Car alarms: myths and facts

There are many myths about car alarms among motorists, which can mislead them about the effectiveness and reliability of modern security systems. From claims of impenetrable security to notions of an ultra-long-range key fob, these beliefs often create misconceptions about how alarms work and what to look for when choosing the right system for your vehicle.

Let's look at a few common myths and see how true they are to help owners make informed decisions about keeping their vehicle safe.

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Myth No. 1. Installing an alarm system is a waste of money.

Car alarms are often associated with unnecessary expense for the owner, but even the simplest ones can make the car a less attractive target for criminals. An example would be a sensor that reacts to a blow or an opening, and a siren. Even such a simple option can scare off potential thieves and warn the owner about an attempt to break into the vehicle. Even an LED flashing under the glass can sometimes play a role in scaring away ill-wishers.

Of course, we should not forget that no alarm system can guarantee complete protection against theft. But there is no point in making life easier for robbers, because it is possible to use special means of protection.

In addition, most modern car alarms, in addition to the intrusion warning and anti-theft protection functions, have a variety of service functions that make car operation more convenient and comfortable.

Myth No. 2. All car alarms are the same.

Although many motorists claim that all alarms are the same, in reality this is far from the case. Each system has its own characteristics and methods of protecting the car, which can differ significantly from each other.

Each alarm is designed to meet specific threats and requirements, so it is important to select a system with an understanding of its functions and capabilities. For example, one car alarm may have advanced tamper-evident features, while another may offer additional service capabilities, such as car monitoring via a mobile application or remote control of various systems. Therefore, when choosing an alarm system, it is important for the vehicle owner to consider not only its cost, but also its functionality and compliance with specific needs and operating conditions.

Myth No. 3. If there is a built-in immobilizer, you cannot install a car alarm.

There is a widespread belief that installing an additional alarm on cars with built-in immobilizers is impossible. However, in practice this is not the case. Many modern cars are equipped with a factory immobilizer, which is controlled using a standard car key. When installing the alarm, the technician will need to bypass the standard immobilizer by disabling it completely or temporarily removing the chip from the key.

To bypass the standard immobilizer, a special device is used, which is called an immobilizer bypass, this is a small box with an antenna where a chip from a car key is placed. In this case, the standard immobilizer is turned off only for the duration of the remote engine start. There are many similar linemen that are well known to service station foremen.

Myth No. 4. Car alarms often go off on their own

There is a common misconception that car alarms can go off on their own, for no apparent reason. Indeed, many owners are faced with a situation where the alarm is activated without external influences, which is why the siren suddenly starts screaming. This can be quite annoying and even dangerous as the owner gets used to the constant alarm going off over time and may ignore real danger signals.

However, in most cases, if an alarm goes off for no apparent reason, this indicates a problem with its settings or technical problems. The frequency of false alarms more than twice a month indicates the need to check and adjust the system. This can be caused by various reasons, such as incorrect sensor sensitivity, electromagnetic interference, wiring problems, or even faults in the car alarm design itself.

Myth No. 5. An expensive alarm system provides a 100% guarantee against car theft

The myth about that m, that an expensive security system guarantees 100% protection against theft or hacking is not true. Even the most modern and expensive car alarm system cannot provide absolute security. However, it can significantly complicate theft attempts and extend the time required for its implementation.

Practice shows that if an attacker fails to start the car in 10-15 minutes, he most often abandons his intention. Therefore, even a basic alarm can play a role in protecting the car.

Expensive ones usually have a larger set of functions and a more complex design, which makes them more reliable compared to simpler and more affordable models. Among the most advanced today are alarms that operate in the GSM range and are also equipped with a GPS monitoring system.

Myth No. 6. Why do you need an alarm system? It’s better to park your car in a garage

There is a widespread belief that storing a car in a garage provides it with complete protection against theft. However, crime statistics show that about 30% of all car thefts occur from garages. There are specialists who specialize in stealing cars from garages or other similar places.

The thieves' scheme of action is quite simple: they open the garage, then get into the car (after all, the owners often do not lock such cars) and drive away. It is important to note that the garage itself hides the criminal from prying eyes, which makes his actions less noticeable and makes it easier to plan and commit the crime.

So, even if your car remains in the garage, this does not mean that it is completely protected from theft. It is important to take additional security measures, such as installing reliable alarms or other security systems, to reduce the risk of theft. It is equally important to ensure the security of the garage itself, using reliable locks and security systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Myth No. 7. Expensive car alarms have a longer range for receiving the key fob

Indeed, there is a common misconception that the more expensive the alarm, the further the key fob can work. However, this is a controversial statement. Actual range depends on several factors, including radio transmitter power, antenna installation, settings, and operating conditions.

The high frequency radio signals used in fob pager alarms can encounter obstacles such as buildings, cars or even trees, reducing their range. 500-1000 meters, which manufacturers often claim, can only be achieved with direct visibility, that is, without obstacles, as is often indicated in the instructions for the device.

In the city, reliable reception is usually limited to a radius of 150 to 300 meters due to the presence of a large number of obstacles. Therefore, it is important to understand that expensive signaling does not always provide a greater reception/transmission range, and the choice of system should be made based on the specific operating conditions and needs of the owner.

Myth No. 8: Installing mechanical security devices is preferable to car alarms.

Although steering wheel locks and wheel locks are common anti-theft deterrents, they have their limitations. The first of these is the time required to install such devices. Compared to activating an alarm, installing mechanical devices requires significantly more time and effort.

Car owners, especially those who leave their vehicle for short periods of time, may not want to bother with installing mechanical devices every time they leave the car unattended, such as when going to the store for a short time. However, it is in such cases, when owners believe that the car is under supervision or is in a safe place, that car thieves can take advantage of this period of time to commit theft. Therefore, it is optimal to combine a reliable alarm system with mechanical devices; this will significantly complicate the life of car thieves.

As you can see, you shouldn’t blindly believe everything they say, especially your neighbors in the garage. The correct choice of a security system must necessarily include a study of the capabilities and limitations of a specific car alarm. It is important to remember that even the most advanced system is not a guarantee of complete safety, and additional precautions are always important.

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