Auto Alarm Features and Functions: Part 2

Panic/Car Locator

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable walking to your car, think how nice it would have been to have known you could set off your car’s alarm if needed. All you have to do press and hold one button of your Panic Button-equipped security system and the system will go into full alarm mode. This can not only help protect you, but help you find your car in a crowded parking lot.

Passive Arming

Unlike active arming, which requires you to arm the security system, passive arming will automatically arm the security system 30 seconds after you leave the vehicle. You have the option to use this feature in conjunction with power door locks and windows to fully secure the vehicle.

Perimeter Sensor

Perimeter sensors help keep damage from happening in the first place by protecting the area around your car. Thieves and vandals won’t have a chance to get close enough to do any damage before being frightened off.

Progressive Door Trigger

One reason some people are reluctant to get a security system is they’re worried they’ll set it off by accident. That can be embarrassing and annoying. The progressive door trigger means that if you open the door without disarming the system, the alarm will deliver a series of chirps before going into full alarm mode, giving you ample time to disarm the system.

Progressive Warning

Can a security system tell the difference between an accidental bump and an attempted theft or vandalism? Some can. Anything that brushes the car will set off a series of chirps and flashes, while more sustained impact to the vehicle will cause the system to sound the alarm and flash the lights for a full 60 seconds. Note: Optional voice modules may also be used to warn intruders.

Random Coding

Some car thieves have gotten so high-tech that they can use a device called a scanner to “grab” your code when you arm or disarm your alarm. Once they have this code, they can disarm any standard alarm. Fortunately, random code alarms never send the same code twice, making useless any code they get from you.

Remote Control Auxiliary Channels

Channels are the auxiliary ports on a security system that allow you to add a variety of remote-controlled safety and convenience features. For instance: Trunk pop, Remote start, Vent power windows, Turn on headlights

Remote Keyless Entry

While lots of new cars come with this feature these days, you may not know that it can be added to any car- -new or old, even if it doesn’t have power locks. The most obvious benefit: being able to open your car with the touch of a button. The least obvious benefit: not having to use your key in the door’s locks means no more scrapes around the keyhole.

Remote Start

This is exactly what it sounds like – you can start your car from inside your home or office. Why would anyone want to do this? In most parts of the country, it’s either too hot or too cold most of the time. A few minutes before you leave in the morning, just start your car from inside and by the time you get in it the air conditioner or heater will have brought your car to just the right temperature. This is an especially nice add-on for parents of small children. The only limitation for this feature is that your car must have an automatic transmission.

Silent Arming

Sometimes you want to arm your security system without waking the entire neighborhood. In these cases, you can choose to activate your alarm without any audible confirmation.

Starter Kill

If a thief attempts to start your car, whether with your key or by hot wiring, the car will not start. In addition to knowing that your car is going to be there when you return, many times insurers will give discounts for having this feature. Status LED – The Status LED serves a couple purposes. First, it alerts would-be thieves that your car has an alarm system and that it won’t be an easy target. Second, using varying flashing rates the LED can report on any violations that occurred since it was last armed.

Transmitter Code Linking (TCL)

Transmitter Code Linking is what allows a security system to know who will be getting into the car next. Based on this information, all preferences, like memory seat position, will be ready for you.

Valet Mode

Security systems give peace of mind, but sometimes you have to turn your car over to someone else- -a mechanic or valet, for instance. On those occasions, you can put your security system into the Valet mode using your remote. When in the Valet mode, your security system will shut off its security functions, but leave on convenience features like remote locks and trunk pop.

Vehicle Recovery System (VRS)

Increasingly, car-jackings are a fact of life. If you’re ever in this frightening position, one press of a button before you get out of the car will begin a series of events that will help you recover your car and apprehend the thief. First, the LED on your dash will begin to flash. Second, the siren will begin to pulse and the parking lights will flash. Finally, the car will engage the starter interrupt, stopping the car.