Car alarm systems are essential for a vehicle’s safety. It is natural to want to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible whether it’s parked on the street, in a parking lot at work, or anywhere else. However, the threat to your vehicle is very real. Installing a high-quality car alarm can enhance the security of your vehicle. With a wide variety of car alarms on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Let’s go through the different types of car alarms in detail.
List of Different Types of Car Alarm Systems
Car alarms help keep your car safe and secure. Below, we’ve detailed some of the most common types of car alarm systems.
Audible Alarm Systems
These are the most common types of car alarm systems. When you think about car alarms, this is likely the first type that comes to mind. These alarms are often preinstalled in new vehicles or even in used cars for sale in the UAE. They are simple to use, and most people know how to arm them. When someone tries to break into the car, a loud alarm will sound and sometimes the lights will start to flash. The loud noise can deter some thieves. Audible alarms can be a good option to consider if your car is parked in public parking lots with limited security. Moreover, here are some useful tips to keep your car safe in a parking lot.
Silent Alarm Systems
These are not the most popular types of car alarm systems. This is because they do not make any noise that thieves can hear, instead silent alarms alert the owner to a break-in, usually through a smartphone app.
Silent alarms can also be linked to a monitoring service for an immediate response, which is useful if the owner wants to catch the thief in the act. That said, regardless of the alarm system you install, it is always advisable to call the police to handle the situation.
Immobiliser Car Alarm System
This alarm system prevents the car from starting without the correct key or fob. It is also a standard feature in most modern vehicles. Immobilisers can often stop thieves before they even begin by disabling the vehicle’s engine or ignition system if an unauthorised key or object is used to try to open the car. Besides, here are some symptoms of bad engine immobilsers that cause these alarms to malfunction. Always visit a professional auto shop to have these issues fixed.
Active Car Alarm Systems
Active car alarm alerts require the vehicle owner to manually arm the system, usually using a remote or key fob. For example, you will need to press a button, typically available on your key fob, to turn the car alarm on and off.
It’s crucial to remember to set the alarm each time you leave your vehicle; otherwise, anyone can open the doors and get inside. Active alarm systems can also include additional features such as remote start or keyless entry.
Passive Car Alarm Systems
With a passive alarm, the car automatically activates the alarm when the car is turned off and the doors are locked, requiring no manual activation. This reduces the risk of forgetting to set your alarm. The alarm engages when the ignition is turned off or the doors are locked, and the driver must unlock the doors to deactivate it.
Passive alarms are convenient as they require no additional steps from the owner. These alarms often come with immobilisers that prevent the car from starting if an unauthorised attempt is detected.
Here are details for active vs passive security systems in cars.
GPS Car Tracking Systems
Popular car alarm types include GPS car tracking systems. These advanced systems use GPS technology to track the vehicle’s location. This helps provide a speedy recovery in the event it’s stolen. With such an alarm, in case of unusual vibrations, caused by prying tools, you will be alerted. You will also get an alert if someone starts your car engine or tries moving your car when you are not in it. Such alarms usually include geofencing features that notify the owner if the vehicle leaves a predetermined area.
Smartphone-Controlled Alarms
These systems allow control and monitoring via a smartphone app. Evident from the name, such alarms, enable arming, disarming and monitoring the alarm from anywhere using a smartphone. They provide alerts and notifications directly to the car owner’s phone. Moreover, smartphone-controlled alarms usually include additional features such as remote start, GPS tracking and vehicle diagnostics.
Remote Start Alarms
These alarms include the ability to start the vehicle remotely. They allow car owners to start the vehicle from a distance. This is generally useful for pre-heating or cooling the car. Such alarms are integrated with security features to ensure the car remains protected while running. They can also be combined with both passive and active alarm systems.
Two-Way Alarms
These systems communicate with the car owner, providing feedback on the status of the vehicle. Two-way alarm systems include a remote with an LCD screen to display vehicle status. They alert the owner if the alarm is triggered, often within a certain range. Such alarms can also provide information on which sensor was triggered (e.g., door or shock, among other reasons).
FAQS
What is a passive car alarm system?
A passive alarm automatically activates when the car is turned off and the doors are locked, requiring no manual activation.
How does an active car alarm system work?
An active alarm requires manual activation using a remote or key fob to arm and disarm the system.
What are two-way car alarm systems?
Two-way alarms provide feedback to the owner via a remote or smartphone app about the vehicle’s status and alerts.
How does an immobilising alarm system enhance security?
It prevents the vehicle from starting unless the correct key or fob is nearby, deterring theft attempts.
How do GPS car tracking systems use geofencing?
Geofencing notifies the owner if the vehicle exits a predetermined area, enhancing security and alerting to unauthorised use.
That is all about the different types of car alarm systems. Each type offers unique features and benefits, catering to different security needs and preferences. Besides, if your car alarm keeps going off, it is due to a host of technical reasons such as not closing the doors or windows properly. Be mindful of taking care of these aspects when installing an alarm system in your vehicle. Also, avoid these common mistakes that make your cars vulnerable to break-ins.
When buying a new car in the UAE, consider factors such as ease of use, desired features and the level of security required when choosing a car alarm to best protect your vehicle.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s car blog on various car security systems.
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