the system is armed. The basic idea is to generate attention toward a vehicle so would be thieves are either scared off or caught in the act. Unfortunately, the sound of car alarms going off has become so commonplace that many passersby ignore them. This can work against a car owner. Silent alarms – This type of system gets rid of the noise associated with an audible system. Instead of trying to scare off a thief, it sends a page to the car owner that a theft is in progress. Silent systems can be very useful for keeping the peace, but they can pose some problems for owners. They might, for example, respond to an alarm personally and interrupt a thief in the act. Steering wheel locks – These low-tech devices do provide a basic level of security. They can deter thieves by making it very clear that a car will not be an easy mark. They can, however, be removed by skilled auto burglars. Kill devices – Ignition immobilizers stop a vehicle from starting if the system is activated. These devices can be an excellent deterrent for theft in that they disable a car from physically operating unless the right key is put into the ignition switch or the right code is punched into the vehicle.

Car security systems are not foolproof devices, but they do make vehicles less intriguing for would be thieves. When it is time to fight back against crime, any preventative step is worth taking.



By: Bryce Stone

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Protecting your car from auto theft

While you may be worrying about your car's gas mileage, and or thinking about a new paint job, there's something else you might want to keep in mind. Technology in car protection is constantly improving, and one of your first priorities when thinking about your car is its safety. What would happen if someone tried breaking into your car? Would you be informed? Would they be able to start the car? These are some things you might want to look into when choosing your car's safety.

You might have the infamous sound alarm. Upon disturbance, these will emit a loud, often continuous cacophony, consisting often of the car's horn, various noises, and sometimes a prerecorded voice. The effectiveness of this is that a criminal doesn't want to get caught. The instant your alarm goes off, the vandal or thief will likely go running. While you may not catch the crook, your will be where you left it, hopefully without a scratch.

Arming and disarming the alarm can be rather easy. Often, it involves the keys, and the driver can manually shut off the alarm by placing their key in the door. They may also be able to disengage the alarm from a button, usually attachable to the keys. There is also sometimes a button hidden inside the car to override the alarm.

How the alarm is triggered depends on the make and model of your vehicle. There are also many after market alarms, which can be purchased and installed after buying your car. These can be set off from opening the doors or trunk, and also when the hood is opened, or the ignition is turned on. They can also be triggered by an impact to the car, or a difference in voltage in the car, though the latter has become less useful, as car technology is starting to incorporate more electronics into vehicles.

Sirens and alarms, however, are not entirely effective. Some people might be able to get away with the car before you can get to it. Also, due to the number of alarms set off by accident in the past, people in urban areas are generally not prone to respond to a car alarm. So, what's another good security precaution? Car immobilizers!

Car immobilizers are devices that prevent an unauthorized person in your car from driving away with it. It can prevent hotwiring, because the car will only start when the correct key is inserted. This is because the key contains a miniature circuit, and that will connect the electricity in the car. These have proven so efficient, that they are mandatory in all new cars in several nations, since as early as 1997.

In some cases, attempts to use the car will be reported through satellite or mobile phone. Some people might even try using a unauthorized copy of the key, but while that will not be sequenced, the car will still not start, and the report will be made. These immobilizers, like the alarms, can be purchased post-market, for older cars, which tend to be candidates for small auto theft.

The price of these security measures depends on where you get them, and how efficient they are. But, regardless of the cost, it's a definite investment to have one installed into your car. You're pouring the money into your car for insurance, gas, and tune ups anyway, and this is surely just as important as the other things.



By: Ed Terran

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