Car Security Systems: You’re Doing It Wrong!

Most of the manufacturers do not sell a car without insurance papers. Still, few equipped with fancy immobilizers, meaning car security is one of the most overwhelming jobs for an ordinary Pakistani. Most motorists always rely on promising aftermarket alarm systems in our local auto market.

Conventional Car Security Systems: 

Conventional car security systems are simple electronic gadgets picking up vibrational activity on your car’s structure if someone tries to mess with it and sounds the alarm to alert. 

Some latest models have added fancy options like anti-hijack triggers. Usually, these are satisfactory when you park your car in a crowded field; however, not that reliable in empty parking lots. 

How Car Security Systems Work: 

These systems work on simple signal tap criteria, cutting the power from reaching the ignition system using a relay when the alarm is triggered by the door’s opening or trying to turn the engine switch. The mechanics simply add these relays in series with the power line feeding the ignition system, controlled by the alarm system module. The circuit in these modules uses Normally-Closed contact type relays, which in simple terms, allow a path to the power delivery line when they are off.

Problem With Car Security Systems:

That means the relay has to be energized by the alarm module to turn off the ignition module. That doesn’t sound so sophisticated, right?. The problem is, as these systems are generally placed underneath the steering column by our a-little-less-determined auto-electricians. It makes it easy to reach the whole setup in seconds of vehicles parked in less crowded areas, where a chap with a wire cutter can make your car disappear. 

You are also good to go even by merely pulling the harness connector out of the alarm module. Cut the power; the relay goes off, the power to the ignition system is connected back and pooff!! There it goes.

How to Set it Up?

I was recently playing around with a shiny Steel Mate Hands-Free car alarm system and the latest two-way type model. Surprisingly, I found that under the fancy new features like passive keyless entry and intelligent highjack sense, the company used the same circuity to control the ignition cut feature as present on commonly available models. This got me thinking that it is not the alarm system at fault; it’s the cranky technique of how we are used to setting up these systems in our cars.

I rested assured by installing one myself. By intelligent placement and a little brainy wiring setup, you can turn these standard siren systems into a vital near-foolproof anti-theft system in no time.