How to Choose the Best Car Security System

How to Choose the Best Car Security System (Complete Guide)

Car theft isn’t just about losing a vehicle—it can mean losing personal belongings, time, money, and peace of mind.

The good news is that modern car security systems and vehicle anti-theft devices can drastically reduce the chances of theft and improve recovery odds if the worst happens.

The challenge is choosing the right solution for your car, budget, and parking situation.

This guide covers the types of car security systems, key car security features, and how to choose the best combination for real-world protection.

Why Car Security Matters

More Than Ever

Car theft techniques have evolved. Beyond old-school lock picking, thieves now use methods like relay attacks (amplifying key fob signals), ECU swapping, OBD port attacks, and even signal jamming.

That’s why relying on a single protection layer—like a basic car alarm system—often isn’t enough.

The Best Approach Is a Layered Strategy

• Stop the car from starting (immobiliser)
• Deter and alert (alarm, siren, lights)
• Help recovery
• Slow thieves down physically (steering lock, wheel clamp)
• Reduce entry opportunities (deadlocks, secure parking habits)

Types of Car Security Systems

Car protection typically falls into five main categories. Each plays a different role.

1) Car Alarm System (Audible and Visual Deterrence)

A car alarm system detects threats (door opening, glass break, shock/tilt, movement inside cabin) and triggers a siren, flashing lights, or notifications.

Common alarm sensors/features

• Door/boot/bonnet triggers
• Shock sensor (impact/vibration)
• Tilt sensor (towing or wheel theft)
• Glass-break sensor
• Ultrasonic/microwave cabin sensors (detect interior movement)
• Panic button on remote

Pros

• Strong deterrent in public areas
• Alerts you/nearby people to tampering
• Often integrates with immobilisers and trackers

Cons

• False alarms can lead to people ignoring it
• Some thieves work quickly or in quiet areas

Best for: Urban parking, driveways, public car parks—anywhere attention matters.

2) CODE SAFE Immobilisers (Prevents Engine Start)

An immobiliser stops the engine from starting unless the correct authentication is present.

Many modern cars have factory immobilisers, but after-market immobilisers add stronger layers and can defend against newer attack methods.

Immobiliser Types (Explained)

Here are the most common immobiliser types you’ll see when shopping:

1. Factory immobiliser (OEM)

• Built into most modern vehicles
• Works with the car’s key transponder/fob
• Good baseline, but not always enough against advanced theft methods

2. Transponder immobiliser

• Requires a chip in the key to match the vehicle’s ECU
• If the code doesn’t match, the engine won’t start

3. CAN-bus immobiliser

• Integrates with the vehicle’s CAN network
• Can block start authorisation even if thieves access the OBD port or try to spoof signals

4. PIN-code / driver-authorisation immobiliser

• Requires a PIN entered via buttons (steering wheel, dash controls) or a hidden switch sequence
• Strong against relay attacks because the car still won’t start without the PIN

5. Remote/phone-based immobiliser

• Uses a tag, smartphone, or encrypted remote for authorisation
• Convenient but depends on battery health and app reliability

Pros

• One of the best theft-prevention layers available
• Stops “drive-away” thefts even if entry is gained

Cons

• Quality and installation matter a lot
• Some systems can be defeated if poorly installed

Best for: High-theft areas, keyless entry cars, premium vehicles, and anyone who parks on the street.

3) GPS Tracking Systems (Locate and Recover)

A GPS tracker helps locate your car if it’s stolen. Some trackers are “passive” (store data) while others are real-time with cellular connectivity.

Features to look for

• Real-time tracking with frequent refresh rates
• Geofencing alerts (car moved from a zone)
• Tow alerts (tilt/motion-based)
• Battery backup (keeps working if the main battery is disconnected)
• Tamper alerts
• App reliability and customer support
• Subscription costs (most real-time trackers require one)

Pros

• Improves recovery odds significantly
• Helps police or recovery services find the vehicle faster

Cons

• Doesn’t prevent theft by itself
• Requires ongoing costs for cellular service (for real-time)

Best for: Expensive cars, high-risk parking, fleet vehicles, and anyone wanting peace of mind.

4) Physical Vehicle Anti-Theft Devices (Visible Deterrents)

These are the most recognizable vehicle anti-theft devices—often low-cost and effective at slowing thieves or steering them elsewhere.

Popular options

• Steering wheel locks (high-visibility deterrent)
• Brake/clutch pedal locks
• Wheel clamps
• Gear shift locks
• OBD port locks (prevents reprogramming via diagnostic port)
• Faraday pouches/boxes (block key fob signals to prevent relay attacks)

Pros

• Visible deterrent
• No electronics, no subscriptions
• Often quick to use

Cons

• Some can be defeated with time and tools
• Can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry

Best for: Street parking, older cars, and adding deterrence to electronic systems.

5) Smart Car Security & Factory Car Security Features

Many cars now include factory car security features like:

• Keyless entry with rolling codes
• Factory alarm and immobiliser
• Motion/tilt sensors
• Automatic door locking
• App-based tracking (varies by manufacturer)

Pros

• Integrated and convenient
• Often covered under warranty

Cons

• Some factory systems can be targeted with known attack methods
• Not always configurable or upgradeable

Best for: People who want convenience and a baseline level of protection—but still consider upgrades if theft risk is high.

Frequently Asked Questions

(Q1.) What Is the Most Effective Car Security System?

A1: The most effective car security system combines a CODE SAFE immobiliser with an alarm, and GPS tracking. This multi-layered protection helps prevent theft and quickly locate your vehicle if stolen.

(Q2.) Why this combination works

A2:

• Immobiliser stops the car from being driven away
• Alarm deters and creates urgency/attention
• GPS tracking increases recovery chances if thieves manage to take it

If you add one more layer, make it a visible physical lock (like a steering lock) or an OBD port lock—both add time and hassle for thieves.

(Q3.) How to Choose the Best Car Security System (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Assess Your Risk Level

Ask yourself:

• Do you park on the street or in a garage?
• Is your car a high-demand theft model in your area?
• Do you have keyless entry (higher relay-attack risk)?
• Do you commute to high-theft areas?

High-risk profile: street parking + keyless entry + popular model
Lower-risk profile: garage parking + older model + less demand

Step 2: Decide Your Priority — Prevention vs Recovery

• If your priority is preventing theft, focus on immobilisers + physical locks.
• If your priority is recovering the vehicle, prioritize GPS tracking and tamper alerts.
• Ideally, do both—because theft attempts are unpredictable.

Step 3: Choose Alarm Features That Match Your Use

If you live in a busy area, alarms with too-sensitive shock sensors can cause false triggers. Look for:

• Adjustable sensitivity
• Separate zones (light impact vs heavy impact)
• Smartphone alerts (so you know it’s real)

If you often park in isolated areas, prioritize:

• Loud siren quality
• Tilt/motion detection
• Battery backup

Step 4: Pick the Right Immobiliser Type for Your Car

• For modern keyless cars, a CAN-bus immobiliser or PIN-based immobiliser is often the strongest upgrade.
• For older vehicles, a quality aftermarket immobiliser plus a steering lock can be extremely effective.

Also check compatibility: some systems work better with specific makes/models.

Step 5: Evaluate GPS Tracker Options Carefully

Key questions:

• Is it hardwired or plug-in?
• Does it have battery backup?
• What’s the subscription cost, and what happens if you stop paying?
• How accurate is tracking in garages or underground parking?

A good tracker is only as good as:

• the network coverage where you live,
• the app reliability,
• and how discreetly it’s installed.

Step 6: Prioritise Professional Installation

Installation quality is often the difference between a system that works and one thieves can bypass quickly.

CODE SAFE registered Professional installers can:

• hide wiring and modules,
• integrate with factory electronics properly,
• calibrate sensors to reduce false alarms,
• ensure failsafes don’t cause breakdowns.

Look for our list of installers with strong reviews and experience with your car model here is our list 👇
https://www.codesafesolutions.com.au/category/locations/

Must-Have Car Security Features (Checklist)

Core

• Immobiliser / engine kill function
• Multi-zone alarm triggers
• Loud siren + visual warning lights

High-value add-ons

• GPS tracking with geofence + tow alerts
• Battery backup (alarm + tracker)
• OBD port protection
• Anti-relay protection (Faraday pouch + immobiliser PIN)
• Smartphone notifications and event history

Recommended Security “Packages” by Budget

Basic (Low Budget)

• Steering wheel lock (high visibility)
• Faraday pouch (for keyless cars)
• Basic alarm or factory alarm check-up

Best for: older cars, moderate-risk areas

Mid-Range (Best Value)

• CODE SAFE immobilisers (CAN/PIN-based)
• Alarm with tilt + shock sensors
• OBD port lock

Best for: street parking, keyless cars, theft-prone models

Premium (Maximum Protection)

• Choose a High-quality CODE SAFE immobiliser (professionally installed)
• CODE SAFE Cannot be purchased over the phone over-the-counter or online for security protocol
• Our professional installers are registered and will guide you on the installation price for your vehicles

🚗  🚛 🚒 🚚

CODE SAFE Can be installed into 12 or 24 Vs
So if you have an excavator, tractor, Truck or any canbus system vehicle you want to protect them call us today without delay.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car Security System

• Relying only on an alarm
• Buying unknown brands
• Ignoring relay attacks
• Poor installation
• Not factoring subscription costs

The Smart Way to Secure Your Car

The “best” system depends on your risks and habits, but the most effective setup is consistent across most situations:

CODE SAFE immobilisers WORK and protect your asset from theft

Security for vehicles that need internet providers to start your car, on your phone for example are NOT reliable as if the Internet goes down your car will NOT start!!!!!

Hard wide immobilisers like CODE SAFE are more reliable and never fail.

Even if the thief has your keys or your key fob. Your vehicle is protected and no one can start your car without knowing the four digit code.

You can change your code If you feel you are being compromised

CODE SAFE immobilisers have valet mode so when you leave your car for service, your car is protected and it’s the best option for your car.

CODE SAFE is affordsble, reliable and more importantly, gives you peace of mind when leaving your vehicles 🚗 unattended!