Showing posts with label Road Travel Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Road Travel Safety. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Run Thief.. Run If You Can With These All-New Car Alarms

feRoad Travel Road Trip

Have you ever encountered a dumb thief who got a heart attack while unlocking a car? How funny it will be to see him startled by a loud alarm that comes from nowhere but your ride.

Car alarm systems have been prevalently used in the US not just to witness stupid thieves run but to keep their invested cars from troubles of vandalism. A lot of cars today are equipped with sophisticated electronic sensors, remote-activation systems, and blaring sirens. Such gadgets will also provide ample security to your ride, even with your wheels that can possibly attract thieves.

So what basically is an alarm?

Most modern alarm systems are much more sophisticated as they are composed of:

  • Sensors that have switches, motion detectors, and pressure sensors.
  • Siren that provides you with a distinct sound for your ride
  • Auxiliary battery that gives emergency power
  • Radio receiver that facilitates wireless control from a key fob
  • Computer control unit (CCU) that stands as the brain of the system

The CCU is a small computer that closes the switch to activate the alarm devices, which include the headlights, horn, and siren. Security sensors may differ on how these devices are wired into the CCU.

As the brain of the alarm, CCU should be properly powered by the battery. This power supply device is often backed up with a hidden battery that kicks in when somebody cuts off the main power source. Cutting the power is one of the possible indications of a trespasser; thus, the brain will be triggered, consequently sounding the alarm.

Here are some of the alarm sensor elements to which the CCU communicates:

DOOR SENSORS
Door alarm is a basic element in a car alarm system. Once the hood (or other doors including the trunk) is opened, the CCU will trigger the alarm system. In modern car models, the inside lights are turned on when any of the doors is opened. The switch regulating this mechanism is the same as that with your refrigerator. Once you close the door, it presses a small spring-activated button or lever that opens the circuit. On the other hand, when you open the door, the spring pushes the button open closing the circuit. This is the reason why the inside lights are turned on.

SHOCK SENSORS
Highly-advanced alarm systems principally depend on the shock sensors. These sensors are very effective in deterring thieves and vandals. Once somebody moves you car, shock sensor will send a signal to the CCU. Consequently, this unit will communicate with the alarm system, giving off warning horn beep or other sounds.



Setbacks…..

You may have heard about a lot of cases for false alarms. For this issue, many vehicle manufacturers are not anymore designing factory fit simple noise making alarms. They are instead offering silent yet effective immobilizers. Also, vehicle tracking systems are also used to have stolen vehicles traced. These systems are however more expensive.

Installing an alarm system in your vehicle is quite complicated. Make sure that you have it done by an experienced auto mechanic. Otherwise, the thief will be the one laughing at you.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Make Up Kit Or Tool Box?

Road Travel Road TripOR Road Travel Road Trip


It may be unnecessary to know how to tune up your car's engine but you should be aware that this auto system must be tuned up regularly. There are three basic components of car maintenance that you should take note before you drift off the exit. You may not be able to fix everything that can go wrong, but at least you will know if there is something wrong.

On top of the list is checking the tire pressure. This is an easy task but once ignored, serious problems will be experienced. Driving will be held smoothly and the tires will last longer once aired up correctly. You surely do not want to experience tire blow out on a major interstate don’t you?

How do you ensure that the tire pressure is fine? You must secure a basic tire pressure gauge from Wal-mart if you want. Unscrew the valve stem cap on your tire (this is the short thing that sticks out by the wheel). Press the end of the gauge over the end of the valve stem. You will hear a little air escaping the tire but it’s ok unless you will not move quickly. Once the gauge is positioned right, the stick inside it will pop out to indicate tire pressure. Check the reading and ensure and once the pressure is not within the required range, stop at your local service station.

Second on the list is the ensuring engine temperature. There are vehicles that are equipped with the gauge in the dashboard. If your ride has it, occasionally check it while driving around. Once it goes a lot closer to the hot side than normal, it will be advisable to seek help as soon as possible.
If ever you do not have that gauge, don’t act as if you are an under par victim! Look at the light in the dash that lights up when the temperature has gone too high. Once it comes on and doesn't turn off, then it is time to drive your way to a service station. They will surely enjoy entertaining you there. Remember that you must not drive an overheated car. It may cause expensive damage.

Now, take note of this. As a responsible young driver and car owner, you should know the ultimate guide for car maintenance. Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) you need to take your vehicle to a local service station for an oil change. You can have all other auto components checked at the same time.

Indeed, the tool box of your ride is as important as your make up kit. Take time exploring the details of your vehicle to know how to fix troubles and to repair damage.