What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a discreet car security system that safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It is extremely difficult to thwart and is a great supplement to any security system, including an tracking device or alarm system.
The buttons on your console or steering wheel allow you to generate the PIN code. The code is saved to the device and can be used to disable your car in valet mode.
What is a ghost immobiliser?
The term "ghost immobiliser" may sound spooky and scary but it is an effective modern, high-tech anti-theft device that can prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your car even if they've cloned or taken your key fob. It is completely concealed and operates in a quiet manner, so that thieves aren't aware it's there. It's also undetectable to thieves since it does no emit radio signals, and doesn't require any additional hardware visible inside the vehicle or wire cutting.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus system and it stops the engine from running in the event that a particular PIN code sequence is first entered. It is typically activated using buttons already present on the steering or centre console. No new keypad is fitted to the car. This adds an additional layer of security that will not only deter theft but also ensure that the vehicle's safety if your keys are lost.
The older immobilisers were effective in stopping hotwiring. This was a typical kind of car theft in the 1980s and 90s. However as technology advanced and thieves became more technologically adept, new types of theft were discovered, such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used alone or combined with other security systems such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD that can lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to the majority of cars, and are an an affordable and effective way to boost your vehicle's safety.
Autowatch's most recent ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology. It gives your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. The only way that a burglar could steal your car using this system is by physically towing it away, and even then they would not be able to drive your car that you love.
How can a Ghost Immobiliser be used?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system, protects your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It can even prevent key theft. Autowatch is a pioneering South African company, designed the system to stop car thefts.
Ghost immobilisers connect directly to the data bus for CAN in your vehicle and intercepts signals from ECUs which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It prevents the engine from starting unless an additional unique pin code or sequence of buttons are entered along with your regular key fob. This is to stop thieves from using an app on their mobile phone to intercept the signal and then copy the key fob to take your vehicle.
It is a silent and undetectable system, which doesn't make any noise or emit lights. It is not detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors and also has no circuit wires that a burglar could cut. It can be added to any security system, such as an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great choice for those who wish to temporarily let someone else drive their vehicle, such as when valet parking is required or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost-immobilisers that are available: CAN Phantom, and Autowatch Ghost. Both work similarly by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They stop your car from starting unless a certain sequence of buttons are entered on your dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is customized to you and only known by you and is able to be altered if you ever need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified, a third party group of experts with experience in police and security testing. This confirms the high degree of quality and reliability of the system.
It's important to note that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost can only be effective if they are installed correctly that's why it's essential to get your ghost immobiliser installed by an approved installer. Find one in your area by using our search engine online or contacting the local dealer.
How can a ghost-immobiliser deter thefts?
The ghost immobiliser connects to the CAN system in your vehicle and blocks it from operating until a code sequence has been entered. This is done by using buttons in your vehicle such as the steering wheel, the centre console, or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters long. This means that even if thieves manage to gain access to your vehicle and begin driving it, they'll be not able to drive it away without entering the correct pin code.
Contrary to alarms and key fob signalling that can be intercepted and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and works silently and independently. This makes it the most reliable way to guard your vehicle against modern theft methods, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also much simpler to install and compatible with all vehicles. This makes it easy to use. Additionally, if you need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so through the user interface. This allows you to service your vehicle or valet park it without risking its security. After a short time, the system will automatically return to secure mode. This will give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is always secure.
In addition, putting a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle could reduce the cost of insurance. ghost immobiliser car is particularly applicable if the vehicle is a luxury model such as 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 that could help lower your insurance premium.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham certified and endorsed by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. These systems are both regarded for their exceptional levels of protection and security, making them a good investment for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle secure from theft. This could help you to preserve the value of your car when you decide to sell it, because potential buyers are aware that it's a high-security vehicle.
What is the cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of protection for your car. They are indetectable and inaccessible to anyone, making them among the most effective anti-theft strategies available. The added peace of mind provided by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial cost.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser varies dependent on the model you select as well as the prices that your installer will charge you. However, most customers have high praise for their investment as they appreciate the added layer of protection. Many people are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't alter the style of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers, unlike key fobs or wheel locks, are invisibly and operate silently without radio signals. This makes them a discreet and effective alternative to car security measures like trackers, or engine management system (EMS) immobilisers, trackers and other.
A Ghost immobiliser works by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It creates a PIN code that must be entered to start the car. The PIN code is entered pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, making it almost undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for insurance, which makes it an excellent option for cars that don't have factory immobilisers.
If you're considering a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly recommended to have it professionally installed. A wrong installation can cause numerous issues, including electrical faults and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also void the warranties of both your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures, like an GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser might be less expensive than a Ghost immobiliser. They can be more susceptible to being manipulated, and might not offer the same level of protection against determined thieves. In addition, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally thought to be the best option for many drivers.