Car alarm system installation approved by Thatcham
By: Andrew Jocelyn | Posted: 23rd July 2006
Choice of car alarm systems can be confusing and in this article I hope to provide
basic information about the wide choice of makes, models and specifications available
in the UK. Aftermarket alarm systems starts with a basic intruder detection and
siren alarm to one which can send you a text message if your vehicle is stolen
and allows you to track the exact location using GPS as well as an option to send
commands via mobile phone to immobilise the vehicle, lock doors smoke screens
or any other programmable actions. A good quality basic car alarm system should
include an immobiliser if you do not have one already fitted and an output to
the central locking system so when you arm the alarm from the alarm remote all
the doors will lock. Some car alarm systems can make use of you existing central
locking remote control so that when you use your exiting remote to lock up a signal
is sent to the alarm to arm it and disarm when the doors are unlocked.
Moving up from a basic security system a Thatcham car
alarm system is approved by the UK motor insurance industry so fitting one
could pay for itself if you consider the saving made on your car insurance. All
Thatcham car alarm systems should be fitted by a qualified installer who will
issue a Thatcham certificate on completion which should be presented to the motor
insurer. Probably on of the best car alarm system on the market at the moment
makes use of a mobile phone to both warn the owner of theft and give location
details as well as an ability to control the vehicles security features by remote
control from the mobile phone itself. These car alarm systems can allow the owner
to immobilise the vehicle but for safely reasons the engine will only cut out
when the vehicle is stationary at some point on its journey, other remote control
features include; locking doors, siren and hazards on, smoke screen, recorded
message and more. You can add a radio control or text message pager to an existing
car alarm system which lets you know if the vehicle has been broken into or driven
off, a radio pager usually has a guarantee range of at least one mile but could
work further out but a mobile phone will let you know about your vehicle anywhere.
Other accessories that can be added to car alarm systems include; tilt and motion
sensor, glass break detector, dual zone pre warning bleep, automatic window closure
and more.
Cobra Thatcham alarm approved systems range from universal alarms to fit any vehicles
to a can-bus system designed for easy car
alarm system installation into newer compatible vehicles. The 7928 is a compact
Thatcham alarm approved system which is ideal for cars where space is limited.
Clifford Thatcham alarm approved systems are split into 3 ranges; starting with
the basic Avital Maxx, then moving up to Concept and for top of the range there
is Intelliguard. The Avital Thatcham alarm approved system offers great value
for money and there are 3 systems; Maxx 1 and 3 are cat1 alarm and immobiliser
and Maxx 2 is a cat2>1 alarm upgrade.
Viper Thatcham alarm approved systems all have 3 circuit immobilisers to give
better protection rather then a 2 circuit immobiliser found on most cat1 security
systems. The top of the range 480xv Thatcham alarm approved system has a 19 icon
LCD display in the keyfob which lets you know if any of the sensors or zones on
the alarm has been triggered and is ideal if you are usually out of earshot of
the siren.
Toad Thatcham alarm approved systems range from universal alarms to fit any vehicles
to a small compact type and one which utilises an existing remote control that
on some compatible vehicles. The Toad Ai606 Thatcham
alarm approved system is a very popular universal aftermarket category 1 alarm
and immobiliser that is quick and easy to install.
Gemini Thatcham alarm approved systems are for universal installation and available
as an alarm and immobiliser or just an alarm upgrade. A category 2>1 Thatcham
alarm approved system upgrade can only be fitted to cars that already have a cat2
approved immobiliser, a non Thatcham immobiliser is not suitable for upgrading.
GT Thatcham alarm approved systems are available for cars, caravans and motor
homes with PIR and other special sensors to protect gas bottles, bikes, lockers
and windows. The motorhome Thatcham alarm approved system is very flexible and
lets you isolate the accommodation PIR sensor at night when you are asleep without
disarming any of the other sensors or zones.
About the Author
Occupation: Vehicle security installer
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Tags: exact location, wide choice, security features, basic security, exiting, radio control, control features, immobiliser