Archive for December, 2010

Car Alarm Systems

In the United States alone, a car is either stolen or broken into every 20 seconds. It is therefore not surprising that car alarm system manufacturers are constantly finding ways to improve the theft deterrence abilities of their products. But while it’s amazing how car alarm systems have evolved form their simplest beginnings, it’s even more amazing how car thieves still manage to get around them. Are car alarm systems really too simple to provide any protection?

Basic car alarm systems work by using simple circuitry technology – if someone forces the car door open, the circuit is closed and a siren sounds off. More sophisticated car alarms have added more sensors to capture every possible threat by being more sensitive to light vibrations or pressures. Shock sensors cause the alarm to go off when someone or something hits or moves the vehicle. The alarm will go off in patterns dependent on how strong the shock is – the sounds go anywhere from a short beeping sound to a very loud, nonstop alarm. Because shock sensors are very sensitive to any movement in and around the car, it often goes off accidentally; when someone leans on your car while waiting for a cab, for example, or when a huge truck passes by and causes the ground on which your car is parked to vibrate. Read the rest of this entry »

Aftermarket Car Alarms: How Effective and Efficient Are They?

Last night, as I lad my head to rest I realized that I forgot to set the alarm on my SUV. After running outside to set the alarm it occurred to me that what does an alarm really do and how does it prevent theft. How effective and efficient is an alarm system, Really?

Unless you live in close proximity to a police station or are lucky enough to have a dumb criminal try to enter your vehicle when there is a policeman nearby, what purpose does a car alarm serve? Maybe that is why they are called security systems because they provide you with a sense of security. “Nobody is going to steal my car, it makes too much noise when messed with.” OK and unless you are prepared to fight with the criminal who is stealing your vehicle Security systems provide a false sense of security in my opinion. Read the rest of this entry »

Car Alarms Offer Safety And Security

Look at any typical police blotter and generally the most frequent crime listed will be related to automobiles. Whether it’s grand theft auto or simple burglary of items within the car or even carjacking, autos and crime seem to go together is just about every locale in the world. This is where a good car alarm can come in handy. While an alarm won’t guarantee theft won’t happen, it can lessen the chances. Anything to deter is a good idea.

Shopping for car alarms can be a little tough though. There are a number of different devices on the market that offer one form of protection or another. The prices vary greatly. The high-end devices can even track a stolen car to its current location and lower end options simply lock steering wheels. Some may be more effective than others in scaring off the professional thieves, but any type of alarm or lockout device is better than none. Read the rest of this entry »