How to Choose the Best Car Alarm for Your Vehicle
If you own a car, you probably want to keep it safe from theft and vandalism. But how do you know which car alarm system is right for you? There are so many options on the market, each with different features, prices, and installation requirements. In this blog post, we will help you find the best car alarm for your vehicle by explaining the different types of car alarms, their pros and cons, and some of the best models available.
What is a Car Alarm?
A car alarm is a device that emits a loud sound or a verbal warning when someone tries to break into or damage your vehicle. Some car alarms also have other functions, such as remote start, keyless entry, vehicle tracking, or immobilization. Car alarms can be divided into two categories:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These are car alarms that are built into the vehicle at the factory. They are usually integrated with the vehicle’s electrical system and can be activated or deactivated with the original key fob. OEM car alarms are usually reliable and easy to use, but they may not offer enough protection for some drivers, as they can be easily bypassed by experienced thieves.
- Aftermarket: These are car alarms that are installed at any time after the car has been built, such as by the new car dealer, an auto accessories store, or the vehicle’s owner. They are usually more advanced and customizable than OEM car alarms, and can offer additional features and sensors. However, they may also be more expensive, complicated to install, and prone to false alarms.
What are the Different Types of Car Alarms?
There are many types of car alarms on the market, each with different triggers, sensors, and features. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Basic Car Alarm: This is the simplest type of car alarm, which only sounds a siren or a horn when someone opens a door or a window of your vehicle. It is usually cheap and easy to install, but it may not be enough to deter determined thieves who can quickly disable it or ignore it.
- Two-Way Car Alarm: This is a type of car alarm that not only sounds a siren or a horn when someone tries to break into your vehicle, but also sends a signal to a remote control that you carry with you. The remote control can display information such as the status of your vehicle, the location of the trigger, and the battery level of the alarm. It can also allow you to arm or disarm the alarm remotely, or even start your engine. A two-way car alarm can provide more peace of mind and convenience for drivers, but it may also be more expensive and require more maintenance than a basic car alarm.
- GPS Car Alarm: This is a type of car alarm that uses GPS technology to track your vehicle’s location in real time. It can alert you via your smartphone or computer if your vehicle is moved without your permission, or if it exceeds a certain speed or distance limit. It can also help you locate your vehicle in case of theft or emergency. A GPS car alarm can provide more security and control for drivers, but it may also require a subscription fee and a cellular network connection to work properly.
- Shock Sensor Car Alarm: This is a type of car alarm that uses a shock sensor to detect any impact or vibration on your vehicle’s body. It can sound a warning chirp or a full-blown siren depending on the intensity of the shock. It can also trigger other features such as flashing lights or immobilization. A shock sensor car alarm can provide more protection for your vehicle from damage or theft, but it may also be more sensitive to false alarms caused by environmental factors such as wind, rain, or animals.
What are Some of the Best Car Alarms on the Market?
Based on our research and customer reviews, here are some of the best car alarms on the market for 2023:
- Compustar CS7900-AS: This is one of the best overall car alarms on the market, offering a variety of features such as remote start, keyless entry, two-way LCD remote control, shock sensor, LED indicator, and starter kill. It has a 3,000-foot range and a 105-decibel siren that can deter thieves and alert you instantly. It is well made and liked by customers, but it requires professional installation and may not be compatible with every vehicle.1
- Avital 5305L: This is one of the best value car alarms on the market, offering features such as remote start, keyless entry, two-way LCD remote control, shock sensor, LED indicator, and starter kill. It has a 1,500-foot range and a six-tone siren that can scare away intruders and notify you promptly. It is affordable and easy to use, but it may not be very durable and may have some compatibility issues with some vehicles.2
- Mengshen Anti-Theft Alarm: This is one of the best budget car alarms on the market, offering a simple and effective solution for protecting your vehicle. It has a wireless vibration sensor that can detect any movement or impact on your vehicle and trigger a 113-decibel siren that can be heard from up to 65 feet away. It also has a remote control that can arm or disarm the alarm, adjust the sensitivity, and locate your vehicle. It is cheap and easy to install, but it may not be very reliable and may have a short battery life.3
- Viper 3105V: This is one of the best simple keyless entry car alarms on the market, offering a basic but reliable protection for your vehicle. It has a door and trunk trigger that can activate a 120-decibel siren or your vehicle’s horn when someone tries to open them. It also has a remote control that can lock or unlock your doors, arm or disarm the alarm, and activate a panic mode. It is inexpensive and well known, but it may not have enough features for some drivers and may require professional installation.4
- DroneMobile X1 LTE: This is one of the best GPS car alarms on the market, offering a smart and advanced protection for your vehicle. It uses GPS and cellular technology to track your vehicle’s location, speed, and status in real time. It can alert you via your smartphone or computer if your vehicle is tampered with, stolen, or involved in an accident. It can also allow you to remotely start, lock, unlock, or locate your vehicle. It is innovative and convenient, but it requires a subscription fee and a compatible remote start system to work properly.5