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miked10270 · 08-11-2003, 11:03 PM

Hi Nickdam,

Car alarms, like any "security" measures don't prevent theft. What you're buying is "Time, Noise & Hassle" for any potential thief.

First-off, buy an immobiliser. A devcent commercial one would need to be professionally fitted 'cos ALL the wires are black and they replace a significant part of the engine wiring. The curent ones don't simply stop the engine being started, what they do is allow the engine to be started BUT cut the fuel supply as soon as the accelerator (gas) pedal is pressed

In effect the car will start, but stalls as soon as the thief tries to drive it. starts again & stalls again & so on. The point is that if the engine starts then the thief won't go looking for an immobiliser to bypass. The other thing is that it works off the fuel system which is batter since thee is a simple way to bypass ANY ignition based immobiliser.

A cheap perimiter car alarm will deter the casual thief - why try YOUR car when there's plenty around without alarms?

Another anti-theft device which again needs to be professionally fitted is a brake locker. This is a device fitted to the car's brake system, close to the master cylinder. When activated it sets a one way valve into operation. You can drive the car, but when you brake, the hydraulics stay pressurised. A car with one of these fitted is stolen as far as the first junction

Vehicle trackers can be expensive, not just for the fitting but you then have to pay the annual fee for the tracking service

Also, the "tracker" isn't activated until you report your car stolen. Top line ones actually use GPS and report back via satellite and include "Unauthorised movement" sensor to effectively report your car stolen for you as it's happening and before you're aware of it! At the end of the day, vehicle trackers don't actually prevent car theft, they help ensure stolen car recovery.

What do your insurers recognise? Most insurers will give a discount for professionally fitted car alarms of certain types. Over say 3 years, the extra cost of a "professional" car alarm & immobiliser may well be more than paid for in reduced premiums.

Mike.

08-11-2003, 11:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
miked10270 Banned Location: Scotland	Hi Nickdam, Car alarms, like any "security" measures don't prevent theft. What you're buying is "Time, Noise & Hassle" for any potential thief. First-off, buy an immobiliser. A devcent commercial one would need to be professionally fitted 'cos ALL the wires are black and they replace a significant part of the engine wiring. The curent ones don't simply stop the engine being started, what they do is allow the engine to be started BUT cut the fuel supply as soon as the accelerator (gas) pedal is pressed In effect the car will start, but stalls as soon as the thief tries to drive it. starts again & stalls again & so on. The point is that if the engine starts then the thief won't go looking for an immobiliser to bypass. The other thing is that it works off the fuel system which is batter since thee is a simple way to bypass ANY ignition based immobiliser. A cheap perimiter car alarm will deter the casual thief - why try YOUR car when there's plenty around without alarms? Another anti-theft device which again needs to be professionally fitted is a brake locker. This is a device fitted to the car's brake system, close to the master cylinder. When activated it sets a one way valve into operation. You can drive the car, but when you brake, the hydraulics stay pressurised. A car with one of these fitted is stolen as far as the first junction Vehicle trackers can be expensive, not just for the fitting but you then have to pay the annual fee for the tracking service Also, the "tracker" isn't activated until you report your car stolen. Top line ones actually use GPS and report back via satellite and include "Unauthorised movement" sensor to effectively report your car stolen for you as it's happening and before you're aware of it! At the end of the day, vehicle trackers don't actually prevent car theft, they help ensure stolen car recovery. What do your insurers recognise? Most insurers will give a discount for professionally fitted car alarms of certain types. Over say 3 years, the extra cost of a "professional" car alarm & immobiliser may well be more than paid for in reduced premiums. Mike.