How to choose a car alarm

Car alarm is a modern security device designed to inform the owner about unauthorized vehicle access attempts. That was its original function, but now the list of possibilities has expanded considerably. Monitor the status of the car door, charge the battery, carry out remote engine start and even track the location of the car by GPS navigation - these and many other functions are currently available to those who decide to install car alarms.

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1. Top car alarm manufacturers
   
2. Types of alarms
3. The main criteria for choosing an alarm for a car
4. Features of the choice of auto-alarm with auto start

Top car alarm manufacturers

In order to avoid unnecessary problems during installation and operation, as well as to ensure full compatibility of the alarm system 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 you decide on a particular model, you should also study customer feedback on actual operating conditions, both positive and negative. You can find them on car forums and in various social networks.

Types of alarms

Modern devices presented on sale can be divided into three conventional groups.

One-way signaling

Devices popular in 90 years of the last century, which have lost their relevance at the present time. They are controlled from the key fob and allow the owner to signal an unauthorized access to the car with a sound signal only when the car is in sight and hearing, that is, no further than 300-350 meters. There is no feedback from the owner.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• Simple operation;

• Easy installation;

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

disadvantages

• Do not have feedback;

• Very easy to shut off;

Signaling with feedback

More advanced devices to track real-time vehicle status information. Keychain of such devices is equipped with a display, which displays information about the condition of the car, attempts to penetrate, as well as changing the position of the car relative to the original. The range of such devices is about 5 kilometers and can be extended by installing a GSM module and then synchronizing with a compatible smartphone via wireless. It is also possible to take control of the entire system.

Virtues

• High functionality;

• Displays information about the status of the car on the display keychain;

• Extensive range;

• Allow to track the status of the car in real time;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• The burglar has the ability to intercept the signal;

Satellite alarm

It is an advanced version of the alarm system with feedback, based on the algorithm of the GPS-navigation.Signal transmission between the alarm unit installed in the car and the key fob is performed using satellite communications. It also applies to tracking the location of the car - at any time using the special application, the owner can view the exact coordinates of his car.

Virtues

• Unlimited range;

• It is very difficult to turn off;

• The ability to track the location and route of the vehicle;

• Control over the car;

disadvantages

• The complexity of the installation;

• The 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 that is preferable to purchase.

Alarm design

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

2. Exploded design is a more advanced system. Installed in various places of the car, which significantly complicates the attacker to deactivate the system;

Number of car security zones

The security zone is a sensor that is placed on a specific element of the vehicle and signals the owner of unauthorized contact with him.

1. Budget models have 3-5 sensors. As a rule, installed in the doors and trunk lid;

2. Models of the middle price range are equipped with 5-7 security zones. To the above is added the gearshift selector, the larva of the ignition lock;

3. Expensive car alarms can have 9 or more security zones. Traditional penetration points are complemented by sensors installed in the pedal assembly, an 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 single frequency signal. Easily intercepted and neutralized;

2. Dynamic. Constantly variable signal, which is quite problematic to choose;

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

Action range

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

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

3. Satellite alarm 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 it is stolen;

Engine control options

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

2. Auto start. According to a predetermined algorithm, the device starts the car engine, which is very useful in winter. Starting can be carried out both in automatic mode and through custom timers. This function is especially useful in cold weather - the owner can set up the work so 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;

Security Modes

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

2. On the engine. Function, useful in the winter time. Allows you to keep the car running even with the central lock closed;

3. "Silent" security.The function is intended to notify the owner in the sleeping quarters and near apartment buildings. Does not manifest itself with a heart-rending cry of a siren, immediately sends to the host on the pager all the information;

Security functions

Signaling capabilities that make life difficult for intruders.

1. Lock the engine, central locking or gearbox 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 get into a protected car;

3. Closing the door at the beginning of the movement. Allows unintended opening by children on the go;

4. “Panic” mode - targeted alarm triggering in manual mode;

Additional equipment

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

1. GSM module. Designed to install the 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, allows you to track the location of the car and manage its functions, regardless of distance and distance;

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

Features of the choice of auto-alarm with auto start

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

1. Separated installation of system units;

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

3. The presence of a GSM or GPS module to control the system, as well as a CAN adapter to control the system;

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

5. The possibility of simultaneous operation of at least 5-6 sensors of the system;

6. Central locking and engine starting if necessary;

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