Aftermarket alarm systems can be an excellent tool for preventing the theft of your vehicle. The products we will be recommending go far beyond the blaring horn and flashing hazard lights that most people think of when it comes to car alarms. You should still be using other anti-theft devices even when you have a good alarm, but the alarm will add a significant amount of security. Quality, modern aftermarket car alarm systems can be equipped with many awesome features like:
Starter Immobilizers that prevent car from being started if alarm is armed- even with the key.
2-way notifications that alert you via your key fob or phone when your alarm is going off.
Shock sensors that set off alarm when vehicle is hit
Audio glass break sensors that listen for your glass being broken
Tilt Sensors that can detect if your vehicle is being towed or jacked up to steal wheels.
Built in GPS
Blinking light for deterrence
To keep this article from getting too complicated, we will primarily focus on the largest two manufacturers of alarm systems- Viper and Compustar (other options at bottom of page). Both brands are excellent options for vehicle security, each having their own strengths, so “which one is best?” really comes down to personal preference and what type of vehicle you drive. Both brands have many different choices for alarm systems and add-on features, and unfortunately it gets incredibly confusing for consumers to try and decide what they need. It is the purpose of this article to educate people on the different features and capabilities so they can make a better decision. It is best to have these devices installed by a professional as they can be complicated, your local installer can likely help guide you through the different options, but they are often biased towards one brand or the other, so it is helpful to have some knowledge before deciding which system to go with. Be prepared to spend at least $600 and possibly more depending on your car and the options you choose, this is not something to cheap out on. Cheap systems/ installations can lead to problems with vehicle functionality and inferior security.
What Does 2-Way/1-Way Mean?
Short answer: get a 2-way. A 2-way alarm system means that the remote can both send and receive commands/alerts. With a 2-way system you can not only use the remote to lock/arm and unlock/disarm, etc. it will also alert you when the alarm is triggered, giving you a valuable alert when a thief is just getting started rather than when he’s already took off with your vehicle. 1-way systems only allow for regular use of the remote similar to a factory alarm system, just a little louder. I could only see these adding much benefit over a factory system on an older car with no immobilizer and minimal security features, however, it’s still recommended that you just save up and buy a 2-way alarm.
Make Sure You are Purchasing a Security System Not Just Remote Start
Both Compustar and Viper offer both actual alarm systems that provide security, and systems that simply add remote start to your vehicle. These devices typically look similar to the actual alarm systems so read carefully to avoid getting something that will provide ZERO protection against theft. Most alarms from these companies will also have remote start capabilities in addition to security features.
Add-On Features Explained
These features are typically sold separately from the main alarm system:
Tilt Sensor- a sensor hidden inside your vehicle and wired into your alarm system, that, when the system is armed will detect changes in the angle at which the vehicle is parked and trigger the alarm. This will give you an early alert if your car is being towed or someone jacking it up to steal your wheels.
Glass Break Sensor- an audio sensor that listens for the sound of glass breaking when your system is armed in the case that the breaking window does not set off the shock sensor (which is typically included).
Radar Field Disturbance Sensor- ideal for convertibles and Jeeps, this sensor allows you to arm your vehicle when tops are down or windows are open, and still be alerted if someone makes entry to your vehicle.
Anti-Theft Integration Harness- Compustar produces an anti-theft integration harness to add additional security to theft prone Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge vehicles
Backup Battery- provides a backup power supply to your alarm system in the event a thief disconnects your vehicle’s main battery in an attempt to circumvent the alarm
Phone Integration & Tracking- add-on devices are available to allow control your alarm and track your vehicle from anywhere via a phone app, as well as receiving alerts to your phone. This will also require a subscription for the service but is well worth it since even the best remotes available will only alert you up to a couple miles away. With the app you can be across the country or across the world and still control your alarm and receive alarm notifications.
Viper vs. Compustar
Viper
Alarm systems come in a more complete kit
More detailed notification on what triggered alarm
Max remote range available- 1 mile
Cheaper models available
Less bulky remotes
Field intrusion senor available (important for convertibles, Jeeps, Etc.
Custom voice system available that can play messages from your alarm
Compustar
Alarm components are mostly sold separately, but their website has a helpful program to help you pick options
Better integration with newer vehicles
Additional security specifically for commonly stolen Chrysler/Jeep Dodge models available
Max remote range available- 3 miles
Integrated camera system available
Models with proximity unlock available
Both
Starter interrupt available
Can be integrated with your phone using add-on device (subscription required) (also adds GPS)
2-way systems available
Shock sensors standard
Glass break sensor and tilt sensor optional
Can be equipped with backup battery
Can be paired with IGLA or Ravelco for better protection
Compustar Products
Use the Compustar website or your local dealer to see what systems and options will work with your vehicle. Most of the alarm systems must be purchased through a dealer and are not available online. Compustar systems are highly customizable with many options to choose from using their website, but here are some of the bundle packages they offer:
Viper has recently updated their alarm systems, so you may see different options available from different sources. It is recommended that you purchase your Viper alarm from an authorized dealer/installer for the warranty to be valid. However, if there are not any in your area, they can typically be purchased from other sources like Amazon. Here are some of their alarm offerings from their current lineup:
Model
Security + Remote-Start Features
Notes
VIPER 5606V 1-Way Plus Security + Remote Start System
Includes full vehicle security (alarm sensors, starter-kill) and remote start (up to ~2,000 ft range).
Value-priced entry for those wanting both alarm and remote start.
VIPER 3806V LED 2-Way Security System
Alarm/security only (remote-start can be added ) — includes shock sensor, siren & starter-kill.
Good for alarm-only use; remote-start requires upgrade.
VIPER DS4 System
Security + remote start with “over 1 mile” range via add-on remote kits.
High-range, premium option. Base system with add-ons available, primarily meant for newer vehicles.
VIPER LCD 2-Way Security + Remote Start Systems
“LCD 2-Way” category listed under Remote Start + Security, up to ~1-mile range.
Multi-feature variant usable for both alarm & start.
VIPER LED 2-Way Security + Remote Start Systems
“LED 2-Way” category under RS+Security; up to ~1 mile range.
Slightly simpler than LCD 2-Way but still offers alarms + start.
Accessories:
Programmable Voice System (516L)
Adds a voice-announced alarm system status (e.g., “Armed”, “Alarm Triggered”) for enhanced feedback.
Invisibeam Field Disturbance Sensor (508D)
A sensor that detects movement through infrared beam crossing — useful for securing interior/boot space.
Digital Tilt Motion Sensor (507M)
A tilt/rotation sensor for detecting towing or vehicle tilt (jack-up) motion as part of the alarm.
Backup Battery System (520T)
Provides a backup power source to keep alarm/system electronics functioning independently of the vehicle battery.
Trunk Release Solenoid (522T)
Adds a solenoid mechanism to allow remote trunk release or integrate the system into the security/remote-start functionality.
Audio Glass Break Sensor (506T)
Detects the sound frequency of glass breaking, adding an extra layer of intrusion detection to the alarm system.
Limitations of Alarm Systems
While alarm systems can be an excellent tool for preventing auto theft, they are not a foolproof solution (nothing is), so here are some limitations that you should be aware of:
Starter interrupt features are typically not as difficult to defeat for experienced thieves as Ravelco, IGLA, etc. but the ease of bypassing it can vary by model and installer.
Glitches and poor installs can potentially cause issues with vehicle functionality, however getting a quality system professionally installed will typically prevent this
Alarm notifications to key fob are limited to your system’s range (a big reason why integrating your phone with Drone Mobile or SmartStart is important)
Some thieves are able to disable alarms quickly, backup batteries can help delay this
Other Options
Advent Factory Keyless Upgrade Vehicle Security System– Provides basic one-way alarm features including starter interrupt while using your factory key fob
Other Directed Electronics Brands– Avital, Clifford, and Python are less well known brands that offer very similar products to the Viper systems and even share many components
