Mechanical anti-theft protection
Mechanical anti-theft device
Anti-theft means of mechanical protection of a car, built-in and mounted, according to the principle of operation, are divided into two types:
- blocking individual necessary for the movement of cars, nodes (wheels, doors, steering wheel, gearbox, pedals);
- preventing access to the primary places of the car (salon, engine compartment).
Such devices, with all their diversity, have one unifying principle – the unlocking of the means of protection occurs only with the help of the original key or a special tool.
A hacking attempt will take a certain time, which will make it possible to detain the attacker or, at least, prevent theft. There are blockers that are specially installed in prominent places and models that are carefully hidden from prying eyes and their location is known only to the owner of the car.
Types of mechanical protection against theft
Anti-theft systems that restrict driving and prevent penetration by type of blocking:
- steering (external (wheels), hidden (columns));
- ignition lock (with and without complete replacement of the standard device);
- gearboxes (external, internal, arc, pin, pinless);
- brakes (whole system, pedals);
- pedals;
- wheels (tire, disk);
- doors;
- hood, trunk;
- non-standard bolts or nuts (for wheels, engine, other important components).
steering lock
Mounted on steering wheel or column. The outdoor fixture is suitable for any kind of transmission.
There are two types of direct mounting on the steering wheel. The first is easy to install, tightly fitting the steering wheel. It consists of a movable locking pin and a handle that rests against the dashboard.
The second consists of a sliding structure, with or without hooks at the ends. At one end, the device rests on the floor or clings to the pedal, the other is fixed on the steering wheel, jamming it and limiting the radius of movement.
The indoor unit is mounted in the steering column. The kit includes a compression sleeve and a locking pin – both actuated by turning the key and prevent the movement of the shaft.
Ignition lock
Two types are known:
- external – not requiring modification of the node,
- internal – with a complete replacement of the factory lock.
The first, outer, consists of two parts, designed like a shell and tightly covering the ignition lock. The base part, in the form of a bumping-resistant casing, is installed on top of the standard ignition switch, which guarantees protection against drilling.
An additional removable part is attached to a special flat disk and blocks access to the core of the lock, which protects against hacking by devices such as a roll and a master key.
An individual bilateral key is attached to each such blocker.
The second device, with a complete replacement of the factory device, consists of a lock and two parts in the form of a vise. The latter are attached around the steering column and close the lock body.
Protection consists of three layers, each of which blocks access to the previous level. This method dramatically increases the reliability of the blocker.
Checkpoint lock
Whatever modification it may be, the principle of operation is the same in all types – an obstacle to the operation of the moving parts of the gearbox.
When using an external lock on a mechanical box, an effective method is to lock the lever in the “reverse speed” position. In this state, the machine can only move backwards. The machine is in standby mode (P).
In the arc version, a special bracket covers the lever, presses it against the lock, which immobilizes the latter.
The internal lock is installed in the central tunnel and is completely hidden. Only the key cylinder on the side of the gear lever remains visible.
Pin and pinless modification of the internal blocker. The first contains a special pin, which is placed in the box and locked with a key. Applies to vehicles with automatic transmission. The principle of operation of the second variety repeats the first, and differs only in the absence of this pin.
brake lock
It is a multifunctional system that is aimed at preventing the movement of the machine.
A check valve is built into the brake hydraulic system. If it is not turned off, it turns on at the first braking. It lets the brake fluid in the direction from the pedal, but blocks the flow back. Pressure builds up in the system, preventing the pads from returning to their original state.
The brake and clutch pedals remain in the depressed position, the starter stops. Further movement of the vehicle is not possible.
Locking pedals and gearshift device
Only suitable for cars with manual transmission. It blocks two pedals – brake and clutch. If the gear lever is set to reverse, this makes it impossible for the hijacker to depress the clutch and unlock the handle.
The principle of protection of the pedal lock is similar to a trap – to squeeze and prevent further movement of the part. Most often it consists of two horizontal brackets that cover the pedals and in the closed position interfere with the course.
Wheel lock
For anti-theft protection, it is enough to install the system on one wheel.
Wheel anti-theft mechanisms are divided into three basic types:
- “Trap”. Covers the tire and rim with side parts with locking teeth at the ends, blocking access to the wheel fasteners. Equipped with rubber inserts so that the fangs do not scratch the disc.
- “Crab”. From the wide base, three blocking paws diverge to the sides. The principle of protection coincides with the trap.
- Fastening block on ventilating openings of a cast disk. This type of protection is not as reliable as other representatives of this anti-theft series.
Door locks
A reliable way to prevent illegal entry into the car interior with subsequent theft. Additional pin blockers (quantity options are possible) are installed in the door.
They are activated by an electronic key fob, set in motion after the standard lock is closed and enter special grooves in the case.
There are no effective methods of silent hacking.
Car hood and trunk locks
The most common type of such protection is a cable with a lock core for a key at the end that is attached to the car interior. If you do not know about the existence of the cable, it is impossible to get into the engine or luggage compartments.
Non-standard bolts or nuts
One of the most common types of car crimes, along with theft, is dismantling. Reliable protection in this case are specially made bolts or nuts of non-standard shapes.
The head of such products is equipped with a specific profile, which makes it impossible to remove the part with a standard tool.
For each of them, an individual key is made, which repeats the lines and shapes of the external or internal protrusions and recesses of the head.
Widespread use on wheels, motor, less often – for mounting license plates.
Three profile types are available:
- Asymmetric polygon, the most common type. The smallest number of faces is 8, the largest is 40. The higher the number of chamfers, the more problematic the removal. The number of faces above 30 is used only on a head with an internal profile.
- Figured contour. It consists of lines that are chaotically and unsystematically curved, which is the increased level of reliability. The manufacture of such non-standard fasteners and a special key to it requires skill and skill.
- A bolt with a perforated head, in which the holes, in addition to the random arrangement, have different depths and diameters. The option of combining with a figured contour is common, which increases the reliability of protection.
The standard set consists of 4 pcs. fasteners and a special key.
Advantages
With external steering lock the advantage is that the device is noticed during a cursory examination of the interior through the windows of the car. In the daytime or on a busy street, this factor is decisive when an attacker refuses to attempt to steal a vehicle.
From the inner latch on the steering column, the clutch and pin are visible, which have a frightening massive look. If the key is lost, the stopper will have to be removed with a hacksaw.
Ignition cover:
- Installation does not require a trip to the auto repairman, removal of the factory lock or core.
- The kit includes a case for storing a removable cover that protects the core. This prevents the cap from being lost when the car is moving.
- The external location, visible upon close inspection of the car interior, sometimes serves as a deterrent for the criminal.
- The structure is protected from hacking by a profile washer and an additional one in the place where the shutter is attached, and a rotating disk-trap. The body, cylinder, bolt itself and the drive, screws are protected.
It is impossible to pick up a key to this locking device or open it with a master key.
Interlock with ignition lock replacement:
- It will take 20-40 minutes to install a new complex.
- In the outer part there are rod-bolts with built-in pins, which cross each other along the line of the lock.
- According to statistics, it takes a car thief just to open the outer level of this guard an order of magnitude more time than to commit the crime itself.
Block at the checkpoint
- The inner one is securely hidden under the skin and for breaking it is required to open access to the tunnel.
- The external blocker can be completely camouflaged and, if properly installed, hidden from prying eyes.
- The gearbox lock is one of the three popular options for mechanical anti-theft systems.
Benefits of locking brakes consists in the use of a mechanical device that is not connected with the battery, alarm, and when stolen, completely disables the car.
Pedal protection “trap” easy to operate. It is made only from high-strength metals. With sufficient street lighting, it is noticeable in the cabin.
Anti-theft wheel locks not amenable to drilling, folding the core of the lock, exposure to corrosive chemicals.
Use not for its intended purpose is possible (emergency blocker for an emergency stop on an inclined road).
Advantages of door locks in the fact that when developing a protective principle, a safe lock was taken as a basis.
Blocking cable hood and trunk reliably protects expensive parts from petty thieves, and the car from hijackers. The impossibility of quickly opening the hood and turning off the alarm forces the attackers to retreat.
Secret nuts and bolts for a long time are considered the most affordable and effective way to protect a car from theft and removal of wheels by a criminal.
disadvantages
Steering wheel lock for suspension anti-theft system located in such a way that it creates additional difficulties during installation and removal.
Using lock-lock of the ignition system it must be remembered that it is strengthened on the outside and weakened on the inside.
If you lose the original key and try to open the device with improvised means or special devices, there is a high probability of damage to the mechanism itself and the steering column. Subsequent repairs are only possible at a specialized workshop and will take a long time.
Concealed anti-theft protection on the transmission shift box it looks aesthetically pleasing, but the installation requires the help of an auto-master, without which it is not recommended to intervene in the gearbox mechanism on your own.
Check valve embedded in the brake system, fails over time. Periodically, it is required to check its performance by the car owner.
Pedal lock. Installing and removing the pedal protection is clear in execution, but inconvenient. You need to get under the steering column. It is problematic to do this while sitting in the cabin; you will have to maneuver from the side of the street.
The main inconvenience arises when using protection in the offseason.
Hands during removal and installation are constantly dirty. The tool is not suitable for people with a sore back, in the postoperative recovery period.
Wheel locks. A rare type of protection due to bulkiness, heaviness, inconvenience of installation / removal and pollution.
The cable blocking the covers of the front and rear compartments of the car can be easily hacked with master keys.
Non-standard nuts and bolts often located outside the car. This increases pollution and makes it difficult to remove them even with the original key, which is better not to lose.
Heads with simple geometric shapes, such as an asterisk or an octahedron, are ineffective. A key from the standard set is easily selected for them.
It is preferable to purchase automotive non-standard fasteners outside the area of permanent residence. This will reduce the percentage of risk of buying a part of the form that is common in this territory.
Non-standard fasteners made of metal, of poor quality, are easily cut or twisted with a pipe (gas) wrench.
The use of extensions leads to deformation of the protective agent and breakage.
For more safety interlocks, the core and unlocking parts become unusable, which cannot be replaced. In these cases, you have to buy a new device.
In the rest, small parts are repaired: couplings, washers, pins. You can also make them yourself if you wish and with certain skills.
How to choose mechanical anti-theft protection
When choosing a means of additional protection, the make and model of the car are taken into account, since some of them are suitable for devices of only an individual type.
First of all, the quality of the material from which the blocker is made requires increased attention.
The second thing you should definitely pay attention to is the ease of installation and dismantling.
When trying to hack, the protection system should last at least 10-15 minutes. Then the probability of kidnapping is equated to almost zero.
For the steering wheel, it is important to make sure that the lock device fits into the dimensions of the car, and its length corresponds to the distance from the wheel to the floor or pedal. To do this, you need to put your hands on the steering wheel and remember where the right palm was. This place is the reference point for the upper measurement point.
Wheel locks perform their purpose more effectively if they are mounted on a hub or wheel axle.
Secret bolts and nuts will last longer if they have a comfortable structure. It is worth avoiding holes of small diameter and caps that have the shape of a cone. It is difficult for the key to catch on the latter and it flies off. The bolt is desirable to have a low hat and a special guard ring.
Internal hidden blockers are not so noticeable, but when they are installed, the integrity of the cabin is violated. Holes are added, the skin is ripped. Such installation of protection should be trusted only by experienced professionals who are ready to guarantee the quality of their services. It is not recommended to carry out such an installation on your own.
Which is better
Below is a list of anti-theft mechanical means by popularity among users:
- Anti-theft non-standard bolts and nuts;
- External lock on the checkpoint;
- Pin and pinless system;
- Steering wheel lock;
- Steering shaft lock;
- Hood locking cable;
- Door locks;
- Ignition lock;
- The return valve of the brake system.
How to use
Each of the listed types of blockers is easy to use, but has small individual features that can be easily dealt with when reading the instructions.
The only precaution that applies to each type of anti-theft mechanical means is to keep a unique key.
When removing wheels with protective bolts or nuts, they are unscrewed first, and when installed, they are tightened last.
This sequence does not allow the offender, by twisting the rest of the fasteners, to relieve the pressure of the protective agent.
When tightening special bolts, you cannot use an impact bolt gun, because of this, the bolts and nuts are destroyed, and after two or three applications they will become unusable.
The force applied when tightening secret means should not exceed 5–7 kg.
Guarantee
It applies to all types of mechanical interlocks purchased from official representatives, with a receipt.
The maximum warranty period is 5 years from the date of sale, provided that the blocker is used properly for its intended purpose.
Warranty service includes the replacement of failed parts or the exchange of a broken mechanism for a new one.
Manufacturers
Alca
The brand is owned by the German automotive logistics and services company Alka mobil. The company specializes in the production and sale of wiper blades (“wipers”) and a wide range of auto accessories, ranging from small ones (antennas, battery terminals, lamps and fuses) to such as child seats and jacks, vacuum cleaners and covers, pumps and anti-theft devices.
Each line of Alca products compares favorably with competitors in terms of pricing, quality and accessibility to various segments of the population.
BOLK
Fast growing company headquartered in China. It produces various types of automotive products – batteries, parts, decorative interior trim parts and much more.
The board of the company makes the main emphasis on the production and expansion of the range of high quality at low cost. You can study the catalog of the company’s products on the website of the official representative of auto-maga.ru
DefenTime
The trademark is the property of Meritek LLC and specializes in the production and sale of security and search devices of varying degrees of complexity and configuration.
To date, Defentime has already released 6 models of 3rd generation anti-theft systems.
Starline
The brand is one of the other trademarks owned by the UltraStar group of companies. The main specialization is car security systems, immobilizers and search complexes.
Own automated production, development of new and improvement of existing systems have contributed to the success and wide recognition of customers. Each product under the Starline brand has a patent and a long-term warranty.
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