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 get around and is an excellent add-on to any vehicle security device, such as an alarm system or tracking device.
The buttons on the console or steering wheel allow you to generate the PIN code. The sequence is stored to the device and utilized every time you want to arm your vehicle to enter 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 vehicle even if they've cloned or taken your key fob. It is completely hidden and works silently and so thieves don't get any prior warning that it's there. It is also undetectable to thieves because it does not emit any radio signals, and it doesn't utilize additional hardware that could be visible inside the vehicle, or require any cutting of wires.
It is directly connected to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN code is entered. It is typically activated by existing buttons on the steering or centre console. There is no new keypad installed in the car. This adds an additional layer of security that will not only prevent theft, but also ensure the vehicle's safety if your keys get lost.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring, which was a common form of car theft in the 90s and 80s but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, different types of theft have emerged like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle against these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used alone or in conjunction with other security systems, such as Thatcham Approved vehicle trackers or Dash Cams with full HD which can help lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to a wide range of cars and are a cost-effective and effective way of boosting the security of your vehicle.
Autowatch's newest ghost immobiliser, called the Ghost 2, is at the forefront of security system technology. It offers your vehicle with protection against key cloning, hacking and even key theft. The only way thieves could steal your car using this system is by physically towing it away, and even then they won't be able to drive your car that you love.
How does a Ghost Immobiliser work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system that protects your car from key cloning, hacking and even key theft. Autowatch is a pioneering South African company, designed the system to stop car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser is a device that connects directly to your vehicle's CAN data bus system and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that allow your engine to start. It prevents your engine from starting until you enter an unique pin code or sequence of buttons in addition to your regular key fob. This is to prevent thieves from using an application on their phone to intercept the signal and then clone the key fob to take your car.
It is a discrete and undetectable system that doesn't make any noise or emit lights. It isn't detected by radar scanners or by radio detectors. It also has no circuit wires which thieves could cut. It can be incorporated into any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It is an excellent alternative for those who have to allow someone else to drive their car temporarily such as valet parking or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost immobilisers available on the market, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both immobilisers work in a similar way by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. They prevent your vehicle from being started until a specific sequence of buttons is entered on the dashboard or on the steering wheel. The sequence is customized to you and only known by you and can be changed if you ever need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified which is a third-party group of experts with backgrounds in security and police testing. This confirms the high degree of reliability and quality of the system.
It is important to remember that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective when they're installed correctly This is why it's always worth getting your ghost immobiliser fitted by an certified installer. You can locate one close to you with our online search tool, or speak to your local dealer.
How does a ghost immobiliser prevent theft?
Ghost immobilisers work by connecting to the CAN system of your vehicle and preventing the car from starting until the code sequence is first entered. This is accomplished by pressing buttons in your vehicle such as the steering wheel, the centre console, or door panels. The code can be as long as 20 characters in length. This means that even if thieves do get into your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be incapable of driving it off without entering the correct pin code.
Unlike alarms and key fob signalling that are susceptible to being hacked and compromised, a ghost immobiliser is undetectable by external scanning devices and works silently and independently. ghost immobiliser car is the most efficient method to safeguard your vehicle from modern theft techniques, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also a simpler installation process and is compatible with most automobiles, making it simple to use. If you require to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do this via the user interface. This allows your car to be serviced or valet parked without any compromise in security. After a short time, the system will automatically change back to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always safe.
Ghost immobilisers can reduce your insurance costs. This is especially true if you own a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. It's worth checking with your insurance company to see if they can confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that might help lower your cost.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham certified and endorsed by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both are recognized as providing high levels of security, making them a worthy investment for anyone who wants to secure their vehicle from thieves. This could help preserve the value of your car when you eventually decide to sell it as potential buyers will know that it is a very secured vehicle.
How much will a ghost immobiliser cost?
Ghost immobilisers add an additional layer of protection for your car. They are untraceable and inaccessible to anyone making them one of the most effective anti-theft measures available. The peace of mind that ghost immobilisers offer is worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser is dependent on the model you choose and the rates set by your installer. However, most users report high satisfaction with their investment, as they value the added layer of protection. They also appreciate the fact the fact that the device is discrete and does not detract from the appearance of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers like key fobs or wheel locks, are invisibly and work in silence without radio signals. love it makes them a less noticeable and efficient alternative to other security measures, like trackers and engine management system (EMS) immobilisers.
Ghost immobilisers function by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It then creates an individual PIN code that must be entered to start the vehicle. The code is entered through buttons that are already in your dashboard and steering wheel which makes it virtually undetectable. It's also endorsed by TASSA for insurance, which makes it an excellent option for cars that don't come with factory immobilisers.
If you're considering installing a Ghost immobiliser for your vehicle, it's highly advised to install it by a professional. Incorrect installation can lead to numerous issues such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. A poor installation can also invalidate the warranty of your vehicle as well as the Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures like a GPS tracking device or engine immobiliser may be more affordable than Ghost immobilisers. However, they can be more susceptible to theft and may not offer the same level of protection against determined thieves. They can also be more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore, a Ghost immobiliser is generally regarded as the best option for most drivers.