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An immobiliser or immobilizer is an electronic device fitted to an automobile which prevents the engine from running unless the correct key (or other token) is present. This prevents the car from being "hot wired" after entry has been achieved.

Immobilisers have been mandatory in all new cars sold in the United Kingdom since 1997 and in Australia since 2001. In Canada, immobilisers are required in all cars assembled on or after September 1, 2007. Early models used a static code in the ignition key (or key fob) which was recognised by an RFID loop around the lock barrel and checked against the vehicle's ECU for a match. If the code is unrecognised, the ECU will not allow fuel to flow and ignition to take place. Later models use rolling codes or advanced cryptography to defeat copying of the code from the key or ECU.

The microcircuit inside the key is activated by a small electromagnetic field which induces current to flow inside the key body, which in turn broadcasts a unique binary code which is read by the automobile's ECU. When the ECU determines that the coded key is both current and valid, the ECU activates the fuel-injection sequence.

In some vehicles, attempts to use an unauthorized or "non-sequenced" key cause the vehicle to activate a timed no-start condition and in some highly advanced systems, even use satellite or mobile phone communication to alert a security firm that an unauthorized attempt was made to code a key.

Coincidentally, this information is often recorded in modern automobile ECUs, which may record many other variables including speed, temperature, driver weight, geographic location, throttle position and yaw angle. This information can be used during insurance investigations, warranty claims or technical troubleshooting.

Add-on immobilisers are available for older cars or vehicles without factory immobilisers. The insurance approval for a self-arming immobiliser is known as "Thatcham 2" after the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire, England. Approved immobilisers must intercept at least two circuits; typically the low-voltage ignition circuit and the fuel pump circuit. Some may also intercept the low-current starter motor circuit from the key switch to the relay.

Statistics in Australia show that 3 out of 4 vehicle thefts are older cars stolen for joyriding, transport or to commit another crime. Immobilisers are fitted to around 45% of all cars in Australia, but account for only 7% of those cars that are stolen. In many instances, where a vehicle fitted with an immobiliser has been stolen, the thief had access to the original key. Only around 1 in 4 vehicles are stolen by professional thieves. The majority of vehicles are stolen by opportunistic thieves relying on finding older vehicles that have ineffective security or none at all. An engine immobiliser will deter opportunistic thieves.

Protect Your Alloys And Cut Your Car Insurance Premiums
By Alex Gregory

These days, alloy wheels are a 'must-have' for most drivers. However, their popularity is a double edged sword - with new statistics showing that between 15 and 20 sets of alloy wheels are stolen every week.

The wheels, made from an alloy of magnesium and aluminium metals, differ from regular steel wheels because they are lighter and can improve the steering and speed of a car. They are also better heat conductors, which reduces the risk of brake failure and visually they are more attractive.

These features have made them hot property on the black market, and theft of alloy wheels is costing motorists thousands every year.

Most motorists would make a car insurance claim to cover the cost of stolen alloys. However, this too can prove expensive - particularly if you have a high excess. It will also wipe out part or all of your no-claims bonus, which will lead to more expensive car insurance premiums in the long run.

So what can you do to protect them?

The first step is to equip your car with a good immobiliser if it doesn't have one already. Contact your car insurer and ask what system they recommend - fitting an immobiliser can help you secure cheap car insurance premiums as well as protecting your vehicle.

From there, wheel protection is the key. Locking wheel nuts are a good start but research suggests that thieves are finding ways past this problem.

With that in mind you should look for ultra-locking wheel nuts. As an example, McGard ultra locking wheel nuts are available from Exclusive Training and cost in the region of £35.

Adding alloy wheels to a vehicle will count as a modification and almost certainly hike your car insurance premiums. However, taking measures to protect them can help you secure cheap car insurance and peace of mind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gregory
http://EzineArticles.com/?Protect-Your-Alloys-And-Cut-Your-Car-Insurance-Premiums&id=935638

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