There are heaps of Car Alarm Reviews on the net, but most are not that honest!
The main Navigation Menu lists the different levels of security systems available. It also explains how each type of security device works, as well as what vehicles they are most suitable for.
A full list of reviewed systems can be found in the Product Search menu at the right of the page.
The Reviews are to help you make an informed decision
My goal is to point out the good and bad points with each system in plain English so you’ll have a better idea about what makes an effective security system.
In my opinion, there is far to much sales spin surrounding some brands. It sickens me to see how many cars get stolen with so-called “5 Star Alarm Systems”.
I keep the comment section of each car alarm review open so please let me know if you think I’ve got something wrong and feel welcome to add your own viewpoint.
Quality Installation is a must for your security to be effective
Tidy install bolted in place with cables dressed to factory standard
The most important thing with any car alarm or immobiliser is the quality of the installation. Even the best systems offer little protection if they are not installed to a high standard.
I often describe my job as being a game of hide-and-seek involving cable dressing. There are also many hours involved learning each vehicle and I’m constantly updating my notes and refining my way if doing each install.
A poor install, no cable dressing and potentially dangerous as the wires are wrapped around the steering column
A good install will not be easy to access and remove, it will be well secured so it does not rattle and all wires should be run with factory looms where possible and not interfere with the vehicle functions.
Having said that the actual alarm or immobiliser you select can make a big difference.
Bulky Immobiliser modules are harder to hide than small ones, and attack proof security cases are harder to bypass then those that can be flipped open quickly.
Sirens
Hidden siren (panels removed for photo) bolted in place
An effective siren is one that is loud and hard to disable.
It also helps if the siren is waterproof and that the battery pack still works after a couple of years. Some of the well know brands perform very badly in real-world tests!
Battery backup sirens with an over-ride key are a waste of cash as they need to be placed within easy reach to access the key lock. This makes them extremely vulnerable to attack. An effective siren is one that can be hidden or placed in a hard to access location.
Compromised siren installation, making it easy to disable. The bracket on this AVS siren is flimsy and can be ripped out with one hand!
I’ve even dedicated a page of my website to Siren Muppetry. The comment section is gold as the Manager of Mongoose NZ makes a total dick of himself there!
I’d recommend an alarm with a hidden none battery back-up siren over an outdated Mongoose, AVS, Dynatron or Uniden battery back-up siren that does not do the job.
Car Alarm Reviews and Advice
Don’t get sucked in by the “5 Star Alarm” marketing bullshit!
Many security systems place big limitations on how good the installation can potentially be, so with this in mind the system you chose is just as important as the installer. After all, what’s the point in having one if it’s not effective?
Cheers,
Julian
Full list of reviewed systems below..
