Car Audio
Car Alarm & Security System Guide | Protect Your Vehicle
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·6 min read
Complete guide to car alarm and security systems. Remote start combos, 2-way pagers, GPS tracking, and professional installation.
Car Alarm & Security System Guide
Your car is valuable. Protect it. Modern security systems go far beyond basic alarms—offering remote start, GPS tracking, and smartphone alerts.
Security System Levels
Level 1: Basic Alarm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protection | Door triggers, shock sensor |
| Alert | Siren only |
| Remote | 1-way, no feedback |
| Price (installed) | $150-300 |
Level 2: 2-Way Alarm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protection | Doors, shock, tilt sensor |
| Alert | Siren + remote notification |
| Remote | LCD shows what triggered |
| Price (installed) | $250-450 |
Level 3: Alarm + Remote Start
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protection | Full sensors |
| Alert | 2-way confirmation |
| Bonus | Remote start included |
| Price (installed) | $400-700 |
Level 4: Smartphone Security
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Protection | Full sensors |
| Alert | Phone notification anywhere |
| Tracking | GPS location |
| Price (installed) | $500-1,000+ |
Popular Security Brands
Viper
Most recognized brand
| Model | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Viper 350 Plus | Basic 1-way | $150-250 |
| Viper 5706V | 2-way LCD | $350-500 |
| Viper 5906V | Color LCD, SST | $500-700 |
Compustar
Premium features
| Model | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| CS720-A | Basic alarm | $150-250 |
| CS4900-S | 2-way LED | $350-500 |
| Pro T12 | 3-mile range | $550-750 |
Avital
Budget-friendly
| Model | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Avital 3100L | Basic 1-way | $100-200 |
| Avital 5305L | 2-way | $200-350 |
Security Features Explained
Shock Sensor
Detects impacts to vehicle:
- Light tap = warning chirp
- Hard hit = full alarm
Tilt Sensor
Detects vehicle lift:
- Wheel theft attempts
- Towing attempts
Glass Break Sensor
Optional add-on:
- Detects breaking glass
- Prevents smash-and-grab
Proximity Sensor
Interior motion detection:
- Detects movement inside car
- Prevents theft from open windows
GPS Tracking
Know where your car is:
- Real-time location
- Geofence alerts
- Stolen vehicle recovery
- Monthly fee typically required
Alarm + Remote Start Combos
Best value for full features:
| System | Alarm | Remote Start | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viper 4706V | 2-way | Yes | $400-550 |
| Compustar CS4905-S | 2-way | Yes | $450-600 |
| Python 5706P | 2-way | Yes | $350-500 |
Smartphone Integration
DroneMobile (Compustar)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| App | iOS/Android |
| Range | Unlimited |
| GPS | Yes |
| Fee | $30-100/year |
Viper SmartStart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| App | iOS/Android |
| Range | Unlimited |
| GPS | Yes |
| Fee | $30-80/year |
Installation Considerations
What's Involved
- Hood pin sensor
- Door trigger integration
- Trunk trigger
- Siren mounting
- Shock sensor calibration
- Remote programming
Vehicle Complexity
| Vehicle Type | Difficulty | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Older key ignition | Easy | $100-150 |
| Modern standard | Medium | $150-250 |
| Push-button start | Complex | $200-350 |
| European luxury | Complex | $250-400+ |
Do You Need an Alarm?
Consider If:
- Park in public lots
- High theft area
- Valuable vehicle
- Want remote start too
- Peace of mind
May Not Need If:
- Garage-kept always
- Factory alarm sufficient
- Short ownership planned
Factory vs Aftermarket
| Factory | Aftermarket |
|---|---|
| Basic protection | More features |
| No monthly fee | Optional tracking |
| Limited range | Extended range |
| No remote start | Remote start option |
Ready for Security?
Protect your vehicle:
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss options
📝 Get a free quote — security + remote start combos
Related Content
- Remote Start: Remote Start Guide
- Dash Cam: Dash Cam Installation
- Full Service: Car Audio Services
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