Anti-theft systems for cars: rating, choice, reviews

According to statistics published by some sources, the number of car rides in Russia in the first 6 months of 2015 has significantly decreased. But this does not mean that the car is fully insured against criminal attacks. In order to maximally secure the vehicle and be sure of its integrity, it is necessary to worry in advance and install an anti-theft device.

A diverse and rich assortment of modern tools will help to make the only right decision. On how to effectively protect your car than anti-theft systems differ from each other, what are their strengths and weaknesses, read in this article.

Classification of security systems

Any choice begins with determining the financial capabilities of the buyer. The costs of anti-theft protection consist of the cost of purchasing and payment for the installation in a specialized service. Although some owners on this expense item save, resorting to the help of familiar craftsmen. In any case, anti-theft to the car - a cheap thing.

Disputes between car enthusiasts about which system is the best, are not the first year. But every device has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, to increase the guarantee of protection, it is worthwhile to use several anti-theft systems in aggregate. Then the criminal, having cope with one threshold of protection, will stumble about another and as a result will leave the car alone.

Depending on the mode of operation and the functions, it is possible to divide into several types anti-theft systems for cars. Rating based on customer reviews:

• The first place is occupied by satellite security-search systems, simply - GPS.
• The second and third place was divided into immobilizers (immobilizers) and car alarms (sound sirens).
• On the fourth place are mechanical devices (locks and locks).

It can not be said that one of these species is worse or better. As a rule, the faultless operation of the security system is provided only with the combination of these devices.

Below we will consider in detail each of the above types.

Features of car alarm system

There is a contingent of criminals against whom an auto alarm system is effective. Indeed, the sharp sound of the siren can scare an inexperienced hijacker and tell the car owner of the attempt. This is the main purpose of this system.

Modern car alarm models have up to three engine blocking positions. They are also able to block the hood, trunk, windows and doors. In the service center, which installs anti-theft systems for cars, the rating of the demand for this type of protection is quite high, but it is worthwhile to consider expanding its functionality. The master can expand the protective functions of the alarm at the request of the customer.

It is not recommended to refuse the sensor that fixes the penetration inside the machine, and the pager, which will alert the owner of the vehicle about this attempt. For those who often leave the car out of sight and so far away that it's impossible to hear the sound of a siren, special attention should be paid to the pager.

Alarm management method and additional functions

The car alarm is remotely controlled, using a keyfob that sends a radio signal to the vehicle's on-board computer. According to car owners, the main drawback of this anti-theft device lies in this.

In order to neutralize the signal, hijackers use electronic "skeleton keys". At the disposal of criminals there are devices such as "code-grabber", which remove and reproduce the code of the radio signal. The most expensive models of such a security system are equipped with a time synchronization mechanism that sets the interval between the request and the response. This additional function increases the protective qualities of the car alarm and, accordingly, its cost.

Unfortunately, the criminal operation of hijacking takes only a few seconds, and sometimes the owner simply does not have time to reach the car. That is why it is recommended to use other anti-theft systems for cars. Rating of the most common devices will help to solve this issue.

The price of car alarm depends on the presence of connectors for additional sensors, power relays and central locks. The average cost of such a purchase varies from 7 to 12 thousand rubles.

Blocks and locks

Of the entire arsenal of anti-theft means for mechanical devices, many adherents. Such systems are fairly simple to use, installed by the driver himself, are available at a price.

Mechanical anti-theft devices are divided into lockers and locks. Their purpose is to prevent the hijacker from penetrating into the car and making it impossible for the vehicle to move on its own. They block the most important parts and parts of the car: gearbox, steering wheel, hood, wheels, brake pedals, doors, etc. Such a system can be adapted to any car.

The common advantage of all mechanical devices is their independence from the auto electronics. They perform their protective functions even with a discharged battery. The real cost for such devices varies between 10-15 thousand rubles.

Transmission Lock

The most popular among motorists is the transmission lock (Gearbox). Its advantage - universality. If an external lock with interlock is used, the shift lever is shifted to the rear gear position and fixed using a pin or an arc. Some owners consider the internal lock of the checkpoint, which is hidden under the casing of the central tunnel, more reliable. The larva of the lock is placed at the gearshift lever. Because of the ease of use, the gearbox lock is often chosen by the ladies.

Steering lock

The mechanical steering lock is also widespread among car owners. The device immobilizes the steering wheel in one position by means of a rim attached to a metal rod. This makes it impossible to carry out any manipulations with the control unit, and, therefore, traffic. True, the car can be towed with a cable, but it will attract the attention of others. Therefore, the steering lock will protect the vehicle from theft in crowded places. Such a device, clearly visible from the street, will frighten off the intruder, who is sure to look for more affordable prey.

Locking wheels and pedals

But the most effective anti-theft mechanical device is the wheel and pedal lock. The first option is a design made of durable steel, which reliably fixes the wheels. The protruding bar rests against the road surface, preventing the car from moving. Release the wheels only with a special cutting tool. In this case, the perpetrator will have to work in full view of everyone.

Anti-theft on the car pedal is also made of quality material. Such a device completely excludes the possibility not only to steal the car, but even to just start it. It is small in size and very convenient to use. But the wheel locker has one drawback - it is cumbersome and difficult to install. Most often this is what drives some car owners away from using it.

Anti-theft ignition lock

Mechanical anti-theft devices also include special security locks. Their purpose is to protect the starter. As a rule, because of the huge number of combinations, it is almost impossible to open the lock with a master key. Based on the responses of car owners, this type of protection is quite high-quality. This mechanism is installed in place of the factory ignition lock, which requires additional costs.

Immobilizers - a modern way of protection

Immobilized - hence protected! This is how immobilizers work. They appeared in the US in the early 80-ies of the last century. Since that time, these security systems have been significantly improved. Modern models are stitched into the on-board computer. Immobilizers protect the car from theft by blocking electrical circuits (one or more simultaneously), for example, the ignition coil and the starter.

Trying to start a car, a hijacker faces his technical "malfunction." The fuel supply stops, the engine begins to stall, the transmission does not work. But as soon as the control unit receives the code, which only the owner knows, all problems disappear, and the car starts to work in normal mode.

Principle of operation

Such anti-theft systems for cars (the rating of security devices confirms their quality and faultless operation) are controlled using a key. But most often used models with contactless control. In this case, the immobilizer is activated using a transcoder or a plastic card. The "malfunction" of the car in case of theft may not occur immediately, but after the car has driven a few meters from the scene. The offender will have nothing left, how to quit his venture and flee.

Installation Advantages

Stealth immobilizer installation, the inability to visually determine where the control unit is located is the most important advantages of this method of protection. The hijacker can not disconnect the system, since he does not know the location of the system in advance. But that the car did not find the owner for the hijacker, you need to monitor the battery and keep it always in a charged state. With a lack of food, even the owner can not move his iron horse from its place. For reliability, it is necessary to have two keys that control the immobilizer. One of them (spare) is best stored at home, away from electrical appliances.

Satellite Security System (GPS)

Anti-theft GPS-tracking systems - the most perfect type of vehicle protection. In the rating they occupy the first place. Equipped with a similar equipment car in the case of theft will be found anywhere in the world. Hide from the global positioning system (GPS) will not succeed. The signal from the satellite about the attempted theft comes to the dispatcher. He reports the danger to the car owner. Operational group after arriving at the scene delays the intruder.

The biggest disadvantage of this system is the price. Of all the existing, this method of protection is the most financially costly. The initial cost is from 15 thousand rubles. Anti-theft GPS-systems, which are trustworthy, will cost 30-35 thousand. But here each car owner decides independently what expenses he is willing to incur in order to protect his property.

It must be remembered that the guarantee of the efficiency of any anti-theft (even the most perfect) depends on a competent and reliable installation. Qualified services will be available only in specialized services.