| Choice of car alarm systems can be confusing and in | | | | window closureand more. |
| this article I hope to providebasic information about the | | | | Cobra Thatcham alarm approved systems range |
| wide choice of makes, models and specifications | | | | from universal alarms to fit any vehiclesto a can-bus |
| availablein the UK. Aftermarket alarm systems starts | | | | system designed for easy caralarm system installation |
| with a basic intruder detection andsiren alarm to one | | | | into newer compatible vehicles. The 7928 is a |
| which can send you a text message if your vehicle is | | | | compact |
| stolenand allows you to track the exact location using | | | | Thatcham alarm approved system which is ideal for |
| GPS as well as an option to sendcommands via | | | | cars where space is limited. |
| mobile phone to immobilise the vehicle, lock doors | | | | Clifford Thatcham alarm approved systems are split |
| smoke screensor any other programmable actions. A | | | | into 3 ranges; starting withthe basic Avital Maxx, then |
| good quality basic car alarm system shouldinclude an | | | | moving up to Concept and for top of the range thereis |
| immobiliser if you do not have one already fitted and | | | | Intelliguard. The Avital Thatcham alarm approved |
| an output tothe central locking system so when you | | | | system offers great valuefor money and there are 3 |
| arm the alarm from the alarm remote allthe doors will | | | | systems; Maxx 1 and 3 are cat1 alarm and |
| lock. Some car alarm systems can make use of you | | | | immobiliserand Maxx 2 is a cat2>1 alarm upgrade. |
| existing centrallocking remote control so that when you | | | | Viper Thatcham alarm approved systems all have 3 |
| use your exiting remote to lock up a signalis sent to | | | | circuit immobilisers to givebetter protection rather then |
| the alarm to arm it and disarm when the doors are | | | | a 2 circuit immobiliser found on most cat1 |
| unlocked. | | | | securitysystems. The top of the range 480xv |
| Moving up from a basic security system a Thatcham | | | | Thatcham alarm approved system has a 19 icon |
| caralarm system is approved by the UK motor | | | | LCD display in the keyfob which lets you know if any |
| insurance industry so fitting onecould pay for itself if | | | | of the sensors or zones onthe alarm has been |
| you consider the saving made on your car insurance. | | | | triggered and is ideal if you are usually out of earshot |
| All | | | | ofthe siren. |
| Thatcham car alarm systems should be fitted by a | | | | Toad Thatcham alarm approved systems range from |
| qualified installer who willissue a Thatcham certificate | | | | universal alarms to fit any vehiclesto a small compact |
| on completion which should be presented to the | | | | type and one which utilises an existing remote control |
| motorinsurer. Probably on of the best car alarm | | | | thaton some compatible vehicles. The Toad Ai606 |
| system on the market at the momentmakes use of a | | | | Thatchamalarm approved system is a very popular |
| mobile phone to both warn the owner of theft and | | | | universal aftermarket category 1 alarmand immobiliser |
| give locationdetails as well as an ability to control the | | | | that is quick and easy to install. |
| vehicles security features by remotecontrol from the | | | | Gemini Thatcham alarm approved systems are for |
| mobile phone itself. These car alarm systems can | | | | universal installation and availableas an alarm and |
| allow the ownerto immobilise the vehicle but for safely | | | | immobiliser or just an alarm upgrade. A category 2>1 |
| reasons the engine will only cut outwhen the vehicle is | | | | Thatchamalarm approved system upgrade can only |
| stationary at some point on its journey, other remote | | | | be fitted to cars that already have a cat2approved |
| controlfeatures include; locking doors, siren and hazards | | | | immobiliser, a non Thatcham immobiliser is not suitable |
| on, smoke screen, recordedmessage and more. You | | | | for upgrading. |
| can add a radio control or text message pager to an | | | | GT Thatcham alarm approved systems are available |
| existingcar alarm system which lets you know if the | | | | for cars, caravans and motorhomes with PIR and |
| vehicle has been broken into or drivenoff, a radio | | | | other special sensors to protect gas bottles, bikes, |
| pager usually has a guarantee range of at least one | | | | lockersand windows. The motorhome Thatcham alarm |
| mile but couldwork further out but a mobile phone will | | | | approved system is very flexible andlets you isolate |
| let you know about your vehicle anywhere. | | | | the accommodation PIR sensor at night when you are |
| Other accessories that can be added to car alarm | | | | asleep withoutdisarming any of the other sensors or |
| systems include; tilt and motionsensor, glass break | | | | zones. |
| detector, dual zone pre warning bleep, automatic | | | | |