How to choose a car alarm

Car alarm is a modern security device designed to inform the owner about attempts of unauthorized access to the car. This was its original function, but now the list of possibilities has expanded significantly. Monitor the status of the car doors, charge the battery, remotely start the engine and even track the location of the car using GPS navigation – these and many other functions are currently available to those who decide to install a car alarm.

The best car alarm manufacturers

In order to avoid unnecessary problems during installation and operation, as well as to ensure full compatibility of the alarm with the car, the choice should be given in favor of proven models from well-known manufacturers:

1. Starline;

2. Magicar;

3. Pandorra;

4. Sheriff;

5. Magnum;

Before deciding on a specific model, you should also study customer reviews about real operating conditions, both positive and negative. You can find them on car forums and various social networks.

Types of alarms

Modern devices on sale are usually divided into three conventional groups.

One-way alarms

Devices that were popular in the 90s of the last century, which have now lost their relevance. They are controlled from a key fob and allow to signal the owner about illegal access to the car with a sound signal only when the car is in the range of visibility and audibility, that is, no further than 300-350 meters. There is no feedback from the owner.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;

• Simple controls;

• Easy installation;

• Notify the owner of the car within a radius of 300-350 meters;

disadvantages

• Have no feedback;

• Very easy to disconnect;

Feedback alarms

More advanced devices that allow you to monitor vehicle status information in real time. The key fob of such devices is equipped with a display that displays information about the state of the car, attempts to enter, as well as changes in the position of the car relative to the initial one. The range of such devices is about 5 kilometers and can be expanded by installing a GSM module and then synchronizing with a compatible smartphone via wireless communication. It is also possible to bring control of the entire system to it.

Advantages

• High functionality;

• Displaying information about the state of the car on the keychain display;

• Wide range of action;

• Allows you to monitor the state of the car in real time;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• The cracker has the ability to intercept the signal;

Satellite alarm

It is an advanced version of signaling with feedback, the algorithm of which is based on GPS navigation. Signal transmission between the alarm unit installed in the car and the key fob is carried out using satellite communication. It is also used to track the location of the car – at any time, using a special application, the owner can view the exact coordinates of his car.

Advantages

• Unlimited range;

• Very difficult to disable;

• Ability to track the location and route of the vehicle;

• Control over the car;

disadvantages

• Labor intensity of installation;

• Most expensive on the market;

The main criteria for choosing an alarm for a car

Having decided on the type of alarm, it's time to pay attention to the technical features of a particular model, preferable to purchase.

Alarm design

1. Monoblock alarm is the oldest type well known to many. The entire filling of the alarm is installed in a small block that cuts into the car's CAN bus under the hood;

2. The spaced apart design is a more advanced system. It is installed in various places of the car, which significantly complicates the work of an attacker to deactivate the system;

Number of car security zones

The security zone is a sensor that is placed on a certain element of the car and signals the owner about illegal contact with it.

1. Budget models have 3-5 sensors. Typically installed in doors and boot lids;

2. Mid-range models are equipped with 5-7 security zones. A gearbox selector, an ignition lock cylinder is added to the above;

3. Expensive car alarms can have 9 or more security zones. Traditional penetration points are complemented by pedal-mounted sensors, accelerometer, damage sensors and other smart systems;

Control code structure

1. Static signal – the exchange between the unit and the pager is carried out using a signal of the same frequency. Easily intercepted and neutralized;

2. Dynamic. A constantly changing signal, which is quite problematic to pick up;

3. Dialog. The most advanced option, in which the receiver and transmitter exchange multi-level codes, which eliminates signal interception and the use of a repeater;

Range of action

1. One-way alarms transmit a signal within a radius of up to half a kilometer from the car parking lot;

2. Two-way alarms are capable of repeating the signal over a distance of 3 to 5 kilometers. If there is a GSM module and an installed SIM card, the range increases many times and works where there is a cellular connection;

3. The satellite alarm system has a comprehensive coverage and works even in the most remote corners, allowing the owner not only to monitor the condition of the car, but also to track the route of its movement when stolen;

Motor control capabilities

1. Manual start. Allows you to start the car engine by pressing the button of the same name;

2. Automatic start. According to a predetermined algorithm, the device starts the car's engine, which is very useful in winter. The launch can be carried out both in automatic mode and by means of configurable timers. This function is especially useful in frosty weather – the owner can set up the work in such a way that the car starts every 3-4 hours and warms up for a certain time, as a result of which the concept of cold start is absent in principle;

Protection modes

1. Auto. The device starts immediately after the owner locks the central locking;

2. With the engine running. Feature useful in winter time. Allows you to leave the car running even with the central lock closed;

3. Silent security. A function designed to alert the owner in sleeping quarters and near apartment buildings. Does not manifest itself as a heart-rending siren cry, immediately transmits all information to the owner on a pager;

Security functions

Signaling capabilities that complicate the life of intruders many times over.

1. Blocking the engine, central locking or gear selector in case of unauthorized access;

2. Immobilizer – a special device that turns off the fuel pump or de-energizes the on-board network when trying to enter a protected car;

3. Closing doors when starting to move. Allows children to inadvertently discover on the go;

4. “Panic” mode – purposeful triggering of the alarm in manual mode;

Additional equipment

Depending on the degree of sophistication, one or another alarm can be equipped with one of the following modules.

1. GSM module. Designed to install a SIM card and determine the location using triangulation – tracking the signal of the SIM card on cell towers;

2. GPS module. Designed to work with the navigation system, it allows you to track the location of the car and control its functions regardless of distance and distance;

3. CAN module. A device integrated into the car's CAN bus and designed for deeper integration of the alarm into the car, retrieving information from the main sensors and controlling its functionality.

Features of the choice of car alarms with auto start

When choosing a modern alarm with auto start, you need to pay attention to the presence of the following list of functions in the device:

1. Spaced installation of system blocks;

2. Dynamic or interactive data exchange between the system and the key fob;

3. Availability of a GSM or GPS module for system control, as well as a CAN adapter for system control;

4. Availability of programmable algorithms for automatic system start and turbo timer;

5. Possibility of simultaneous operation of at least 5-6 system sensors;

6. Blocking the central locking and starting the engine if necessary;

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.