Modern vehicles have highly advanced anti-theft systems, but thieves are always developing ways to circumvent them, especially recently. The FBI reports that car thefts in the United States rose by 11.8% in 2020 compared to 2019, and the pattern has persisted. While we lack complete data, the first quarter of 2022 saw an increase in auto thefts of 88% in Washington State and 31% in New Jersey. In fact, one of the Forbes Wheels editors had a car taken from their house in 2021.
There are actions you can do to thwart them, or at the very least slow them down. Thieves will always discover technological ways to boost cars, including carrying around spare body and engine control units and matched keys in some situations. A smart option to secure older automobiles without factory-installed anti-theft systems or slightly newer ones with insufficient security is to use aftermarket car alarms, which are the first line of defense beyond the devices your car came with.
Since the first heyday of aftermarket alarms in the 1970s and 1980s, there have been significant technology advancements in vehicle alarms, much like with today’s automobiles. Modern car alarms come in two different varieties. Traditional one-way alarms only activate lights and a siren when someone tries to enter. Two-way alarms do that and transmit information to your phone or key fob, giving you a real-time warning of a threat that could be blocks away. Other capabilities that may be accessed through your phone include keyless locking and entry, GPS tracking, and other options like two-way alarms.
In addition to deterring a thief, there are several other advantages. Although it’s wise to check with your insurer before installation, aftermarket alarms can frequently result in lower insurance premiums. When purchasing, compatibility with your vehicle, the range of communication between your remote and the alarm, ease of installation, features, maintenance requirements, and cost are the top factors to take into account.
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Our List of The Best Car Alarms in 2022 on Amazon.com
#1 CS7900-AS by Compustar
The Compustar CS7900-AS isn’t “cheap” at roughly $200 plus installation costs, but its vast array of capabilities make it a champion of protection. With its 105-decibel alarm, vivid LED lights, immediate paging for tamper alerts, and alarm activation, it not only disperses the burglar but also keeps you informed of what’s happening. Other great things are also present. The remote can start the car remotely and can be used to pre-heat or pre-cool the interior of the car up to 3,000 feet away from the vehicle. However, not all vehicles can use this feature. The various advantages of the CS7900-AS are offset by the requirement for professional installation, and the manufacturer only provides customer service support via professional installers.
What We Like:
- produced well and well-liked by clients
- several other functions, such as remote starting
- When the car is tampered with or an alarm rings, there is immediate paging
What We Don’t Like:
- installs professionally, which could be pricey.
- Product support is exclusively provided by installers.
- Not every vehicle can use all the extra features.
#2 1-Way Viper 3100V
In the 1990s, you might have seen some very corny TV advertising for Viper alarms, and the Viper 3100V has a lengthy history. This is a straightforward auto alarm that costs little, lacks any fancy interactive features, and performs one thing exceptionally well. If someone tries to break into your car, the Viper 3100V is all about creating a lot of noise and getting a lot of attention. All the essentials are covered, including a loud alarm, flashing lights, and an engine immobilizer. The installation process is also one of the simplest available.
What We Like:
- easily installed
- loud, vibrant, and useful
- Low cost
What We Don’t Like:
- It is merely an alarm with no fancy interactive features, like other earlier systems.
- It’s not audible from ten blocks away.
- The “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons on the key fob are shared, therefore pressing the button repeatedly may be necessary to lock the door.
#3 The Avital 5305L
A reliable two-way alarm system with future expansion potential is the Avital 5305L. In addition to being 40% less expensive than the Compustar described above thanks to this, it also doesn’t lock-out options in case you decide to add them later. Range (the Avital’s signal only reaches 1,500 feet) and five decibels of alarm scream are what you give up to the more advanced Compustar, albeit the difference between 100 and 105 decibels isn’t really all that noticeable. The Avital alarm is one of the most dependable alarms on the market, according to customer reviews, and it can be upgraded down the road like that more expensive alarm. On Amazon, it has a five-star rating from 77% of customers.
What We Like:
- favourable cost-to-feature ratio
- dependability reputation
- Even with the engine running, a panic alarm can be used to call for assistance.
What We Don’t Like:
- The position of the fob and its built-in antenna can have an impact on range.
- requires professional installation, and only authorized dealers can provide support.
- Alarm volume and signal range are lower compared to certain options.
#4 Pandas 5305P
The Python 5305P is a complete alarm system that comes with a lot of accessories. A one-way backup fob is available in addition to the two-way main fob for basic alarm arming and disabling capabilities. Additionally, there is an app that lets users of smartphones and tablets monitor and manage the system. Additionally, it has multi-level arming, which enables you to choose which sensors to turn on if you occasionally only want to make particular regions sensitive to the alarm or don’t want to use all of its features. The expense is the only drawback. It costs more than $200 to begin with and calls for expert installation.
What We Like:
- Standard remote start capability
- arming on several levels
- Included app control for mobile devices
What We Don’t Like:
- a range of 1,300 feet for fobs
- The keys are large and heavy.
- Some owners complain of irregular locking and unlocking
#5 Advanced Real Time 4G Car Tracker and Alarm: Carlock Second Generation
The Carlock Second-Gen Advanced Real Time 4G Car Tracker and Alarm is a winner on many levels because it is simple to install, has a ton of capabilities, and is reasonably priced. Installation-wise, it couldn’t be much simpler. It just has one piece and plugs into the OBD-II diagnostics port on your vehicle. It then transmits the status and location of your automobile immediately to your smartphone. There is no range restriction because it uses the internet and GPS, and at $50, it costs half as much as many common two-way alarms. The absence of an active deterrent is the only disadvantage. No warnings or lights are flashed by the 4G. Although it’s highly helpful for finding your vehicle if it is ever stolen, many people looking to purchase a security system would rather avoid a theft altogether.
What We Like:
- The simplest installation possible
- Low cost and a wide range of features
- Using your cell phone, you may track a car and have direct conversation.
What We Don’t Like:
- Lack of lights, noises, or active discouragement makes it less of an alarm.
- Service usage requires a subscription
- Some users complain about wrong tracking information.