Is it necessary to install a car anti-theft device?
3 Answers
If the vehicle is not equipped with anti-theft technology, it is recommended to install an anti-theft device. Many cars nowadays come pre-installed with an onboard computer anti-theft system from the factory. The engine will only start when the key chip data matches the pre-stored data in the onboard computer, which then notifies the relevant systems to begin operation. Cars with built-in onboard computer anti-theft systems do not require additional anti-theft devices. The steps for installing a car anti-theft device are as follows: 1. Confirm the ignition wire: When connecting the circuit breaker, first identify the ignition wire, fuel pump control wire, and starter wire before deciding which circuit to disconnect (disconnecting the starter wire will disable the anti-hijacking function). The ON wire input of the anti-theft main unit should be connected to the upper end of the disconnected circuit. Alternatively, it can be separately connected to a wire that has a positive 12V power supply when the car key is in the ON position. 2. Find a suitable location to install the main unit: Carefully observe the structure of the decorative panels, as wiring connections may require disassembling them. Wear work gloves if possible to avoid dirtying the interior decorations. 3. When connecting the door switch detection wire, always connect it to the dome light control bus: Do not connect it to the left front door or the door switch wire, as the main door switch wire and other door switch wires are isolated by diodes and do not interconnect. This prevents the issue of the alarm not triggering when a rear door is opened after setting the anti-theft system.
To be honest, as a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I think whether to install a car alarm depends on your personal situation. If your car is expensive or often parked in remote areas, an alarm can significantly improve security. Electronic alarms are much more reliable than old-fashioned locks, and the sensor's alarm sound alone might scare thieves away. I once installed a GPS tracking system, and it actually prevented a potential theft when the system alerted me—my car wasn't stolen. The cost isn't too high, ranging from a few hundred to a thousand yuan, and some insurance companies even offer discounts to reduce premiums. If you choose not to install one, you'll need to be extra careful about parking locations and ensure doors and windows are locked, but repair costs could be higher if something goes wrong. Overall, a car alarm is a good investment that reduces the risk of theft. If you live in a safe neighborhood, you might consider skipping it, but don’t completely overlook anti-theft measures—being cautious never hurts.
I think as a new car owner, installing an anti-theft device is quite a topic worth discussing. I've researched a lot online and found that it mainly helps prevent theft, especially since many cars now come with basic anti-theft features, but adding an independent electronic anti-theft device is even more reliable. The installation is simple, usually done in about half an hour at a shop, and you can even customize the alarm sound. If you don't install one, daily driving might be more hassle-free since you don't have to constantly remember to set it up, but if the car gets stolen, repairs could cost you thousands more. I heard from a friend that combining an anti-theft device with good parking habits (like choosing well-lit areas) is more effective than relying on it alone. My personal suggestion is to first consider your budget and the security level of your neighborhood. If the risk is low, saving some money might be fine, but if it's high, installing one for peace of mind is a good idea.
