Alarms

---

So alarms on cars were quickly needed when people got sick of thieves stealing their cars. This goes back to 1913 when the first audible alarm was created for a vehicle (go Google it!). Manufacturers put alarms on their cars, if you pay for them when ordered from factory. Some are not a standard feature. Only engine immobilisers come as a factory standard on a vehicle without it being an optional extra (that you pay lots for!).
 

But vehicle alarms only go off when they open a door or smash a window......not now. 

There are a range of additional sensors that can be added to several of the kits we supply and install on top of the normal interior movement sensors. 

• Tilt and towing sensors will pick up any movement of the car such as jacking up a side to steal the exhaust or wheels, or if the thief is just dragging the vehicle onto a low loader.
• Proximity sensors give off warning alarms should the sensor detect someone is too close to a vehicle. If the door handle is touched or some peers in through a window, the warning alarm will sound. If someone continues to touch or be too close to the vehicle, the full alarm will sound.
• PIR, basically infared. It's the same technology as house alarms and security lights. If something enters the zone covered by the PIR sensor, the alarm will sound. This is great for vans, as thieves peel back the doors to gain access as they know opening the doors fully would trigger the alarm. As soon as motion is detected from the thieves try to gain access, the alarm will sound.
 

Some alarm systems allow the communication to a tracker and vice versa. So if you have a tracker and an alarm, and something triggers either device (e.g. alarm is trigger by a smashed window), it will cause the second device to activate too (i.e. the tracker, to send you live push notification to your mobile device). This may give you the time and information to give details to the Police and stop the crime in progress. This type of feature does depend on the tracker and alarm system, but we can offer you compatible products. Just ask!
 

Alarms are great for grabbing people's attention, obviously. So many alarm systems come with a panic button should you feel threatened when approaching your vehicle or if you require emergency medical attention but cannot call out for help. Sadly again we have had to use this feature personally once when trying to approach our vehicle in a car park, which was surrounded by a group of people. Hit the panic button, alarm sounds, group moves away as they don't want to look like they have set off the alarm themselves. Confrontation avoided.
 

Vehicle alarms have saved our personal vehicles from theft in the past here at LMR Auto Electrics. The thieves didn't expect one on our vehicle, got startled when it started sounding and legged it instead. Left the door open which was the only giveaway that it had been broken into. Nothing else touched. We believe they work in putting thieves off targeting your vehicle and are a worth while investment on any vehicle.

The Autowatch 695 CAN alarm is a Thatcham approved CAT 2-1 upgrade alarm system, designed to be used on full CAN Bus, semi CAN Bus or conventional wiring systems. The 695 CAN alarm can be fitted to any compatible new vehicle that requires an alarm.

This system is designed to be easily operated from the vehicles original remote controls without the use of an additional remote control. However, if your vehicle has only one remote control supplied as standard, adding an additional Autowatch remote control will prove more cost effective than buying an original remote control.  

What is CAN BUS?

CAN Bus is a data communications protocol where data is used to control and monitor the functionality of control systems on modern vehicles. CAN which stands for "Controller Area Network" is now being used by many vehicle manufacturers to increase reliability, reduce costs of components, reduce power consumption, reduce weight therefore offering better fuel consumption and for improved vehicle diagnostics.

Why Install a CAN BUS Alarm?

Thieves will break into vehicles to steal accessories such as navigation systems, mobile phones and car-kits, radar detectors, stereos and any other items that they may find valuable. Most people assume that because they can lock their car with a remote, they automatically have an alarm system. This is not the case. From 1997, an EU law was passed to make the fitting of an immobiliser, mandatory. However this was not applicable to alarm systems. More than 75% of vehicles sold, do not come with an alarm as standard. So, the onus of securing the vehicle is your responsibility. 

The Autowatch 695 CAN alarm system is insurance approved. Most insurance companies now require a Thatcham approved alarm and may offer you a discount for having an approved system fitted.

Go one step further and add additional sensors that can increase your vehicle's protection. See below for the different sensors and what they can do.