Car anti-theft system: specifications, rating, reviews, prices

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

From the very moment a motorist acquires an "iron horse", he begins to worry about the question: how to protect an expensive acquisition from car thieves? The market offers a lot of solutions: mechanical anti-theft devices, various electronic equipment. This is reassuring, but it also makes the choice much more difficult.

The simplest anti-theft protection

Mechanical equipment - these are special locking devices that are installed on the gearbox, steering wheel, pedals. Most often, such mechanisms have the design of screws or pins. Their task is to prevent the operation of the steering wheel or gearbox.

Many people remember these security systems from the era of the 90s. Someone is skeptical about the mechanics. But today things have changed significantly. Modern anti-theft bollards no longer look like a crutch on the steering wheel.

A brief excursion into the past

The history of the development of mechanical anti-theft begins with the appearance on the roads of the firstcars. More specifically, they began to deal with machine safety issues as early as 1886. After all, not everyone could afford a car back then. The novelty was affordable only for very we althy people. Others, naturally, envied them. And it is not surprising that some citizens dreamed of stealing a miracle of technology.

So for the first time the question arose of how to reliably and effectively protect an expensive toy. Back then, there were no electronic security systems. The only thing that was available to the first motorists was an anti-theft system on the steering wheel, door locks, various plugs and plugs, as well as other items that could interfere with the operation of the car and thereby save it from theft. Interestingly, even despite the protection, the first car was stolen in 1889 straight from the garage of a we althy French baron.

The first protective elements did not require any special installation and were simply hinged. Somewhat later, protective equipment began to be directly built into cars directly at factories. Further, the car anti-theft system began to gain popularity, and private workshops took up the installation.

Types of mechanical protective systems

All of them can be divided into three large types. So, they distinguish:

• Movement-impeding equipment.
• Intrusion prevention devices.
• Locking systems for various vehicle components.

Elements to block movement

To a group of equipment whose main task isobstruction of movement, blockers for the cardan shaft can be attributed. Such mechanisms are installed on all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars. The blocker consists of locking and power elements.

The locking part is installed in the passenger compartment, and the second element is installed under the bottom of the car.

Here, the principle of blocking the rotation of the cardan shaft is applied, and the car, of course, will not drive it.

Mechanical protection against access to the salon

This group is one of the most common systems. Anti-theft protection is focused on the protection of the internal contents and equipment of the cabin. These devices block the doors, hood, and also the trunk lid. Often, these mechanisms are installed during the assembly process on the conveyor. Most often, in most models, an electromagnetic protection system is also used, to which any mechanical elements are additionally installed.

Machine knot blockers

This is probably the most popular and quite reliable car anti-theft system. Mechanisms interfere with the operation of the main components in the car. Two main types can be distinguished. The former block the gearbox, while the latter lock the steering wheel and do not allow it to rotate. Both devices can be factory installed or optional.

To block the operation of the gearbox, a special hole can be found in the cabin next to the transmission selector. A metal pin with a special lock is inserted there. It is almost impossible to remove it without a key even with the use of a hand tool. It is possible to equip such protection as a car with mechanics, and with automatic transmission.

In the case of a manual transmission, the lock will make it impossible to work in all gears except reverse.

On modern automatic transmissions, it will be impossible to remove the selector and box from the parking mode. The car won't go anywhere at all.

In addition to the pin design, designs without pins are also on sale today. They use internal locks. This car anti-theft system will prevent the car thief from operating the lever. A special key is required to open or close the mechanism. The lock is located on the dashboard or between the front seats.

Steering column locks are included with each car as standard. The principle of operation of this equipment is interesting. So, the mechanism is connected to the ignition switch. If there is no key in the lock, the steering wheel is held and will not be able to turn. Everything in this blocker is good, except for one. Often the metal from which these mechanisms are made does not have a high level of strength: one strong and sharp turn - and the blocker is broken.

Many motorists additionally use additional hinged protection. The anti-theft system on the steering wheel in appearance resembles a clutch that is attached to the steering wheel. This part is connected to a special corkscrew located above the instrument panel. Together, this complex limits the rotation of the steering wheel.

The mechanism is equipped with a lock that can only be opened with a special key. Perhaps someone thinksthat this is not effective enough and the lock can be opened. In fact, to open it and remove it, even a professional hijacker will have to sweat a lot. It is rare that a thief wants to deal with a car when there is an unprotected one nearby, which is much easier to steal. There is also a positive psychological effect.

Mechanisms for pedal blocking are less common. But that doesn't mean they aren't on sale. So-called "secrets" for wheels are also used. What are "secrets"? These are non-standard bolts that can only be unscrewed with a special key that exists in one copy and is in the possession of the owner.

"Secrets" protect not from theft, but from lovers of easier money - often thieves twist the wheels, and put the car on bricks.

With all the advantages of this special fastener, the installation of anti-theft systems does not guarantee protection.

They learned how to twist them back in the 90s. Now, of course, more technologically advanced products are being produced. But if the wheels are not stolen, the key exists only in one copy, and the fasteners can become corny or the owner will lose this key.

Of course, mechanics are by no means electronics, and for experienced hijackers such devices will not be a big obstacle. However, most drivers have been using these protection systems for many years now, and the mechanisms work well.

Mechanical car anti-theft system: choice

Before purchasing, it is important to decide whichit is mechanics to equip the car. Many take only locks for the steering wheel, others also take a checkpoint lock in addition. Still others buy everything at once. And rightly so: good protection is only comprehensive.

So, mechanical anti-theft equipment should consist of three parts. The first step is to prevent the hijacker from getting into the cabin. Devices for blocking the hood, trunk and doors will help with this. Further, it is important to deprive the attacker of the opportunity to start the car, non-standard blocking of chains, blocking the hood by means of an electromechanical system will help.

And finally, the third - do not let the attacker leave by car. The locking of the gearbox, steering wheel, pedals is installed. For reliable and comprehensive protection, you will have to purchase all this. However, when buying only a blocker for a checkpoint, it is important to know three small but very important nuances.

The mechanical interlock must work together with the alarm. The lock of the blocking device must be made of good quality metal. When purchasing, you should give preference to universal equipment.

Universal bollard is the surest way to keep your car safe. Such a system costs from $50.

The choice of a particular system depends on the budget and brand of car. The choice should be made according to needs. For example, if the car will spend the night in the yard, you should also purchase locks for the hood and a locking device for the steering shaft.

Guarantor: anti-theft device

Mechanical anti-theft systems have been produced under the Garant brand since 1995. According to the manufacturer himself, the Togliatti company Flim and their Garant will not save from theft, but will detain the thief for half an hour or more. For intruders, half an hour is an unaffordable luxury. The company's assortment includes a wide variety of systems that are suitable for foreign and domestic cars. Mechanisms are constantly upgraded and improved.

The assortment of the brand includes pinless locks for blocking the Consul checkpoint. They differ in that only the lock cylinder is installed in the cabin. The mechanism is inside. The selector is set in a certain position and then blocked. "Bastion" - electromechanical protection. This is an ignition lock and at the same time protection against theft. A button is installed next to it, with which you can start the engine.

"Block Suite" - steering shaft locking system. This is a pin that is fixed on a special coupling. The system costs from $300.

This product is suitable for most models of foreign cars. For VAZ cars and other domestic brands there is a CL series.

Technoblock

The Technoblock anti-theft system is a novelty among mechanical anti-theft systems. This equipment works with brakes and clutch. The complex is fully compatible with most car brands. This is a sophisticated mechanical immobilizer, one of a kind.

Based on a special block of highstrength with check valves. The system is installed discreetly in the cabin. The unit is built into the pneumatic and hydraulic system of the vehicle. The principle of operation is based on the action of check valves, which, when the machine is armed, interrupt the movement of air or hydraulic fluids.

Manufacturers claim that dismantling is basically impossible. Attempting to remove will result in depressurization. And to restore it, the hijacker will have to work all night.

The Technoblock anti-theft system can be simple and active.

Designed to work in Russia with its winters and low temperatures. Feature - the ability to protect against theft even with the use of special equipment.

"Technoblock": reviews

Owners note the effectiveness of this system. But it is effective only if the hijacker is not a professional. Among the advantages are the absence of a subscription fee for use, discounts on "Casko" for theft.

With all the advantages, there are also disadvantages. The first is the wrong concept. "Technoblock" will work only with certain actions of the hijacker. The rest of the time, the system does not provide any protection. The second disadvantage that anti-theft systems have is prices (from $ 500). They also note as a disadvantage interference in the operation and arrangement of the brake system. Many owners report manufacturing defects and various minor problems.

Rating

Top 5 manufacturers today:

1. Sherkhan.
2. Tomahawk.
3. "Senturion".
4. "Alligator".
5. "Pharaoh".

Electronic equipment

Electronic anti-theft system in most cases will be able to protect the car comprehensively. Distinguish electronics by functional purpose. So, there are immobilizers and alarms. Mixed systems are less common.

Immobilizer, and mechanical locks are all passive security. The immobilizer is a special device that complements the ignition lock. When it is turned on, important circuits in the electrical system are broken. The engine will not start. Modern immobilizers break 2-3 circuits.

The alarm is used for active protection and attracting attention. With this, everything is clear. Electronic alarm system reduces the discomfort of using immobilizers and locks to a minimum, and also creates additional benefits. The anti-theft alarm system has good protective capabilities, the price of which is extremely high - from 30 thousand rubles.

Immobilizers

The device must be turned on and off by the same owner. For this, electronic code keys are used. This is a special chip in which a unique code is registered. It is impossible to pick it up in half an hour or an hour.

Alarms

Modern devices have some interesting features. This is work with a central lock, power windows, garage mode, remote engine start. Some models are also immobilizers.

The activated alarm controls several key points in the car, and when an intrusion is attempted, it startslight and sound signal.

The number of points depends on the level of the device, the delivery set and the sensors themselves.

When choosing, many are interested in the effectiveness of the alarm. Depending on the cost, the models will be protected in different ways. The electronic key fob operates in the decimeter range. Frequencies are constant and normalized. The transmitter signal is coded. In modern expensive models, the algorithms are stable, and a minute was enough to select the code.

Modern equipment has a high level of protection. So, the blocks are equipped with anti-scanning, dynamic code, infrared transmitters. All this makes it difficult to hack such a system. Installing anti-theft devices of this kind is already quite reliable protection.

Today, alarms with GPS and GSM are very popular. You can control this equipment using SMS messages. Radius - the whole country. Many people purchase alarms with the GLONASS system. These models will not make any noise and will turn off the engine on command.

Such equipment has the highest popularity. This shows the rating of anti-theft systems. Advanced models can fully control all electronics, block the operation of all nodes. Effective car protection today is a reality. Anti-theft protection with modern equipment does not give a 100% guarantee, but well-protected cars are rarely stolen.

So, we found out how to install car anti-theft devices.