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Automotive Security Systems
Radar Detectors
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I want to purchase an automotive security system for my car. What are some security features I should consider?
A first line of defense is a simple visual reminder to any potential thieves that your car is protected. One example is a system that has a blinking light on the dash that indicates an activated system. Another deterrent is the audible alarm or siren which draws unwanted attention to any attempts to enter the vehicle. A good siren will continue to operate even when power from the battery is cut off by a potential thief. To adequately identify break in attempts sensors that alert when doors are opened, windows are broken, or the hood is raised are all necessary.
Although these types of deterrents are critical they aren't 100% effective in stopping professional car thieves. An effective automotive security system would ideally include an immobilizer or kill switch to shut off the ignition/starter or perhaps the fuel pump, and lock the hood. Code rolling is also an excellent feature that prevents thieves from picking up the codes used to gain entry to your car by using a type of code grabbing device. Code rolling changes the codes used by your keyless entry device each time it is used.
A final option, a tracking system, is not a deterrent but a retrieval system. This type of security system allows your vehicle to be tracked and recovered if it is stolen. Some systems are activated only once you notify law enforcement 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.
Are there other aspects of the security system I should look at when making my decision?
False alarms are annoying; finding a system that can either have the sensitivity adjusted or has a method of identifying malfunctioning sensors and shutting them down until repaired is important also. Another option is a system that has dual zone sensing which has only a small chirping alarm for minor occurrences, such as a bump on the side of the car versus a full blown siren. Some consumers also find that a security system that can be activated/deactivated from several hundred feet away is useful. Having a device that is mounted in a concealed and difficult to access location is critical also so that it can not be quickly disarmed by intruders.
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I'm thinking about buying a radar detector, are they legal?
Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles in the majority of states in the
What are the types of radar detectors available?
Radar detectors are either corded, cordless, or are a remote unit. Corded radar detectors are the most common and can plug into a cigarette lighter or fuse box and are attached to the windshield. They can be installed by the owner in seconds and don't require batteries. In addition, these devices detect all bands. Cordless radar detectors on the other hand offer freedom from cords but generally are less effective as they do not pick up all bands and have a more restricted range than corded models. Remote units are permanently mounted elsewhere on the car. Remote devices are generally higher priced and require professional installation.
What are some important features that I should consider when buying a radar detector?
You will want to compare radar detectors as far as the distance at which they will sense a radar signal. Obviously, devices that sense a signal from a longer distance give you more warning. To be functional, a radar detector should be able to pick up X, K, and Ka bands.
Another thing to check is the how well the device alerts you when a signal is picked up. Check that the display is easy to read, the lights or display are easy to view in the dark and in the sunlight (LCD displays are often hard to see in sunlight), the display makes it easy to know whether a signal is weak or strong, and that there is an auditory alert as well. Some radar detectors offer digital voice alerts. Be sure there is a mute button! Some devices will even offer an automated mute that is activated when driving in slower traffic.
Many radar detectors also offer features that allow the sensitivity to be adjusted to help reduce alerting the driver when radar signals are picked up from other sources: i.e. a "city mode" decreases sensitivity in urban areas where signals are picked up from security and other systems within buildings and equipment. The ability to filter out unrelated signals helps to reduce false warnings.
Some consumers also prefer to have a feature to shield them from having their device detected. Some devices shut down after alerting the driver and others use signals to shield them without shutting down.
Radar detectors capable of alerting drivers to cameras at intersections with traffic lights are reportedly going to be available beginning in 2007.
I know that the police use laser guns rather than radar in many instances; will a radar detector protect me?
Only if the radar detector has laser detection also. A good device will have more than one head or sensor to assure good coverage.
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