Evaluate how well an Anti-Theft Device meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in an anti-theft device and you've learned about the different features of anti-theft devices. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of anti-theft device - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the anti-theft devices available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed anti-theft devices to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Anti-theft Devices meet your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available anti-theft devices in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any anti-theft devices that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any anti-theft devices that clearly exceed your price limit.
There are several layers of consideration when it comes to protecting the valuable piece of property that is your vehicle. First of all, you need to realize that thieves - especially really experienced ones - don't take too long in figuring out most of the anti theft devices that are out there. In fact, one of their greatest allies is the fact that there are too many alarm style devices out there; aside from getting annoyed, people don't tend to bother much when one goes off any more.
The second thing to think about is that thieves are not always after the car itself; many victims of auto theft return to a vehicle that has been stripped of several parts, both on the exterior and underneath the hood. Trailers and the trunk are also tempting targets.
Tip: The best way to stop a thief is through a layered anti-theft system approach. Use the alarms, but back the system up with an immobilizer or two, ones that are time consuming to get through. A thief who is unnerved by the alarm going off is more likely to forego the time it takes to saw through a club and make a getaway instead.
The first line of defence is to show potential thieves that you have some sort of protection on your vehicle, so that he is unnerved right at the outset. Companies are more than happy to provide decals that have their name; it's good advertising. Having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched on the windows is another good measure, as it is an indication that you have thought through the possibilities and are taking some preventative measures. Having the VIN etched on other parts of the car - parts that thieves are likely to take for their value when they are cut apart, such as inside doors - will also be implied by this measure.
Other visual deterrents include devices like locks and clubs. A steering wheel club not only shows a potential thief that your car is protected, it is also a device that consumes time to remove. Although you will hear correctly that they can be defeated with a hacksaw, a club with a couple of steel rods will still take a few minutes to get through, and thieves are always conscious of time. The same theory will hold true for floorpad locks, which will disengage your gas and brake pedals. Tire locks will not only require removal in order to run the car, but will also help prevent wheel and hubcap theft in the event of a strip.
Tip: These measures can be time consuming for you as well as the thief. Again, the best way to utilize them is through making them a part of an overall security system.
As mentioned, alarms in themselves are not very effective theft deterrents. The main concern as far as your alarm goes is to call attention to the thief, and to make sure that it is as stable as possible; that is, it does not go off constantly at the slightest change. The latest alarms have some impressive measures installed to ensure they go off only when appropriate; tilt sensors, for example, are only activated when the mercury in a cylinder is tilted enough that the weight triggers the electric pad (this is used when an enterprising thief uses a tow truck to take your car).
Tip: Silent alarms are one of the best ways to go. You will receive a signal via remote when your car alarm is tripped; you will know something is up but the alarm will not be a nuisance to those around your vehicle.
Some of the most useful anti theft measures are tracking systems. These systems are located in a difficult to spot place on your car, and once activated after a theft the vehicle is tracked by a satellite. These devices are effective as they recover over 90% of all vehicles stolen in which they are installed.
Tip: A tracking device is obviously the last line of defence; it is used only after a thief has made off with your vehicle and is used only for recovery. It will also not help much with a thief who is stripping your car for parts, either in a shop or on the street.
When it comes to actual theft prevention, immobilisers are the last best hope. Manual and visible immobilisers such as the ones mentioned (clubs, etc) are good for the short term, but can be overcome by a determined and quick moving thief. Much more effective at keeping your vehicle where you left it are electronic immobilisers. Kill switches are located on your vehicle in a place only you know about, and they are all very different from each other. Thus, a thief not only has to find it, but also has to determine how to go about defeating it. Again, the extra time is in itself a valuable deterrent.
Immobilisers which shut off the ignition or the gas intake are also highly effective. Many of these types of immobilisers are designed specially to go off in the event that someone tries to hot wire a vehicle.
When you were considering your requirements in an anti-theft device it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as device type, installation, protection offered and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various anti-theft devices meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Prevention method
- Visual - flashing indicators, steering wheel or tire locks
- Audio - sirens, klaxons, horn, voice recordings
- Alerts - silent, remote
- Tracking
- Electronic - reduce standardized theft; ie power windows and locks
Types
- Alarms - sound made, 120 Db
- Immobilisers - cut off power to the vehicle
- Manual - create solid barrier
- Trackers - satellite GPS technology, remotely triggered, hidden
Installation
- Original equipment - (OEM), comes with vehicle
- DIY - kits, colour coded, placement
Immobilisers
- Ignition locks
- Starter locks
- Gas supply checks
- Kill switch
- Tire/wheel locks
Remote systems
- Distance - to 2 miles (0.8 to 3.2kms)
- Penetration - through walls and floors
- Direction - 1 way, 2 way
Manual
- Clubs
- Steering wheel collars
- Floorboard locks
- Gear shift locks
- Hood locks
Protection
- Size
- Covering - metal encasement, plastic encasement
- Secure fastenings
- Parts - not movable, limited movable parts
Warnings
- Visible stickers
- VIN etched into windows/other locations
Specialty
- Keys - electronically programmed
- Flame throwers - anti-hijackers, South Africa only
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your anti-theft device needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in an anti-theft device.
Once you have finished evaluating the anti-theft devices available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the anti-theft devices one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well an Anti-Theft Device compares with competing Anti-Theft Devices
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of anti-theft devices that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of anti-theft devices that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which anti-theft device on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these anti-theft devices best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed anti-theft devices has the best warranty?
Which anti-theft device is the easiest to install?
Which of the anti-theft devices seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed anti-theft device has the best protection?
Which anti-theft device offers the greatest reduction in my insurance premium?
Which anti-theft device is the easiest and most convenient to use?
Which anti-theft device seems the most reliable/foolproof?
Which anti-theft device do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating anti-theft devices that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the anti-theft device, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the anti-theft device is put together. Check the assembly - is the anti-theft device solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the anti-theft device from the perspective of ease of use. Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the anti-theft device fits your vehicle properly, and that it is user-friendly - some anti-theft devices look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - easy to use, accessible
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits vehicle correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as incorrect installation.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor, Electrical
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need warning stickers, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize the anti-theft device?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of anti-theft devices that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:ReviewsReviews of car alarms