How to Choose a Car Alarm

Car manufacturers are now offering alarm systems with their cars. However, these alarms often do not provide adequate security. To be more certain that your car is protected, get an aftermarket alarm.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car Alarms
• Car Security Magazines

1. Check out magazines that cover car alarms, such as Auto Sound & Security and Car Audio & Electronics. Get an idea of what kinds of features different alarms have.

2. Contact well-known manufacturers and ask for product literature. Top companies include Directed Electronics, Clifford, Crimestopper, Alpine, Omega Research & Development, Avital, and Code-Alarm.

3. Determine which features your car has that match it to an alarm. For example, if your car does not have power door locks, you won't be able to use this feature with an alarm.

4. Consider how you use your car. Do you leave things of value in the trunk? Do you travel in the car alone at night? Do you park your car outside? Your evaluation will help you choose an alarm with the features you need most.

5. Make a prioritized list of features you want in a system. Use the list to question a salesperson about features of particular alarms. If you can't afford the perfect alarm, eliminate features one by one.

6. Choose an alarm from a major manufacturer, which will probably have dealers around the country in case you have problems on the road.

7. Ask about manufacturers' warranties and the shop's labor warranties.

Tips & Warnings

• If you purchase an alarm and have it installed, make sure the salesperson or installer shows you exactly how everything works. Refer to the product literature and test the system to make sure all the features work properly.

on 8/8/2006 Installing a car alarm is a long series of simple steps. Plan on spending several evenings under your dash.
You must get a wiring diagram for your car if you have airbags. If you test the wrong wire the airbag will go off.

on 11/22/2005 Car alarms are not bulletproof. Displaying the brand you have on your windows can tell a thief what color wire he needs to cut. Even the cheapest alarm (if well installed and carefully planned) will protect a car better then a rushed, unprofessional installation. Make sure the brain (black box) is hidden, and no wire that is critical (like power, siren, ignition, starter, etc) can be easily seen. The more someone plans and hides the alarm installation, the more secure the car will be. An expensive alarm is junk if I can cut the power in 20 seconds. If you like your car, pay more for the installation than the product. Go to a smaller shop. They tend to take a little bit more time with their work. Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 Some brands, such as Ungo & Prestige offer the consumer a choice of Normally Open (N/O) or Normally Closed (N/C) starter kill. For maximum security select N/O which prevents the vehicle from starting even if the alarm module is removed or pwr is removed.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure your siren is not easily accessible under the hood, or else it can be disabled quickly, especilly if it is installed beside the engine. Also, be sure the alarm wires are not visible.

on 11/22/2005 It's a chip card you take out when you leave the car. You can't start the car without it.