Car manufacturers are constantly updating car security for safety and improved longevity. They started with the rudimentary 1-way car alarm system and have upgraded to the 2-way car alarm system for good reasons. What is a 2-way car alarm system and how is it better than the other security options in the market? Keep reading to find out.
A 2-way car alarm system is a security system built to transmit and receive signals between the vehicle and the starter system. This works by sending a command to the vehicle using the key or remote and receiving feedback from the vehicle. This could be a beep or any type of personalized alert to help distinguish the feedback tune from the transmission signal.
Car owners are equipping their vehicles with 2-way alarm systems because of their benefits and performance. Although more expensive, 2-way car alarm systems provide higher ROI than the 1-way alarm system.
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How A 2-way Car Alarm System Works
There are two types of car alarm systems. One is equipped into the car by the manufacturer, while the other is the aftermath solution. OEM installed 2-way car alarms and aftermath 2-way alarms work with the same principle, except in cases where the alarm system has a distinctive feature.
Motorists are replacing their OEM installed alarm system with new aftermath products as most factory alarms are only 1-way. On the other hand, aftermath alarm systems provide a wider range of features and functions to increase the safety of vehicles and everything that may be inside.
A vehicle with a 2-way car alarm system is loaded with sensors that are triggered once there is contact, which alerts the motorists on the key fob or other connected devices. Being a 2-way alarm system, the control unit located inside the vehicle receives a command from the fob and sends back a signal as an indication that the command has been executed. Unlike their 1-way counterpart which requires physical inspection, a 2-way alarm can be triggered from feet away.
Components of a 2 Way Car Alarm System
A regular car alarm system consists of three primary components: The control unit, alarm, and the remote/fob. However, a 2-way car alarm has more components including sensors, door triggers, and an LCD fob. Manufacturers also add distinctive features to their alarm systems. Here are the basic components of a 2-way car alarm system.
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Control Unit
The control unit, also known as “Brain” is installed inside the vehicle to receive and send signals. Advanced alarm systems have immobilizers connected to the brain to shut down the vehicle. Essentially, all the components of your car alarm system are connected to the control unit. You have to protect it from damage by scheduling maintenance with a professional. The brain receives its power from the car battery or ignition harness.
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Sensors
2-way car alarm systems are equipped with sensors for detecting impact and vehicle tilt. These sensors are mostly found in aftermath alarm systems. The sensors trigger once there is contact on your car or there’s an attempt to jack the vehicle.
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Alarm
A 2-way car alarm system has a loud alarm that is triggered by the sensors through the control unit. The alarm is louder than its counterparts. While it may be seen as a source of noise pollution for others, it helps to keep your vehicle safe. However, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the distinctive sound of your alarm so as not to be alarmed by another person’s car security system.
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Remote Transmitter
The most important part of a 2-way security system is the remote transmitter, also known as Fob. This portable device allows car owners to send and receive signals from the control unit mounted inside the vehicle. There are 4 buttons in some remotes, while most have 2 and 3. An advanced 2-way car alarm system has an LCD screen to show the car owner feedback. This can replace the beep or siren if you want. However, having both can be beneficial.
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Door Trigger
The door trigger sensor is designed to send an alarm once any of your car doors are opened or tampered with when the alarm system is active. OEM alarm systems have sensors only in the front doors, while aftermath alarms cover all 4 doors, the trunk, and the hood. Depending on the extra level of security installed, you can either immobilize the vehicle or set off a loud alarm to deter the intruder(s).
Benefits Of A 2-way Car Alarm System
A 2-way car alarm system has numerous benefits over the 1-way alarm. These benefits include:
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Remote Operation
A car security alarm system is useless with effective controls to deter thieves and carjackers. That’s something the 2-way car alarm got right. Motorists no longer have to hope that the siren deters the intruder as they can send commands from their fob to demobilize the vehicle by activating the hand brake or disconnecting a fuse.
Advanced alarm systems operate on a wireless network so are not limited by range. Simply send a command from your bedroom and listen for confirmation.
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Improved Security for your car
Car thieves are on the rise and it’s gradually becoming a menace. To add to that, the depleting state of the economy has made a car purchase a strain on finances. Nobody wants to buy a car today and lose it to car thieves tomorrow, even when covered with premium insurance. We can easily grow attached to our properties. A 2-way car alarm system ensures that your vehicle is safe all the time.
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Feedback
You get feedback anytime you send a command. This is arguably the best feature and most important feature of a 2-way car alarm system. Now, you can go about your business meetings or nap with peace of mind. In addition, you also receive alarms on the LCD screen on the remote fob.
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Lower insurance premiums
Insurance companies have been known to sell cheaper insurance premiums to car owners with 2-way car alarm systems. Since the alarm prevents theft by over 70%, insurance companies are more assured of the safety of your vehicle as they know you won’t be demanding any insurance claim in the nearest future. Make sure to indicate that there’s a 2-way car alarm installed in your vehicle before asking for quotes.
Cons
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Complex Installation
The installation of a 2-way car alarm system may require setting up different components inside the vehicle. This type of setup can be confusing for motorists. It gets harder for motorists with less technical knowledge.
Before buying the setup, make sure it is user-friendly and comes with an instruction manual. If you’re still finding it hard to accomplish, then we recommend hiring a professional to handle the installation.
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Effective Alternatives
While we can all agree that a 2-way car alarm system is top tier and delivers high performance, you can still find other effective options. Advanced car security systems are equipped with immobilizers, GPS tracking devices, and other useful devices to deter thieves.
Do 2-way Car Alarm System Have Lcd Display
Most advanced 2-way car alarm systems have an LCD on the fob that displays the condition of the vehicle. Depending on the model, you will also receive notifications on car temperature. This gives car owners a visual representation of what is exactly going on in their vehicles. This allows them to take quick action.
Smartphone Compatibility
Some 2-way car alarm systems have smartphone compatibility which allows car owners to send and receive commands with their phones. This uses a wireless network and is largely dependent on the strength of your network. So you may want to use the strongest network in your area to guarantee maximum protection.
Conclusively, a 2-way car alarm system is an upgrade from the 1-way OEM installed alarms. They offer better features and enable car owners to see monitor the state of their vehicles, at any time.
