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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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6
Choose an alarm from a major manufacturer, which will probably have dealers around the country in case you have problems on the road.
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7
Ask about manufacturers' warranties and the shop's labor warranties.
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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.
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Comments
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jackcc5
Jul 11, 2009
it's best to have to have an alarm system that has these features in my opinion back up battery, back up siren, pin code over ride,glass break sensor,immobilisers the more the better,. and tell the alarm installer to hide the control modal in the more hard to access spot as possible make sure the alarm use's black wiring this slows down the theft as there is no color coding to tell what wire's go to what. also make sure the siren is put in a car to access area of the car -
Aug 08, 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.
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Aug 08, 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.
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Nov 22, 2005
It's a chip card you take out when you leave the car. You can't start the car without it.
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Nov 22, 2005
Install a kill switch along with alarm. Run a wire from ingnition coil to switch. Hide switch(in a reachable place) also add 2-3 dummy switches in view but hidden (like just under dash).
