Choosing the Best Aftermarket Car Alarm System

In general, car alarms and auto security are often the subject of negative news articles and, in some cases, the theme of a joke. For years, car alarms have been criticized for false alarms, failures, and, in some instances, inflicting damage to vehicles’ electrical systems. To this, all we have to say is you get what you pay for and not a cent more! In fact, after being in the business for over three decades, I can tell you that 98% of all car alarm system failures we have seen were caused by poor installation. Yes, like the ones you get from those guys that do mobile service! You would not meet your dentist in a parking lot for a checkup, would you? Neither should you have anyone install an auto security system under the hot South Florida sun! To ensure it’s accurate and of good quality, we recommend that a trained professional and authorized dealer conduct all car alarm installation services indoors.

I know that after all the fake Russian collusion claims, the FBI and its integrity are now in question. However, suppose we are going to pay attention to FBI stats. In that case, you should pay attention to something other than the mainstream media and pay more attention to what insurance companies and the local newscast are reporting! The reality is that even with all the technology available in today’s vehicles, more than eight million cars, trucks, and SUVs are stolen and or vandalized in the United States annually. So, you have a choice to make. Will you be a victim of an auto thief or vandalism, or will you protect your vehicle with a professionally installed aftermarket auto security system?

Although this may sound simple, choosing the best aftermarket car alarm systems for your car, truck, or SUV may be more complex than anticipated! As you often see on TV, every other mobile carrier claims they are the best; the same goes for aftermarket car alarms. We foresee that the entire internet and social media platforms will soon get labeled fake news. Finding honest reviews and product ratings has become increasingly complex, especially regarding top car alarm systems. If you are familiar with what has been available in the market for the last three or four decades, you are probably familiar with brands like Viper, Clifford, and Avital. Since the 80’s, these three brands have been responsible for protecting more vehicles than any other.

Without a doubt, Viper is the most recognized name in vehicle security and auto remote start systems in the market today. Recognized as an industry leader in cloud-connected car technology, this is a company that anyone and everyone who has ever looked into getting a car alarm has heard. With that said, it might not have been your first choice at the time, especially during the 80s, the 90s, and early 2000s, due to its considerably higher cost when compared to low-cost brands like Prestige, AutoPage, and Excalibur, but one of the best then and still today. The current lineup of products addresses every slot from a budget and technology perspective. However, make sure an authorized dealer installs your Viper Car Alarm system!

For many years, Clifford was the preferred auto alarm system for those who love their vehicle. From day one, the company brought an array of unique, highly sophisticated technologies to the table that no one has been able to match or rival. One of the best-known features of the Clifford security system was its dual zone shock sensor, which gives you a short but loud sharp, letting you know that a professional security system was protecting the vehicle. This feature could also be extended to a perimeter sensor that would warn you as you got close to the car but set the alarm off if you put your hand inside.

Another well-known feature from Clifford is the coded valet switch. All auto security systems must (should) have a valet or override switch or button. By putting the key in the ignition to the run position and pressing the button, you can disarm or set the alarm to sleep. That is not the case for a Clifford system, where you must enter a given sequence to disarm the alarm.

Another feature worth mentioning and why, in our opinion, Clifford is one of the best aftermarket car alarms today is the carjacking feature. Very popular with those that drive hot rods and exotic vehicles, the carjacking feature allows you to hand over the car to any would-be thieve, and if a particular sequence is not entered in the valet switch within 1 minute of the car starting to drive, the vehicle dies. If the features of the Clifford car alarm system are essential, call us to discuss everything the Clifford has to offer you!

Although Avital is part of the DEI group of companies today, giving credit where credit is due is essential. Since the heyday of the car alarm, when everybody had to have one, Avital has been known and continues to be known as a budget-friendly, highly reliable security system. There is going to come a time when you don’t need remote stating, carjacking, perimeter sensor, or a for or five-button remote. When this situation arrives, and the focus of your purchase is reliability and affordability, an Avital car alarm system should be at the top of your list! As said, this is a no-frills, very good, and technically savvy auto security system that will provide essential protection, keyless entry, and even an extra channel for truck release and or remote start without the sticker price of the systems, as mentioned above.

If you want to buy the best car alarm system for your vehicle, you should consider any one of these. Just so you know, although these are different brands, they are all owned by one company today, Directed Electronics or DEI, the largest designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems in North America. That was only sometimes the case, but soon after DEI went public, the company started acquiring everyone who, in their eye, they saw as a threat or competitor. The acquisition of Clifford was the most meaningful. That is because they allowed the company to retain its identity and technology while providing consistency in the manufacturing process, which sometimes needed improvement during the company’s early days.