Cars are valuable, easy to resell, and are expensive. This makes them excellent theft material. As per state statistics, in the US, car thefts happen every 20 seconds. So, it’s understandable that so many Americans have sunk money into car alarm systems for protection. Electronic sensors, blaring sirens, and remote-activation systems are now standard features in practically every vehicle on the road. If you have queries related to car alarms, then this is the blog for you.
What is a car alarm? How does it work?
The most basic components of a car alarm are nothing more than a few sensors and a loudspeaker. The most basic alarm would have a switch on the driver’s door. The wiring helps to generate the siren exactly when the door opens. A siren, a switch, and a few pieces of wire are all that is needed to make this car alarm work. The advanced security systems include switches, pressure sensors, and motion detectors.
If you want to customize the sound of your car’s siren, you can get one with a variety of different sound settings. The system includes a radio receiver with a key to wirelessly control it. And a backup battery in case the main battery fails to power the alarm.
The computer control units are basically the brain of the system, and they keep track of everything and sound an alarm if anything goes wrong. Most advanced systems use a computer as their brain. When certain switches that power sensors are open or closed, the brain’s job is to close the switches that activate alarm devices. They can be your horn, headlights, or an installed siren. When it comes to security systems, the primary differences lie in which sensors are present and how their connection to the central processing unit.
The car’s main battery may be used to power the car’s brain and alarm features, but there is usually a backup power source. When the main power source is cut, this backup battery kicks in. The brain alerts the alarm when the power is cut because this could be an indication of an intruder.
Are car alarms reliable?
Car alarms are usually used for alerting the owner in case of any thefts. But do they really work, or are they just hype? Steve Fuller, a former car burglar, said that car thieves are put off by “good alarms with motion sensors, nosy neighbors, and security cameras,”.
80% of robbers can disable an alarm in under a minute, according to research. The fact is that, while a loud alarm may deter inexperienced thieves and joyriders, a true professional is unlikely to be deterred. The lack of up-to-date, comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of car alarms should also be noted. Here are some pointers to protect your car otherwise:
- Always secure your doors and windows.
- Don’t leave your keys in the ignition, this is an invitation for robbers.
- Parking in a well-lit area. A car that is parked under bright lights is less likely to be targeted by car thieves because they are more easily spotted and identified.
- Keep your windows and sunroof closed. Even a small gap invites intruders.
- Never leave anything of value in your car. Theft targets include everything from purses and backpacks to laptop accessories, GPS units, and cell phones. If you must leave your car, keep all packages, and valuables in the trunk.
- Using a smart key. For automobiles, look for models with smart keys, which contain unique computer chips that cannot be duplicated or altered. To turn the ignition on, a driver needs only that one key.
Are car alarm discounts available?
Car alarm discounts are sometimes bundled with other anti-theft devices, such as vehicle recovery systems, but the savings can range from 5% to 25% depending on where you live and the make and model of your vehicle. Consider the cost of a car alarm, which ranges from $100 to $1,000 (or more), against the potential savings on your insurance premiums.
Does my car insurance cover car thefts?
If your car is stolen, a large coverage may be able to cover the cost, so if you haven’t already, you should think about adding it to your policy. Insurance companies and individual insured vehicles have different experience levels, but most auto insurance companies believe in the effectiveness of car alarms and offer drivers who install them a discount.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
