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Turn your alarm system into a security system!

Well what does that mean? You just spent a few hundred dollars on an alarm system to protect your vehicle and you go to bed at night feeling easy knowing that your vehicle has an alarm system, but is your vehicle really protected? Time and time again we hear from many people across the nation or read the stories online in forums that the vehicle was broken into or worse, stolen and had an aftermarket security system installed on it. So what to do?

First by definition an alarm is a signal that warns or alerts while security is the state of being protected or safe from harm. Two different terms each describing an aftermarket or factory system, but which one would you prefer for your vehicle?

Now we do write alarm system throughout our website but that is because the term is loosely used in the world and makes it easier for Google to search the term when people do not distinguish between the two. However, we hope that more people read this and armed with this knowledge understand the difference.

Access 1 Alarm & Audio's basic alarm systems come with door trigger monitoring, siren, shock sensor, flashing parking lights, keyless entry, starter interrupt/kill and a flashing light indicating the status of the alarm system in which all are professionally installed by one of our highly skilled and trained technicians. Currently this is an alarm system as it will warn or alert anyone within ear shot of the vehicle. Now there is some limitations to the basic system as it does not monitor the trunk or hatch depending on the vehicle and the hood leaving them vulnerable to thieves. A pin switch at a minimal reasonable price can be added to ensure that they are integrated into the alarm system. 

Layers!

Layers is what turns an alarm system into a security system and the more layers the better protected the vehicle is. For instance there are several add on sensors that will activate the alarm like a proximity sensor, tilt sensor or glass break sensor and will be discussed further in this article.

2-way security systems are the first reasonable route to go with which are like the basic alarm systems listed above but have the capability to page your remote control from 1000 ft to a mile away depending on the system which will inform you that the alarm system is going off. The draw back to the 2-way systems is that the max range is limited to a mile maximum on the premium 2-way systems and you have to be carrying the 2-way remote control fob with you. Now you can add SmartStart which will increase the range globally if you are within cell/Wi-Fi service and will provide you with text, push notifications and email to your smartphone. 

View a list of available security sensors by CLICKING HERE

Turning the alarm into a security system

The first step is to add the hood and trunk/hatch pin triggers, this allows the alarm system to monitor those areas and inform you if they are opened while the alarm system is active. The trunk is where we store valuables or is an entry point into the vehicle. The hood trigger monitors the hood area as it states and is an excellent option to add as this is where your battery, horn, and siren are located. With the battery disconnected your alarm system will not sound, and if your siren and horn wires are cut nothing will be heard.

Next would be to hook up the horn to the security system, this provides an audible warning that when combined with the siren is louder and draws more attention to the vehicle when the system is triggered.

Now it's time to add the layers of protection with additional sensors. A field disturbance sensor or perimeter sensor is an accessory that will monitor the perimeter of the vehicle and chirp if someone was to be within approximately 2' of the vehicle informing them that you have a security system. This sensor has a dual zone capability and if someone was to reach into your vehicle with the convertible top or the windows down it will set the security system off. If you have a 2-way system or SmartStart you will be notified.

Another sensor is the glass break sensor. The glass break sensor sets the security system off when it detects the frequency of broken glass. Yes you will have a broken window, but your vehicle and most likely the contents will still be there.

What about your rims or towing? The digital tilt sensor is a great addition to the security system and will monitor the vehicles angle regardless if you parked on a hill or a level surface. This sensor will trigger your security system if the vehicles angle has been tilted 1 or 3 degrees.

The shock and impact sensor, this sensor is included in all of our basic alarm packages but it deserves some explanation on what it does and does not do. The shock sensor will generate a warn away signal for minor impact or vibrations picked up on the vehicle and will set the security/alarm system off when it detects a heavy blow to the vehicle such as someone hitting it. This sensor is completely adjustable however it will not set the alarm off or trigger a warn away when the vehicle is simply touched.

SURPRISE the thief!

Here is a few additional items to turn your alarm system into a security system and will make the thief's attempt to drive away with your vehicle much harder.

Our favorite is the backup battery siren, this siren will sound if the thief cuts the wires to the siren or removes power to the battery and will continue to sound until turned off with a security key or power is restored to the vehicle.

How about a backup battery for the alarm system? This accessory powers the alarm and triggers the security system when power is removed. Surprise! The system still works.

The interior pain generator mini piezo sirens are great for placing in the interior of the vehicle and activate when the security system is triggered causing the thief to not want to be inside the vehicle.

Convenience

After all you go through great lengths and a financial burden to keep your vehicle and its contents protected, what can it do for you? How about adding remote start, power trunk actuator, window automaton, power door locks or power windows if not equipped or even headlight automation that will light the way to your vehicle at night upon disarming the security system.

Cool features

How about a security system with the talking voice module? "Protected by Viper stand back" yes, the voice module can interface with your security system and besides Viper specific messages, it can do it in Spanish or English. The addition of extra LED flashing security lights or the blue high visibility electro-luminescent "Protected by Viper" flashing warning panel lets the thief know you are serious about the security of your vehicle. 

Guarantee

What is the guarantee after you do all this or add additional sensors that your vehicle will still be there when you get back to it? Well besides our lifetime guarantee on all alarm systems parts and labor, Viper backs it up with Viper's one-year Guaranteed Protection Plan and is the most generous in the industry. GPP refunds your comprehensive insurance deductible up to $2,500 if your car is stolen with a Viper security system installed and armed – whether your vehicle is recovered or not! Click HERE for more details.

Viper remote start systems available for all Chevrolet vehicles

In the cold of winter or the heat of summer, Access 1 Alarm has a remote start solution for your vehicle. Exclusively using Viper products, you can rest assured knowing that you will be purchasing the best quality products on the market and when installed by our highly trained technicians you will enjoy years of use. All of our installed remote start system are backed by a lifetime parts and labor guarantee, where you will not be "nickel and dimed" like other shops and products.

Access 1 Alarm & Audio offers multiple solutions ranging from our budget system that utilizes the factory key fob to the full blown 2-way system that includes communication to and from the vehicle to your aftermarket remote control within a 1-mile range. Want no added extra remote controls and unlimited range? Pair the system to the Viper SmartStart for range that spans the globe.

Do you have a factory remote start installed and the range is worthless? We can add Viper remote controls to your factory remote start system giving you a more realistic range including instant 2-way communication between the vehicle and the remote controls up to a mile away. Not good enough? Add Viper SmartStart for virtually unlimited range with the ability to locate, lock, unlock, or open your trunk/hatch if equipped.