How protected is your car from break-ins and car theft? Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s $9 million lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia shows the importance of protecting vehicles from theft. Car manufacturers now include anti-theft technology in the cars they sell, but it’s often not enough.
If you’re looking for optimal protection for your valuable vehicle and the personal items locked inside it, you need vehicle security systems that withstand North Carolina’s tech-savvy thieves.
When making your choice, you need to understand passive vs. active alarm systems. DeDona Tint & Graphics specializes not only in customizing your vehicle’s appearance, but also in automotive security and alarm installations.
Contents
- Passive Car Alarm vs. Active Car Alarm: A Comparison
- Why a Factory’s Car Alarm Installation Isn’t Enough
- Car Alarm Systems and Installation: Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens during car alarm installation?+
- Can an aftermarket alarm system be configured to operate in both passive and active modes?+
- What happens if the key fob or transmitter stops working?+
- Will a vehicle alarm impact my vehicle’s battery life?+
- Will an aftermarket vehicle alarm installation void my vehicle’s factory warranty?+
Passive Car Alarm vs. Active Car Alarm: A Comparison
Understanding the difference between passive and active car alarms comes down to one question: “Who arms the vehicle security systems?”
How Does a Passive Car Alarm Work?
Passive car alarms are automatic. You don’t have to do anything more than turn off the car and, possibly, remove the key. Once you exit the vehicle and close the door, the vehicle’s security control module is set to activate. With the preset time limit, the vehicle locks the doors and arms the alarm.
The passive car alarm may also include an engine immobilizer. This makes it difficult to turn on or drive the vehicle without having the transponder chip found in the key or key fob. The transponder chip isn’t there, preventing the engine from starting.
How Does an Active Car Alarm Work?
Active car alarms are manual. You turn it on, usually by locking the car and pushing an alarm button on your car’s external keypad, key fob, or smartphone app. Only if you do this is the alarm activated.
You must remember to activate the alarm. That’s one of the biggest drawbacks.
A Closer Look at Their Pros and Cons
When deciding between passive vs. active car alarms, there are clear benefits to consider. One is the discount you get on your car insurance. No matter which alarm system you choose, the added protection leads to lower insurance premiums.
Insurance discounts depend on the carrier. GEICO offers an anti-theft discount of up to 23%. The cost of a vehicle alarm system is quickly recovered through discounts like these.
Accidentally setting off a car alarm is an understandable concern. It is possible with a passive car alarm. If you need more time to unload or load your car after shopping or when packing for a vacation, the alarm could go off if it takes longer than the preset time limit.
With an active car alarm, you can control it. As long as you haven’t set it already, there’s no risk of a false alarm.
| Passive Car Alarm | Active Car Alarm | |
| User Effort | None | Required every time you leave the car |
| Activation | Automatic | Manual via a key fob, keypad, or smartphone app |
| Risk of Error | None | Possible if you forget |
| False Alarms | Possible when loading or unloading the vehicle | Unlikely due to user activation |
| Insurance Discount | Usually higher due to the automated process | Varies depending on the company |
Why a Factory’s Car Alarm Installation Isn’t Enough
When you bought your car, it came from the factory with an engine immobilizer and a passive car alarm. Most people feel that’s good enough.
Today’s car thieves use technology such as relay boxes to capture a passive alarm system’s signal from a key fob sitting inside the home. Once they possess that signal, they can unlock and start the car.
Aftermarket car alarm systems aren’t as easy to bypass. They often add a secondary PIN code or use multi-frequency hopping to stop this type of theft. Professional car alarm installation is your best defense against car theft.
Car Alarm Systems and Installation: Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s explore some frequently asked questions we hear about car alarm systems and their installation process.
The first step is to consult with the client to determine the best car alarm for their habits and preferences. Once the car alarm is selected, the certified technician disconnects the battery. This protects the technician and eliminates the risk of short circuits during the installation.
Identifying the necessary wiring, including ignition input, grounds, door and hood triggers, and 12-volt constant power, happens next.
Once these wires are identified, the alarm siren is mounted in the engine compartment. Wiring is connected, and the system is configured and tested.
Yes. Most premium aftermarket security systems have programmable software that lets you choose your preferred operating mode.
Our professional installation technicians program the module to operate as a strictly active system or to activate a passive system’s arming loop based on your preferences. We’re happy to consult with you to determine the optimal setting.
The main reason a key fob stops working is a dead battery.
Replace the battery. If that doesn’t work, try reprogramming the transmitter following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to replace your key fob. Your dealer can help with that.
No, there is no measurable difference in battery draw between passive and active alarm systems.
Once both systems are fully armed, they draw a fraction of an amp while monitoring sensors for signs such as broken glass, voltage changes, or open doors.
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, vehicle manufacturers cannot legally void your vehicle’s warranty due to the installation of aftermarket components.
As long as you have the alarm installed by a certified installer and there is no damage to the existing electrical system, your factory warranty remains active.
Protect your warranty by choosing a professional car alarm installation company. Since 1996, DeDona Tint & Sounds has helped vehicle owners customize and protect their investment with quality installations and advice.
Ask us about passive vs. active alarms for your vehicle and which we’d recommend for your specific needs. Get a quote now.