No car security system is foolproof. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages. And for every type of system, there is a way around it, depending on the skill and sophistication of the would-be thieves. Here we list the major categories of car security systems as well as how they can be circumvented.

Car Alarms

Car alarms are widely used but it’s debated how much of a deterrent they actually are. Most work by creating a repeated, loud noise when sensors detect movement near or something coming in contact with the car. A more effective option is a car alarm that pages you when it is activated, instead of creating noise that will most likely be ignored.

Popular car alarm brands that have been established for many years include Directed Electronics (Python and Viper), Clifford and Avital.

Steering Wheel Locks

Installed correctly, a steering wheel lock can prevent someone from turning the wheel, making it impossible to navigate the car. Unless, that is, the thief cuts through the steering wheel itself.

There are many of these devices on the market, including The Wrap, Gorilla Grip, Master Lock and The Club.

Starter Interrupt (aka Starter Disable)

This device does it’s job by interrupting the electrical current that starts your car. When it’s activated, your car simply can’t be started. A hidden switch is installed in the car, so the driver can active the system at will. Or, it can be part of a more extensive system where it turns on automatically when another sensor detects movement or entry to the car.

Again, it takes an experienced thief to bypass this system. They may either find the switch and turn it off or locate the wiring to disable it, but the time spent to do either of those things will often be a deterrent.

Popular brands of starter interrupts are Loctronics, Asianwolf, Crime Guard and Commando.

When protecting your car, consider the pros and cons of each type of security system. You may want to go with one, or a combination, depending on price, effectiveness and your circumstances.