Electronic & other solutions

 For many years most modern vehicles have been equipped with some form of alarm system, but they could often be quite basic and on an older car may have failed altogether by now. Which is where the aftermarket comes in, and there’s a wealth of choice when it comes to sophistication and budget. Okay, so it may seem old-hat nowadays and most of us have walked past a vehicle with its siren blaring without taking much notice, but this is still a useful way of alerting you to an attack on your car when it’s parked outside your home or workplace.

Prices for a relatively simple remote-controlled alarm system that provides ultrasonic interior and perimeter protection (for doors, boot, etc) start at about £100, although you could easily spend four times that amount on a system that adds features to overcome the risk of cloning of the car’s key. Alarms can be fitted on a DIY basis but unless you’re confident with vehicle electrics we’d advise on professional installation.

As for immobilisers, OEM systems have been fitted for many years (remember the keypad used by certain Peugeot and Citroën models?), and once again there are aftermarket options. Around £50-£60 will get you a simple

Thatcham-accredited system that’s operated via a touch key or dongle within the cabin.

An alternative is something like the ‘Ghost’ system from Autowatch, which operates via the car’s Can-bus network. Essentially it works by allowing the owner to use the buttons already fitted within the cabin – on the dashboard, door panels or steering wheel, for example – to make a unique code, which is then entered in sequence to disarm the system and allow starting. It can also be disarmed via a smartphone app that connects to the vehicle. The system is compatible with a wide range of models.