In my opinion the first thing you should buy for any car is a car alarm. Car alarms initially can be divided into 2 types � Thatcham Insurance Approved and non-approved.
A further division, which is less important is a �compact� or �modular� system.
Compact systems have all the electronics within the siren itself. As this is usually situated within the engine compartment, the siren is open to the elements and correct positioning is important to reduce the likelihood of ingress of water. A further consideration must be if a thief gains opens the bonnet and deliberately destroys the siren in an attempt to silence it, because the immobiliser electronics are contained inside, it will mean that even if the thief doesn�t steal your car, it is less likely that you will be able to drive it yourself until the damaged siren is replaced.
Modular systems have an electronic brain (Central Processing Unit) which is installed within the (dry) passenger compartment. The siren which is usually installed in the engine compartment can be much smaller (without all the system electronics), can be very water resistant and much easier to hide underneath or behind engine ancillary equipment making it much more difficult for the thief to destroy.
Microwave (Hyperfrequency) sensors � this is an electronic unit (usually placed in the middle of the vehicle near the handbrake/gear shift) that creates an invisible bubble within the vehicle. If this bubble is penetrated it will activate the system. The bubble is not affected by wind so is the ideal protection for vehicles with a soft-top roof.
Ultrasonic sensors � Usually a two piece electronic detector where two separate �eyes� are placed inside the vehicle (usually near the top of the windscreen pillar). If anything moves within the vehicle it will activate the system and the siren will sound. Wind or small animals can activate the system so open sunroofs, open windows, pets left in the vehicle or the moving roof of a soft-top vehicle will activate the system.
Level Reference Monitor � (Tilt sensor/anti-jacking module) � senses if the vehicle has moved from the position the Level Reference Monitor was set up at. The sensor is recalibrated each time the alarm is activated so it takes into account if the vehicle is parked on an incline. This unit is ideal for cars with expensive alloy wheels as it will activate the alarm system before the vehicle has been jacked up sufficiently to remove a wheel but is not affected by passing traffic.
Depending on the type of car you drive and where you live will very often determine if your Insurance Company insist on a Thatcham Insurance Approved system.
What is Thatcham?
In 1993, the British Insurance industry test centre at Thatcham in Berkshire was tasked with establishing standards for car security products. The result was the Thatcham set of criteria, rigorous product testing standards and lists of approved products which are reviewed regularly.
Thatcham Category 1 Alarm & Immobiliser � Immobilises the vehicle and also gives an alarm warning in the event of unauthorised intrusion.
Thatcham Category 2 Immobiliser � Immobilises the vehicle so it won�t start easily.
Thatcham 2-1 Upgrade Systems that allow you to upgrade a Category 2 immobiliser to a full Category 1 specification alarm & immobilise.
There are a few good places to buy alarms on the net or you could shop around locally. Heres a list of a few good alarm sellers