Well-Connected Automotive Security: Blending Multiple Products Into One Integrated Safety System

June 14th, 2010

Despite advances in technology and the development of new automotive security devices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that auto theft occurs every 26.4 seconds in the United States. To put that figure in perspective, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2006 alone.


Most likely, vehicle owners experience great distress with the loss of such an important possession. But according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau survey conducted in 2007, consumers are often unaware of the extent of the cost involved with a stolen vehicle. For starters, there’s the insurance deductible and the further expense of replacing uninsured or underinsured vehicles. Additional costs can also come in the form of insurance premium increases, the cost of time spent dealing with police, vehicle rental costs and the cost of time off from work.


While it’s imperative that car owners observe security measures to discourage theft, vehicle manufacturers possess a visionary understanding of automotive safety and security that reaches far beyond keyless entry and theft-deterrent systems. The concept of seamless blending of multiple products into one Integrated Safety System may further increase automotive security and a car owner’s peace of mind.


Perhaps one of the most reliable theft protection systems available, Vehicle Immobilization Systems use an electronic code transmitted from a transponder (tag) located in the vehicle’s ignition key to allow or disallow the engine management system to start the vehicle. To start a vehicle equipped with such a system, the driver places the tag near the ignition lock. Stored within the tag is a unique security code. The security code signal is sent via a transponder. When the correct code is received, the vehicle is allowed to start up.


In addition, the system can also allow personalized settings by an individual driver for memory seats, mirrors and keyless vehicle features.


Unlike Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems which operate with an ultra-high-frequency (UHF) carrier, immobilization systems operate at low frequency (125kHz). In most designs, the transponder is located within the head of the ignition key. However, vehicle manufacturers might also locate the tag in a key fob or card.


Another opportunity to increase automobile security and convenience may be the elimination of keys. Since the inception of the automobile, drivers have fumbled around in pockets and purses, trying to locate their keys – a potentially dangerous task in a dark parking lot. With RKE systems technology, the vehicle recognizes a driver’s fob and unlocks the door. The system also allows drivers to start and drive cars without inserting a key. For additional security, proprietary communication algorithms help ensure that the authentication codes contained in the fob will not be intercepted.


One keyless vehicle system uses a start/stop button enabled with a fob. Another uses a fingerprint scanner that allows only people whose fingerprints are stored in the system to start the vehicle. Systems also offer seat and steering column position and radio station features. A passive entry back-up provides for low-battery conditions.


Another choice for automobile buyers, RKE systems may assist in reducing car theft. Among the vehicle features that can be controlled from a distance are central door locking/unlocking, a panic alarm, an anti-theft warning system, a courtesy light and seat/mirror adjustment. Additional conveniences include integration of keyless actuation and tire pressure monitor and a variety of button configurations for customization.


Drivers not only have to be concerned with theft of a vehicle but also theft of its content and components, such as wheels, radios, and personal possessions. Technology for an Ultrasonic Interior Protection system triggers an alarm when movement in the vehicle’s interior is detected. Any changes in inclination (tilting) also trigger a warning. The microprocessor with digital signal processing requires low power consumption and is integrated into one control unit – making it an attractive safety feature for manufacturers and consumers.


Products and new automotive design features can help consumers protect their vehicles from theft and improve safety. From simple components to fully integrated systems, safety technology continues to be explored and innovated.

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Six Tips for Thwarting Auto Thieves With an Automotive Security System

June 7th, 2010

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (www.ojp.usdoj.gov) over three quarters of all crimes in the U.S. are made up of property crimes and certainly automobile theft is among the most prevalent. Automobiles are easier targets than homes in many cases as they are high dollar items, in high demand, and can be driven away within seconds leaving behind virtually no clues as to the identity of the thief.

Although manufacturers have continued to provide basic automotive security features, additional measures are needed as thieves continue to adapt to devices on the market.

For first time buyers unfamiliar with the options, the decisions related to purchasing an automotive security system can be daunting. However, there are a core set of features that should be considered which will help consumers select an effective system with less frustration.

An automotive security system should provide a first line of defense that warns would be intruders that a particular vehicle is protected. Some type of visual reminder such as a flashing light on the dash or stickers that indicate security are simple deterrents.

A second line of defense is audible alerts; sirens and alarms that sound when a breach is attempted. This security feature brings unwanted attention to the break in and slows the thief down in attempts to eliminate the sound. These should be sufficiently sensitive and should detect any breach. They should trigger when windows are broken, doors are opened, the hood is raised, and so forth. Motion detectors and infrared sensing are common. A good siren will continue to operate even when power from the battery is cut off in attempt to eliminate the warning. Some of the best automotive security systems will also notify the owner when a breach occurs so that they can check on the vehicle or notify law enforcement.

Another feature of an effective automotive security system is an immobilizer or kill switch to shut off the ignition/starter or perhaps the fuel pump. Certainly, such features make driving off with the car extremely difficult. Some systems will even lock the hood when activated to prevent access to the engine and other mechanical components. At this point it is also important to consider that a device that is located so that it is difficult for thieves to find and disable can be critical as well as this can additionally delay the thief.

As thieves have continued to adapt to newer automotive security systems, higher tech methods are employed to gain access to vehicles. Code rolling is an excellent feature that prevents thieves from picking up the codes used to gain entry to the car by using a type of code grabbing device. Code rolling changes the codes used by a driver’s keyless entry device each time it is used.

Another option to consider is a tracking system. As far as automotive security systems are concerned these are not a deterrent but a retrieval system. This type of security system allows a vehicle to be tracked and recovered if it is stolen. Some systems are activated only once law enforcement is notified but ideally the system would activate immediately once the car is taken. Some of these systems will notify the owner by e-mail, pager, or phone when the car is moved.

A final consideration when purchasing an automotive security system is how effective it will be in avoiding annoying false alarms. Some systems can have the sensitivity adjusted to keep false alarms to a minimum while others are able to identify malfunctioning sensors and shut them down until repaired. Newer automotive security systems also offer dual zone sensing which produce only a small chirping alarm for minor occurrences, such as a bump on the side of the car versus a full blown alarm for more intrusive occurrences.

Certainly cars are a significant investment that is attractive to amateur as well as professional car thieves but consumers can tilt the odds significantly in their favor with the addition of an up-to-date automotive security system.

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