Car alarm in the Philippines: Installation guide, How it works, How to stop it & What to buy

I. Car alarm in the Philippines: A basic anatomy

1. What is a car alarm?

Simply speaking, a car alarm is an electronic device installed in a vehicle that makes a loud noise when anyone tries to break into it. In fact, the main purpose of a car alarm system is to prevent the theft of your personal belongings within your car and of the car itself. In other words, it is a kind of car security system.

A car alarm is an electronic device installed in a vehicle which makes a loud noise when anyone tries to break into it

That said, not all car alarm systems are the same. They are triggered by different actions and have different features.

2. OEM vs Aftermarket car alarm systems

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) car alarms typically feature basic features that are limited to one-way remote start, one-way remote door locks, horn trigger, and starter/injector kill.  Most of them are merely designed to deter car theft, not to protect your possessions.

In the meantime, aftermarket systems boast a wider range of features and components that can be added on to reinforce your car security. The addition of an aftermarket car alarm with just the basic features can remarkably enhance your car security.

>>> Related: Car horn installation: tips, tricks, and how-tos

3. Car alarm components & How they work

Normally, car alarm has 3 main components, which are:

1. One type of sensor (at least).
2. Some type of noise-making (siren or flashing lights).
3. A control unit

When looking at a very basic car alarm that includes only these 3 components, it is quite easy to see how the whole thing works.

Car alarm components

In most cases, the sensor is installed in the driver's door, and it is wired to activate whenever the door is opened. With the system equipped, opening the door will send a signal to the control unit, and then the control unit will activate the noise-making part (the siren), calling attention to the car and hopefully, scaring off the “would-be” thief.

In reality, car alarm systems are often much more complicated. Most come with radio receivers built into the control units, transmitters which take the form of key fobs, and a host of different kinds of sensors. Not only that, but car alarms can also be tied to other car systems, resulting in different effects.

Depending on your specific demands, you can choose to customize your alarm system by adding on several accessories. It is worth noting that car alarms are not going to completely eliminate car robbery and intrusion. Nonetheless, by installing a security system with additional parts, you can surprisingly make your vehicle a real anti-theft car.

By installing a security system with additional parts, you can surprisingly make your vehicle a real anti-theft car

II. Car alarm installation

Most vehicles today have got some forms of car alarm installed in them. Philkotse will now share with you how to set up a basic alarm system in your car.

Step #1: Open the hood and attach the siren to any solid metal surface underneath. Place the siren’s horn facing down in order that no water can get into it.

Step #2: Make a hole in the car's rubber firewall. Thread the siren's wire through that hole into the passenger compartment.

Step #3: Put the alarm's power line near the battery that is going to be attached later.

Step #4: Attach a fuse to the siren’s wire that will be attached to the battery next.

Step #5: Check the alarm's instruction manual before mounting the shock sensor.

Step #6: Make a hole in the car dashboard for the LED indicator. Then, feed the LED indicator wire through that hole and secure it into place with double-sided mounting tape.

Step #7: Pin down the wires used to connect to the light button on the car door. This button will turn the light on whenever anyone opens the door. In the event you have power locks, pin the wires that connect to the power locks instead.

Step #8: Connect a sensor to the wires.

Step #9: Secure & attach all wires (both input and output ones) to the alarm module and then mount that module below the dash. Also, bundle all the wires together and hide them under the dash.

Step #10: Connect the power wire to the battery and your alarm system is ready to work.

For more detailed instructions, please watch this video:

How To Silence A Car Alarm

III. How to stop a car alarm

When functioning properly, car alarms are surely a great way to prevent criminals from stealing your vehicle. In some situations, however, they might turn out quite embarrassing. So, how to stop a car alarm if it goes off? Here’s how. Let’s start with the easiest and quickest ways available to you, and try the more complicated ones if you must.

1. Try stopping car alarm with the key

This is the easiest way to stop a car alarm. Simply place your key into the driver’s door to unlock your car. On condition that you have keys for yourself, you can make an effort to unlock the side door. In most cases, the alarm will shut off once the key is inserted properly.

Try stopping car alarm with the key

What to do if you have a push-key button? Find the hidden key inside! You need to look for a small button on the key fob’s side, push it with the fingernail to get the hidden key to unlock the car and reset the alarm system.

What’s more, you can turn the alarm off by putting the key in the ignition.

>>> Read also: 4 ways to unlock your car without key in an emergency

2. Reach the alarm fuse

The alarm fuse is located just below the steering wheel, so you can easily find it on the left side of the cabin. As normal, all those alarms installed post-purchase reside under the metal sheet, resting on the wire connected to the positive battery terminal. Once you discover the fuse, there’s a high chance that you will see the alarm label there. Find the wires which are connected to the car alarm from the fuse and then pull it off to stop the alarm.

3. Detach the car battery

If after trying the two ways above, you still cannot make the alarm mute, disconnect the battery. By doing this, all electrical systems will be reset and the alarm sounds will end, of course. Now, remove the negative battery cable (the black one), leave it like that for around 30 seconds and reconnect it.

If after trying the two ways above, you still cannot make the alarm mute, disconnect the battery

We’ve just shared with you three ways to stop a car alarm, make sure that you learn these tips by heart so as to fix the issue right away without making yourself awkward on the road.

IV. 5 best car alarms Philippines & their price

We believe that as of now, most of you have been aware of the importance of car alarms. In case you have not equipped your beloved vehicle with one, here we have some suggestions. Today, car alarm price in the Philippines ranges from P1,500 to P15,000 depending on specific brands and designs.

1. Cobra Car Alarm Omega

One of the strongest features the Cobra Car Alarm possesses is its key design. It doesn’t look like the average key at all. In addition, the Cobra Car Alarm also comes with loads of features such as auto central lock, anti-hijacking, remote vibration mode, and valet mode.

2. Avital 4103LX Remote Start System with Two 4-Button Remote

The Avital is the most expensive option among the list. It comes with plenty of features such as Panic Mode, Valet Mode, and Remote Start feature. If you’ll go for this car alarm, this unit requires a bypass module for installation.

3. EXAD Car Alarm System

The EXAD Car Alarm System may not reach the Php 1000 mark, but it sure is worth it for its cheap price. As for features, it comes with anti-theft device grab, disable device lock, light flash device, and the password can be changed for one million times.

4. Giordon G5 Car Alarm Security System 360 Protection with 2 Remote Controls

As far as reviews goes, the Giordon G5 never fails to satisfy its users. Giordon has been a professional manufacturer of car electronics since 1994 so quality is a given. The Giordon G5 Car Alarm Security System comes with vehicle locator, auto central locking, shocking sensor, remote trunk release, anti-hijacking, and emergency.

5. Blade Auto Security System FLB-02 NW

"Blade" is a renowned manufacturer of car parts in the Philippines. With this, one can expect that the FLB-02 NW will provide satisfying car alarm functions to users. It comes with a high power siren, shock sensor, keyless entry, engine cut off, car locating light indicator, and emergency disarm.

Should you prefer transacting within the convenience of home, you can choose to avail of car alarm products through Shopee, Lazada, or many other shopping websites.

>>> Related: [Philkotse guide] Understanding how your car alarm works

FAQs about car alarms in the Philippines

1. Are there cases car alarms can be disconnected?

Yes, car alarms can be connected and disconnected at will. This can help avoid unwanted alarms.

2. How long does it take to install a car alarm?

According to some technicians, it takes around three hours to install a car alarm. They said that the longest installation was five hours and the shortest was two hours.

3. Should I install a car alarm by myself?

It depends on the car alarm you bought. If you bought a very complex alarm system, then you might want to get a professional installation.

4. How many types of car alarms are there?

There are types of car alarms available in the market, namely the Audible Car Alarms, GPS Car Alarms, and Immobilizing Car Alarms.

5. Will a car alarm drain my car battery?

If you installed your car alarm correctly, it will use a small amount of power and will not drain your battery. But if installed your car alarm incorrectly, then it will definitely drain your battery.