Car Alarms
Car alarms were originally a popular device for aftermarket fitment to a car. Now due to several reasons they have lost their popularity.
Early kits were quite basic and triggered only when the cars door was opened, sounding the vehicles horn and flashing the lights. Following this motion & vibration sensors were added to systems meant to detect of the car was being moved or towed, and if anyone had gained entry to the car and was moving about inside. Unfortunately these sensors often produced false alarms, being triggered for all sorts of reasons such as a cat jumping on the car, or vibration from a truck passing by.
Car Alarms going off (especially at night) became one of the pet hates of society, causing regulations for the amount of time an alarm can sound for, and more importantly meaning that alarms were being ignored by the general public, assuming it was a false alarm and rendering the systems next to useless.
An article in the New York Times mentioned that a car alarm industry spokesman told the New York City Council that an alarm is effective ”only in areas where the sound causes the dispatch of the police or attracts the owner’s attention.” article link: NY Times Article
Alongside this, early systems were easily defeated by thieves – alarms that flashed the cars indicators could be short circuited by smashing an indicator bulb for example, or cutting the wire to the siren under the bonnet.
Newer systems have got much better – false alarms are much reduced, and systems can include things like a back up siren, a back up power supply should the main one be cut, and sensors attached the bonnet and trunk to stop would be thieves disabling the system.
Car alarms can be a valuable addition to your cars security, and may startle an amateur thief, but should be accompanied with some form of immobilisation system as the noise itself can be ignored and presents no barrier to stealing the car.
Most good aftermarket car alarms on sale nowadays come combined with an electronic engine immobiliser, and they should always be fitted by a qualified professional. If buying in the UK, most alarms are rated by an independent body known as Thatcham, who give ratings to alarm systems, and these may get you a discount on your car insurance.
Finally, many thanks go to Orangewheels.co.uk who supply Toyota Yaris Cars in the UK for their free help in compiling this website.