Car Alarm Systems - Automotive Security

Statistically California has the distinction of being the State where you have the greatest likelihood of getting your car stolen. This sad fact emphasizes the need to secure you car in whatever manner you can. Especially if you have one of the top stolen cars. While just a few years back that would have been the Honda Civic, or Honda Accord now SUV's top the list followed by trucks and of course sports cars.

The most sought after car by car thieves in 2010 seems to have been the Cadillac Escalade followed by the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Charge, Chevy Avalanche, infinity G37 Coupe, and GMC Sierra Crew Cab. It's interesting to note that all of these (as do most new cars) come with a security system as part of the base package or as an option. Needless to say, automotive security systems are not fool proof methods to secure your car.

Do Security Systems work?

With all those thefts you might be wondering if it is even worth having a car alarm for your vehicle. In most cases car alarms are effective deterrents to automotive theft. Certainly the car can get stolen much easier without one. But this strongly points out the fact that it is best not to rely entirely on a security system especially if you have one of the more sought after cars. Thieves are quite adept at finding ways around little details like security systems.

In addition to your car having a security system, making sure that your vehicle is never left in a secluded area, parked in a garage at night, and of course remembering to arm your security system helps.

After Market Automotive Security

Many older vehicles didn't come with security systems. While an older vehicle is less likely to be a target of professional car thieves, they are still targets for joy riders and other less skilled car thieves. Fortunately after market systems are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Most competent do it yourselfer mechanics can install a car alarm. They are not much more difficult than a car stereo. If you are not confident enough to install a security system yourself you will find that most automotive sound system shops also sell and install car alarms.

Most aftermarket automotive security systems use dome light voltage as one of the triggers. Making sure that each door turns on the dome light is important to ensure your new system works properly. Many systems also have tip alarms (if someone tries to tow your vehicle the alarm will sound as the front or back of the vehicle is raised off the ground). Others include motion and vibration sensors.