Car Alarm Systems

Are Car Alarm Systems Really That Effective?

The sound of a car alarm going off is something we are all familiar with. As the siren whines, we might glance at the car, but few of us ever really look to see if it might be a burglar or call the cops. Car alarm systems can be set off by a single touch, a firework sending shock waves through the air, or an accidental push of the panic button. Since most car alarms only signal a false alarm, their effectiveness has deteriorated.

Studies have shown that standard car alarm systems do not deter burglars. Most burglars can quickly disarm an alarm and drive away in the stolen car before anyone walking by suspects something or calls the cops. Car alarms have not only become less effective in discouraging burglars, they have also become a nuisance. In 2002, Liu’s Car Alarm Bill was introduced in New York City; the bill proposed banning audible car alarms. Instead of using these standard car alarms, it proposed using silent deterrents like a kill switch and a LoJack. Another option is a wireless car alarm.

Silent Car Alarms

A kill switch prevents the flow of fuel or electricity from reaching the engine. As a result, the car will not start until the switch has been flipped. Some of the benefits of a kill switch are:

1. It is inexpensive. Kill switches range from $10-$125.
2. Kill switches are easy to install. They come with color coded wires to help the installation process.
3. The better it’s hidden, the more effective it is.

Kill switches will deter amateur thieves and are more effective than standard car alarms. However, professional thieves know how to bypass the kill switch.

A LoJack is a silent radio transceiver installed by a professional into your car. In the event that your car is stolen, you simply notify the police. The police then locate the LoJack and are able to reduce the search to within a block of your car. The LoJack makes it possible to find cars hidden in garages or other buildings. LoJack’s have a 90% recovery rate, but they can cost anywhere from $300 to $900.

A wireless car alarm sends information to your mobile phone. When your car door is opened or a window is shattered, an alert is sent to your phone. You can then cut the gas or electricity from reaching the engine, thereby preventing a burglar from starting the car. The system will also alert you if your car is being towed, and allows you to locate your car with a GPS. This Wireless Intelligent GSM/GPS car alarm system ranges from $150-$200. Self installation generally takes less than an hour.

The right car alarm depends on your circumstances. Where do you live? What kind of car do you drive? Where do you usually park? Installing the right car alarm can offer peace of mind and protection.