Engine immobiliser in cars is an electronic security or anti-theft device used by modern vehicle owners worldwide to safeguard cars. It works technologically using an electronic chip embedded into the ECU. The chip reads smart key codes and turns on your vehicle's ignition. The device enables your car to turn on only if it senses the correct code from the key. This ensures thieves cannot bypass the ignition and drive off your car.
This article explores what is a car immobiliser? how it works, and its benefits.
What is a Car Engine Immobiliser?
A car engine immobiliser is a modern electronic gadget that safeguards your vehicle from theft. It's one of the critical components of security and safety used in millions of modern vehicles worldwide.
The anti-theft engine immobiliser has a small chip attached to it that directs a signal to the car. The engine cannot start without this signal. It's often found either in the car key or in the form of a smart key fob. Therefore, if a thief tries switching on your car's engine illegally without the smart key, it will fail to ignite the engine and stop the fuel supply.
So, alongside a good car insurance policy, security technological advances like engine immobiliser add a protective layer to your car. It's one of the best measures to safeguard your car.
Types of Engine Immobiliser Anti-Theft Systems
Two main types of engine immobilisers target different car engine management systems. They include the following:
They are physical devices that use less hi-tech gadgets and target different systems. Once activated, they stop the vehicle's movement. These immobilisers function by preventing mechanical devices, including the gearbox, steering wheel, and tyres, from moving.
Unlike mechanical immobilisers, electronic immobilisers don't target different systems (the mechanical mobilising system). Instead, they are electronic devices that use more advanced technology to stop the engine from starting. This anti-theft system releases electrical signals to the engine control unit and stops the starter motor or fuel system, causing the engine to fail to ignite.
The advanced type uses changing security codes. The system comprises two-tier security levels (a permanent code and an extra changing code). So, whenever the car key switches on the ignition, the system intelligence changes the second code, pushing it into the key.
When you turn off the ignition, the immobiliser starts processing the personal code, followed by the second rolling code. Only when the two codes match will the engine start; if there's a mismatch of the codes, or perhaps the second security code is absent, the engine won't start.
So, even if a thief tries to short-circuit the ignition circuit, the engine won't start.
How Does Engine Immobilisation Work?
The car engine immobiliser system works in the following ways:
The immobilisation system has three main components:
- The transmitter (smart key) is the central element behind the engine immobiliser's functioning. It has codes programmed to communicate with the ECU.
- Engine Control Unit (a different system): The ECU reads the permanent code first, followed by the changing code. The engine will only start if the second code presents a match.
- The transponder: Once the key is inside the keyhole, it releases signals to the ECU. The transponder identifies and receives the signal, and if the codes match, the engine will ignite, and the car can be driven.
- Hence, the detection system will either activate or turn off the engine depending on the signals sent by the transmitter and received by the transponder.
Benefits of Immobiliser Anti-Theft System
The sole benefit of the immobiliser system is to safeguard vehicles from theft. The anti-theft system functions in different ways, hence offers benefits to car owners as follows:
- The system enhances car security and thus offers peace of mind. It works by stopping the engine from starting without the correct key. This creates barriers to car theft and alerts car owners in case of any unauthorised access.
- It saves car owners from possible financial loss. Vehicles are costly, and losing your car through theft can be devastating, with a substantial financial impact. However, modern anti-theft devices help secure valuable assets.
- It minimises the theft risk. Thieves often target vehicles with minimum security. However, engine immobiliser systems help lower the theft risk by discouraging thieves.
- You can get discounts on your insurance premiums. Your insurer can consider the car security feature and give you a discount on your vehicle insurance.
Maintenance Tips for Car Engine Immobilisers
Keeping your car engine immobilisers safe, effective, and reliable is essential. Here are the key maintenance tips:
- Check the battery regularly. The key fob usually relies on the battery to function appropriately. Hence, you should always change the battery regularly to avoid any defects.
- Protect your car's smart key by keeping it secure. Avoid losing it, which may risk your anti-theft system.
- Prioritise software updates. Keeping your anti-theft systems updated ensures good communication between the transmitter, ECU, and transponder chip.
- Professional inspections: Keep a regular record to ensure your car and immobiliser are professionally inspected. Doing this will help avoid system malfunctions and boost the vehicle's safety. The technician might discover corroded or damaged wires that could cause the car immobiliser to malfunction. The wire corrosion can also result in the faultiness of the ECU or sensors.
- Never place the key close to strong magnetic devices, such as televisions, audio systems, and other vehicle immobilisation keys.
- Don't expose the keys to extreme temperatures or humidity.
How Does Engine Immobiliser Anti-Theft System Impact Car Insurance?
Your choice of the type of vehicle insurance will often determine your premiums. Car insurers calculate your car premiums based on the insurance type alongside other factors like:
- The age and model of your car.
- The vehicle's current condition,
- Other possible risks. The higher the risks, the higher the premium costs.
Nonetheless, the anti-theft engine devices lower the chances for you to claim your insurance during a theft scenario. Hence, this puts your vehicle in the 'low-risk' category. In most cases, once you install the legal immobiliser device in your car, you increase your eligibility for anti-theft discounts on your vehicle insurance premiums.
Besides, you can benefit from the smooth process of renewing your car insurance online, allowing you to easily claim discounts on your anti-theft engine device. With the reduced car premiums on your insurance, you can also consider having other value-added utilities associated with the comprehensive policy. Such additional services may include:
- Daily allowances.
- No-claim bonus.
- Roadside assistance, etc.
Conclusion
The immobiliser system is a reliable modern device that enhances car security. The easy-to-use anti-theft engine system is crucial for every car owner who prioritises vehicle safety. Thus, investing in the engine immobiliser is a smart move if you want to safeguard your car from possible theft. Taking this step will give you peace of mind and save you costs on your insurance premiums.