What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser guards your car from hacking or key cloning. It is incredibly difficult to get around and is a great addition to any security device for your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
It uses the buttons built into your steering wheel or central console to let you create an PIN code sequence. The code is stored on the device and can be used to disarm your car to allow valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
It might sound scary It may sound scary, but the ghost immobiliser' is a modern anti-theft system that prevents thieves, who are technologically adept and have the ability to take your vehicle even if they've copied your key fob or stolen it. It is completely concealed and operates in a quiet manner, so that thieves aren't aware it exists. It is also undetectable to thieves since it doesn't emit radio signals, and it doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle, or require any wire cutting.
It is directly connected to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from starting until a PIN code has been entered. It is typically activated using buttons already present on the steering wheel or centre console. The keypads are not fitted to the car. This adds a new layer of security that will not only prevent theft, but also ensure the safety of your vehicle is assured if keys are lost.
Traditional immobilisers worked incredibly well to stop hotwiring, which was a common method of car theft in the 90s and 80s but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more technologically adept, various forms of theft have been discovered such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a popular choice to help protect your car from these more sophisticated types of theft.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used as a standalone system or in combination with other security equipment such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to a wide range of automobiles and are a cost-effective and effective way of boosting the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the leading edge of security system technology. It gives your car protection from key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. This system prevents thieves from stealing your car unless they physically take it away.
How do ghost immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser, a revolutionary system, safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It can even prevent key theft. It was developed by Autowatch which is a South African company at the forefront of vehicle security systems technology and works to prevent this kind of vehicle theft, making sure that your pride and joy stays on your driveway where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers connect directly to the data bus for CAN in your vehicle and intercepts signals sent by ECUs which are electronic control units that start your engine. It stops the engine from running until an additional unique pin code or sequence of buttons is entered alongside your regular key fob. This is to stop thieves from using a smartphone application to record the signal, and then copy the key fob to steal your car.
It is a silent and undetectable device, which doesn't make any noise or use lights. It is not detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors, and also has no circuit wires that thieves could cut. It can be incorporated into any security system, including an alarm or tracking device. It is an excellent alternative for those who have to allow someone else to drive their car for a period of time for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost immobilisers available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both immobilisers work similarly by connecting to the CAN data bus. They stop your vehicle from starting when a particular sequence of buttons are entered on your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is personalised to you and is only known by you and is able to be altered in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified by a third party group of experts with police and security testing backgrounds. This reaffirms that the system has a high-reliability and quality.
Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find an installer near you by using our search tool online, or speak to your local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system in your vehicle and preventing the car from starting unless a code sequence is entered prior to. what is ghost immobiliser can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, like the steering wheels, centre consoles, or door panels. The code can have up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves do enter your vehicle and start driving it, they'll be incapable of driving it off without entering the correct pin code.
Contrary to alarms and key fob signals that can be snatched and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and functions silently and independently. This makes it the most effective method to safeguard your vehicle from modern theft techniques like hacking or signal relay.
It is also a much simpler installation procedure and is compatible with all automobiles, making it simple to use. If what is ghost immobiliser need to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so via the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be serviced or valet parked without compromising security. After a short period, the system will automatically change back to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
In addition, fitting a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle can potentially reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly relevant if your car is a luxury model like Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and to discuss other options for security measures which may be able lower your cost.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham accredited systems and are recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). Both are recognized as offering exceptional levels of security, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to protect their vehicle from thieves. This could help you to keep the value of your car when you decide to sell it, because potential buyers know that it's a high-security vehicle.
How much will a ghost immobiliser cost?
Ghost immobilisers provide a sophisticated layer of security for your vehicle. They are undetectable and are impossible to break making them one of the most effective anti-theft strategies available. The peace of mind that ghost immobilisers provide is well worth any initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost is different depending on which model you choose and the rate that your installer will charge you. However, the majority of users report high satisfaction with their investment, since they value the added layer of protection. Many users are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract the look of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers like key fobs or wheel locks, are not visible and operate silently without radio signals. They are a quiet and efficient alternative to car security measures, such as trackers, or engine management system (EMS), immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN data network. It then generates a unique PIN code which must be entered to start the vehicle. It is entered by via buttons already on your dashboard and steering wheel which makes it virtually undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for Insurance, making it an excellent choice for modern cars that don't come with factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are thinking about the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, that you install it by a professional. A wrong installation can cause various issues, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. A bad installation could also invalidate the warranty of your vehicle as well as the Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures, such as a GPS tracking device or an engine immobilisers may be less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. However, they are more vulnerable to tampering and may not provide as much protection against determined thieves. They may also be more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally believed to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.