The Fundamentals of Car Alarms
You've saved up and purchased the car of your dreams. The dealer tries to stick you with an expensive alarm system, but you know better. You'll find a quality version on your own and probably spend less. To do this, you need to understand how these alarms work.
At its core, the auto alarm works as a deterrent system. When activated by external stimuli, it creates sensory output that draws attention to the vehicle. This is typically done by honking the horn obnoxiously. In some versions, it can also be done by playing a siren noise, a recorded warning voice or flashing the lights of the vehicle repeatedly. The basic idea is to bring attention to the situation, something that thieves hate. Given this, most will simply move on to another target.
Alarms tend to work differently depending on who installs them. If you buy a new car with an alarm installed already, the alarm tends to be area specific. The system has sensors on the latches of the doors, hood and trunk of the vehicle. When opened, the alarm goes into action and creates a racket. As a result, rocking a new car will rarely set off the alarm.
The simplest aftermarket car alarms tend to work on a vibration concept. The system is hooked up in the car and has sensors that are attached to the frame. When a vibration is created from a door being opened or closed, the sensor triggers the alarm to wail away. This approach can lead to false alarms one windy days or if the car is rocked in any way such as a person rubbing up against it.
More sophisticated aftermarket alarms use voltage regulation to monitor the car. The modern car is a mass of electronic sensors. The alarm ties into these sensors. When a door is opened, a message is sent to the ECU of the vehicle. The alarm is triggered as well and the deterrents are activated.
It should be said that getting a car alarm isn't the only step you should take when it comes to securing your ride. You should also get a locator device of some sort. Lo Jack is popular, but there are other services as well. Regardless, these devices can be the difference between getting your car back quickly or having it parted out in a chop shop somewhere.
At its core, the auto alarm works as a deterrent system. When activated by external stimuli, it creates sensory output that draws attention to the vehicle. This is typically done by honking the horn obnoxiously. In some versions, it can also be done by playing a siren noise, a recorded warning voice or flashing the lights of the vehicle repeatedly. The basic idea is to bring attention to the situation, something that thieves hate. Given this, most will simply move on to another target.
Alarms tend to work differently depending on who installs them. If you buy a new car with an alarm installed already, the alarm tends to be area specific. The system has sensors on the latches of the doors, hood and trunk of the vehicle. When opened, the alarm goes into action and creates a racket. As a result, rocking a new car will rarely set off the alarm.
The simplest aftermarket car alarms tend to work on a vibration concept. The system is hooked up in the car and has sensors that are attached to the frame. When a vibration is created from a door being opened or closed, the sensor triggers the alarm to wail away. This approach can lead to false alarms one windy days or if the car is rocked in any way such as a person rubbing up against it.
More sophisticated aftermarket alarms use voltage regulation to monitor the car. The modern car is a mass of electronic sensors. The alarm ties into these sensors. When a door is opened, a message is sent to the ECU of the vehicle. The alarm is triggered as well and the deterrents are activated.
It should be said that getting a car alarm isn't the only step you should take when it comes to securing your ride. You should also get a locator device of some sort. Lo Jack is popular, but there are other services as well. Regardless, these devices can be the difference between getting your car back quickly or having it parted out in a chop shop somewhere.
Source...