Think like a thief. Not all the time obviously, but definitely when it comes to protecting, what for most people is their biggest asset, after their home. Would you want to hang about trying to steal a car with an alarm blaring?
A car alarm has two functions, the first is to alert you or people nearby that someone has broken into your car and is probably attempting to steal the car or something in it, such as the car stereo.
Some clarification may be needed on the terminology. Aftermarket, simply means something that is bought for or installed in the car, after the car has left the factory. Furthermore, it is worth noting that an alarm is not the same as an immobilizer. An alarm, simply put, is a siren attached to some sensors or triggers, which will sound, when activated e.g. someone enters the car; breaks a window; tampers with a door lock. An immobilizer, on the other hand, is an electronic gadget fitted to the car, which will prevent the car from starting. If the driver inserts the car's legitimate key, which usually has a secret microchip inside it, the car will start. Immobilizers are however silent. Both systems have a role to play and can be used together.
It may be worth stating the obvious at this point. If you have not heard your car alarm go off, it is not to say that you don't have one or that it is not functioning properly. Consult your manual or speak to your car dealer to make sure, before installing something you already have. Someone I was speaking to recently, insisted her brand new, luxury car, did not have an alarm. Clearly, this was untrue.
Assuming you see the sense in having a car alarm, the next question is - what are your options? Like all things, the available products range in price and complexity. What you might not know is that you can easily fit an alarm system to your car and save yourself a few dollars.
Alarms systems typically start out at around $40 and go well upwards to over $1000 from there. Expect to pay a further $50 - $100 dollars for installation.
This segment will concentrate on aftermarket systems that you can install yourself. If you are capable of using a screwdriver and a small drill, you will be able to put an alarm system in your car. It typically does involve loosening a few panels and a small amount of electrical work, but nothing complicated. Depending on the alarm system you have purchase as well as the car you own, you may need to buy one or two tools not found in the everyday toolbox, such as a multimeter and possibly a set of Torx keys. The DIY alarm systems are sold as kits and will include directions. You may have to check in your car's manual for schematics relating to the wiring. If you do get stuck, make sure that you have the car manufacturer's helpline handy.
I would not recommend fitting an alarm that is integrated with an immobilizer as this may involve more complicated connections to the ignition or fuel systems.
Taking your budget into consideration, you may want to see if you can find an alarm system which also integrates with the door locking system of your car. This means that with better alarm systems, you can lock or unlock your car, using the same remote control for the alarm system. This is a further safety feature, allowing you to quickly enter your car, without fiddling with door locks or two remote controls.
This may be of importance to you when entering the car in less safe areas or especially at night, when visibility may further hamper unlocking the car and deactivating the alarm, speedily. Again, stating the obvious here, if you do not have central or automated locking already, there is nothing to integrate the remote control to and buying a system which can connect to the door lock will be useless.
Besides connecting to your central locking, other factors to consider are compatibility and complexity. Allow me to explain...
Compatibility: some cars have plugs or sockets available for certain makes of alarm systems, allowing you to just plug them in, without cutting into wires and making joins.
Complexity: the quality and number of sensors and motion detectors used to protect the car. A good alarm system will watch out for tilting i.e. will wail if someone attempts to tow the car. Door handles, breaking windows, change in air pressure, ignition and various types of vibrations can all be monitored. Some alarm systems even allow for two way communication meaning that the car will let you know if your alarm has gone off by paging you! For the completely paranoid, internal cameras can also be fitted.
Some insurance companies do reduce premiums if an alarm system is installed which is on their list of approved suppliers. Check with your insurer before buying and installing.
Regardless of which system you buy, take your time and be patient when installing. While it is easy enough to install, a foolish mistake may cost you a few dollars to repair. If you follow the instructions carefully, there is no reason why this is not something you could do yourself. You are likely to take a lot more care removing panels and making holes than the technician paid by the hour.
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