Thoughts/opinions on auto security devices

[BD006]

I tried searching for something on this, but couldn't find anything.

I was just wondering if you happen to use any of the above security devices, and if you do or don't, what your thoughts are of these kinds of things, or even any stories you might share about yourself or people you know.

I have a Club, along with my stock car alarm, and even though I know the Club can be pretty easy to get by, either by picking the lock, cutting the bar or cutting through the steering wheel, I always figure, hopefully it will at least deter some lazy thief. Plus, I'm pretty sure not everyone is walking around with tools strong enough to do some of those things.

On the other hand, my cousins swear by the Autolock, which works a little differently. It's supposedly stronger, you can't exactly cut through the pedal (well, I'm sure you COULD, but it'd be harder than through a steering wheel) and it doesn't have a conventional key and lock (though, I think The Club has also changed their key style since I bought mine).
I've also wondered whether it's worth the money to "upgrade" to the Autolock, which can cost around $70-80.

Finally, there are security systems and car alarms, which can vary in degree, depending on car manufacturer, after market kits and price.

Of yeah, and then there's always none of the above. You'll take your chances, and if something happens, so be it. For some of you, it may even give you an excuse to get a new car.

[Pete_Coach]

It depends on how much you value your car and if the area you live in is prone to auto theft that warrants a system. I saw a program on TV where the thief used bolt cutters to cut through the steering wheel and was gone in 60 seconds (LOL). He put the club beside him and drove away. Pedal lock is the same.
I, personally, would spend the money on an immobilizer system. It prevents the car from starting and/or running at all. All different kinds of them from fuel pump shutoffs to ignition bypass systems. Can't take it if it don't start.

[seftonm]

Immobilizer for me. Manitoba Public Insurance gives a yearly discount for having one so there really isn't a reason not to have one here.

[shabby]

On/off switch hooked up to the fuel pump ground wire, what thief will look for that?
He'll just think this pos bmw/benz/porsche just doesnt start since all euro cars have electrical problems :D

[bensa138]

I have an imobilizer alarm and also a secondary alarm that goes off when they pull the battery from my car.

Bought the car used and it came that way

[nsr250]

Go with a boomerang system.

http://www.boomerangtracking.com/en/index.asp

[HighFlyer]

I used the club the first few months after I bought the car, but then got lazy using it, so now it sits in the garage. The car comes with a coded key/immobilizer, so that's good enough. If they really want your car, they will get it no matter what.

[porsche22]

I got the cheapest car alarm i could find. Benefits:

1) I save a WHOLE 3 bucks a month on car insurance.. i guess it'll pay off soon

2) That cool "dook dook" noise it makes after.

3) The ability to wake up everyboyd on my street after a long night of partying haha (our street is all students for some reason....)

[belgiangenius]

I got the cheapest car alarm i could find. Benefits:

1) I save a WHOLE 3 bucks a month on car insurance.. i guess it'll pay off soon

2) That cool "dook dook" noise it makes after.

3) The ability to wake up everyboyd on my street after a long night of partying haha (our street is all students for some reason....)

ERTW. Thumbs up.

I always use the club on my 96 Civic.

6 months after moving to the GTA, my stereo was stolen at Kennedy Commons, so I now have an alarm as well.

You can only add so many deterrents. If a thief wants your car, and has enough balls (is stupid enough), he will get it. Since most thieves are born to lose jerk-offs, deterrents can only do so much.

I keep a bat in my trunk now too, in case I ever meet one of these guys trying to steal my car or its contents.

[HighFlyer]

I keep a bat in my trunk now too, in case I ever meet one of these guys trying to steal my car or its contents.
your car is not worth your life.

[belgiangenius]

your car is not worth your life.

I take someone stealing my personal property very personally.

If I ever catch someone, he'll spend the rest of his life eating through a straw.

I only wish I could've caught the last one.

[FastFokker]

I take someone stealing my personal property very personally.

If I ever catch someone, he'll spend the rest of his life eating through a straw.

I only wish I could've caught the last one.You sound like one scary person, you will do well in jail. Good luck in life to you!

[belgiangenius]

You sound like one scary person, you will do well in jail. Good luck in life to you!

I'm fine if people don't commit criminal offenses against me. I take that personally.

If people didn't have such an indifferent attitude towards crime, we couldn't have the problem we have, to such an extent.


...and I fail to understand why I'd end up in jail for defending myself against a car thief who jumps me - with my wife witnessing the whole event.

[bionicbadger]

When I was in Japan, I saw some devices that are like the BOOT. It clamps onto your tire and makes it impossible to move the vehicle.
Like this:
http://www.universalboot.com/images/ban_immobilizer_01.jpg

Only problem is would suck in the winter or when its rainy and you would need gloves and room in your trunk to store it.

[cliff]

I, personally, would spend the money on an immobilizer system. It prevents the car from starting and/or running at all. All different kinds of them from fuel pump shutoffs to ignition bypass systems. Can't take it if it don't start.
Should read:
Can't drive it away if it don't start. You can still take it - tow trucks (conventional or flatbed) work well in this regard.

If they want it, they will get it.

[bensa138]

Cover the Vin number on your dashboard.

it's amazing what theives can do with their connections.

[Pete_Coach]

Should read:
You can still take it - tow trucks (conventional or flatbed) work well in this regard.

If they want it, they will get it.
Good point, the system I have also has a tilt sensor for that very reason. The alarm goes off if you jack the car to try and steal the wheels or if you pick up the car. Fortunatley it has not been tried in anger yet although I did try to jack the car up and the alarm went off.