Automotive security systems are a great investment for your ride.  It's the first line of defense to protect your automobile from would be thieves who want to take that precious gear inside or the whole vehicle!  But how to chose the right type of security system for you?  I like the term security system because a security system protects pretty much everything.  It monitors the doors, it has an immobilizer, a shock sensor, there's a flashing L.E.D. (yes it's a big deal), and convenience features such as keyless entry, trunk release and light flash.   A fully featured alarm  is  icing  on the  cake  when it come to building the car because the vehicle just seems more complete when all the convenience features installed.   Also whatever brand you pick please pick a brand which backs its products with a very good warranty.  If you just say alarm, it could just be a unit that beeps and that's it.  PLEASE DON'T BE CHEAP!!!

    The most basic security system is a one-way system, when I say one-way, the remote only communicates with the vehicle.  They are capable of controlling the door locks, flashing the lights and should also come with an immobilizer and shock sensor.  A good security system should also have the ability have have a hood pin and trunk pin sensor wires so that if a thief tries to open the hood to disconnect the battery or cut the siren wire or enter from the back of the vehicle; the alarm will activate immediately.  Security systems also have auxiliary outputs to drive other devices via relays.  An example would be power window modules or gas lids (if they are power), activating the headlights separatly or door poppers.  Basically the security system can control a variety of devices depending on how skilled the installer is and what types of relays are driving the devices.  I've even seen alarm brains control the functions on an air ride suspension, just some food for thought.

    The next level up would be a 2-way paging alarm.  This type of alarm should do all of the above but have a remote with an LCD display so that if your vehicle is being tampered with you'll be notified (as long as you're with in range).  With today's alarms typical range has been seen from 3,000 to 5,000 feet provided nothing is interfering with the signal i.e. concrete and/or heavy steel.  They typically also have more auxiliary outputs so it's possible to hook up more devices.

    The ultimate setup would be the automotive security and remote start combo.  These can be purchased in either 1-way or 2-way configurations.  They'll do everything the alarms will but also remote start the vehicle.  They can be installed in automatics and manual transmission cars, gas or diesel (make sure it is capable of wait to start in a diesel application).  Most new cars can have them installed but  some sort of bypass will have to be installed to by-pass the factory immobilizer only during the remote start sequence.

    Unless you're a professional installer you'll want to talk to your local shops to discuss which unit you want installed and what features can be installed in your particular vehicle.  Try to talk to them on a not so busy day so that they can give you the best customer service.  If you catch them when they're busy they'll just tell you to go away cause they need to get the job done.  Also pick a shop that provides a lifetime warranty behind all their workmanship and make sure they always provide documentation of what's been installed or modified to the vehicle.

    Other accessories that can be attached are back-up batteries, tilt sensors, proximity sensors, additional sirens in the vehicle  and glass break sensors.  Vehicle tracking is also available at certain retailers.  Please talk to your local professional about these add-ons.

    A proper security system will give you convenience, safety and can help you save money on your insurance and help keep thieves from stealing your vehicle! 



AUTOMOTIVE SECURITY TERMS:

1-way- only the remote communicates with the vehicle

2-way- vehicle communicates back to the remote displaying vehicle status.  Also has extended range.

Immobilizer- prevents the vehicle from starting

Shock sensor- the alarm can detect if the vehicle has been struck

Proximity sensor- detects motion inside the vehicle (recommended for convertibles only)

Glass Break sensor- detects the high frequencies of someone tapping or breaking the glass and someone punching the lock in with   the use of a microphone (depending on how sensitive the unit is set).

Tilt sensor- detects if the vehicle is changing angle from it's original position (vehicle is being towed or rims being stolen)

Keyless Entry- locks and unlocks the doors by the push of a button

Trunk release- opens your trunk at the push of a button

Light Flash- the vehicle's parking lights will flash when the security system is activated

Horn Honk ouput option- vehicle's horn will sound when the security system is activated

Parking lights supervision- the vehicles parking lights will stay illuminated for a certain amount of time after the vehicle has been disarmed.

Dome light supervision- the vehicles interior lights will turn on when the alarm is disarmed

Wait to start- either setup by a timer or triggered by the vehicle allowing a diesel motor's glow plug to heat up before the remote start activates.

Code-Hopping- Code-Hopping is an advanced form of vehicle security. This breakthrough technology never sends the same code twice. Code-Hopping was designed to address the growing threat of thieves who use intercepting devices to learn remote transmitting codes so they can disarm vehicle security systems. State-of-the-art security system enhanced by numerous code combinations and Code-Hopping for added peace-of-mind. Code Hopping™ provides state-of-the-art protection against illegal devices called code grabbers, which intercept and retransmit digital codes.

Ignition-Controlled Door Locks- Automatically locks doors when ignition is turned on and unlocks them when ignition is turned off. This feature adds safety for vehicle occupants and increases security in threatening situations. It's great if you have kids!

Panic/Car Locater- Full alarm activates when Button 1 is held down, calling attention to the vehicle. Customer can detect would-be assailant. This increases personal safety for the vehicle owner/operator. It also can serve as a quick and easy way to find your vehicle in a crowded parking lot. Some systems optional.