All About Car Alarms, How They Work, and Tips for Choosing One
Car alarms are devices used in vehicles as part of a security system. The presence of a car alarm can be considered important because it has various functions.
The loud sound of a car alarm can hinder criminal acts when attempting theft. This can certainly attract the attention of the surrounding environment and serve as a warning sign.
Along with technological advancements, the functions of car alarms have also evolved. For example, they can provide warnings if the car experiences something or is impacted. A loud alarm will signal that something has happened to the car.
Additionally, some types of car alarms are now equipped with GPS systems. This feature makes it easier for car owners to know the position of their car when they forget where they parked it. GPS can also be used to track the car's location in case of theft.
Based on their types, car alarms are divided into two categories: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) alarms from official factories and Aftermarket alarms sold by unofficial manufacturers.
Specifically for OEM alarms, their function is more focused on security against theft. Meanwhile, Aftermarket products usually have a variety of additional features that OEM car alarms do not possess.
For instance, features like auto lock and unlock, remote control bypass, dual zone shock sensor, automatic disable sensor, LED system status indicator, GPS car alarm, and others. Each of these features has its own advantages according to its function. You can combine several alarms according to your needs to make your car safer and less vulnerable to criminals.
Components and how car alarms work
In general, the components of a car alarm use simple devices. There are three main components installed in a car alarm: sensors, sirens or flashing lights, and control units.
1. Sensors
Car alarm sensors consist of several types, the first being door sensors. Most sensors in cars are in the form of switches installed on the doors. When the door is opened, the switch sends a signal to the control unit.
Then there are motion sensors that will send signals to the control unit if there is vibration or the car is shaken. There are also microphone or pressure sensors that detect sound levels that are not too loud, such as breaking glass, indicating an attempted theft, as well as pressure sensors if there is an attempt to forcibly open the door.
2. Control unit
The signals captured by the sensors are sent to the control unit. The control unit then activates outputs such as sirens or flashing lights. Most control units use radio wave transmitters.
3. Sirens and flashing lights
Sirens are one of the easily recognizable features of car alarms. The sound produced is often considered disturbing. The noise level varies depending on the brand of the car alarm.
The principle of operation relies on the transmission of signals captured, then producing sound from the speaker device. The same goes for the flashing lights.
The sounding siren and flashing lights are outputs transmitted through signals captured by the sensors at the command of the control unit. These two outputs serve as warning signs if something happens.
How to install a car alarm
Before installing a car alarm, make sure you understand how car alarms work. Then ensure that the choice of car alarm is suitable and compatible with your car type. Because not all alarms can work well if their type is not suitable.
There are several things to consider when installing a car alarm. Such as the proper placement of the car alarm according to the car type, electrical installation in the car, and the power source used by the car alarm.
If all of the above is correctly set, then you need to pay attention to the 3 ways to install a car alarm below.
1. Selection of central lock and alarm installation
In a central lock and alarm package, there are usually 4 actuator devices or commonly called lock actuators. Then 4 pull and push wires, a set of cables for 4 doors, and one central lock module with 8 connector points.
The first thing to do is to drill the inner side of the door as a place to install the lock actuator. This device has 5 wires colored black, white, brown, blue, and green. These wires are installed on the driver's door.
Meanwhile, other lock actuators are only equipped with 2 colors, namely green and blue, placed on the passenger door. After that, connect the supplied cables from the central lock according to their parts on the lock actuator module. It is advisable to place the central lock module under the dashboard for better protection.
Then connect the power cable from the central lock module to the battery. If the installation is correct, then the lock actuators on the other doors should follow when the locking lever is moved up or down. After that, you can tidy up the cables so they are not messy.
2. Connect central lock and alarm
The next step is to connect the central lock module with the car alarm remote. Pay attention when connecting the cables so that the remote can work properly. Connect the red cable to the car battery for the positive (+) terminal. The large black cable is connected to the car body or the (-) terminal.
The brown cable is connected to the right and left turn signal lights. Meanwhile, the pink cable is connected to the speaker or siren of the alarm. Make sure all cable connections are secure with the alarm device and place them under the dashboard. Tie all these cables and hide them under the dashboard.
Tips for choosing a good car alarm
There are several things to consider when choosing a car alarm. Here is a detailed explanation.
1. Adjust the budget
Whether you want to buy a sophisticated car alarm, one thing to consider is the budget you have prepared. If limited, there are many car alarms available for under a million with good quality and features. Also, adjust the features and prices to see if they are proportional or not.
2. Compatibility of car type and car alarm
Not all car alarm devices are suitable for all car types. Even if it is expensive, its function may not be optimal due to incompatibility. Therefore, you need to know whether the alarm you are buying is compatible with your car or not.
3. Signal reception range
Each car alarm has a different signal reception range. The signal reception range is something to pay attention to when choosing a car alarm. For example, a car alarm priced at Rp175 thousand only has a signal reception range of 30 meters. While more expensive ones can exceed that, even with a range of 100 meters.
4. Warranty
This is equally important; when choosing a car alarm, you should not be careless. Because its main function is as extra protection for your beloved car. It is better to choose an original alarm brand with a warranty. You wouldn’t want to buy it and then have the alarm malfunction or break down a week later, right?
That’s some information about car alarms that you need to know. Hopefully, it is useful and adds to your knowledge about automotive!
Author: Dinno Baskoro
