What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that protects your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It is extremely difficult to bypass and is a great add-on to any security device in your vehicle, such as an alarm system or tracking device.
It makes use of the buttons integrated into your steering wheel or centre console to allow you to create the PIN code sequence. It is then stored on the device and used each 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's actually a reliable modern anti-theft device which helps prevent tech-savvy thieves from taking your car even if they've copied or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and operates silently and so thieves don't get any prior notice that it's there. It's also unnoticeable to thieves as it doesn't emit any radio signals, and doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle or require any cutting of wires.
It is connected directly to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from running until a PIN code has been entered. It is typically activated using existing buttons on the steering wheel or centre console. There is no new keypad installed to the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of security that will not only prevent theft, but also ensure the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys are lost.
Traditional immobilisers were incredibly effective to stop hotwiring which was a typical form of car theft in the 80s and 90s however, as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more technologically adept, various forms of theft have been discovered, including relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a great way to protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used as a stand-alone device or in combination with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can lower your insurance costs. They can be fitted to most vehicles and are an affordable and effective way of boosting your vehicle's security.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser, the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology and provides your car with protection from key cloning, hacking and even key theft. This system stops thieves from stealing your vehicle unless they physically take it away.
How do Ghost Immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a groundbreaking system, safeguards your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It can even stop key theft. It was developed by Autowatch, a South African company at the forefront of security systems for vehicles technology. It works to stop these methods of car theft, ensuring your pride and joy stays in your car where it belongs.
Ghost immobilisers are device that connects directly to your car's CAN data bus system, and intercepts signals from the ECUs (Electronic Control Units) which allow your engine to start. It stops the engine from starting unless an additional pin code or sequence of buttons is entered in conjunction with your standard key fob. This is designed to stop thieves from using a mobile application to record the signal and then clone your key fob in order to steal your car.
It is a silent and undetectable system that does not emit any sound or emit any lights. It is not detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors, and it also does not have circuit wires that the thief could cut. It can be integrated into any security system, which includes an alarm or tracking device. It is an excellent alternative for those who have to let someone else drive their car for a period of time for valet parking, or when the vehicle is being repaired.
There are two main ghost immobilisers available on the market, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both of them function in a similar manner by connecting to the data bus of the CAN. ghost 2 immobiliser cost prevent your vehicle from being started when a particular sequence of buttons is entered onto your steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it, and you can modify it at any time.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified, a third party group of experts who have backgrounds in police and security testing. This reaffirms that the system is of a high-reliability and quality.
Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find one near you with our online search tool or contact your local dealer.
How can a ghost immobiliser prevent theft?
The ghost immobiliser connects to the CAN system of your vehicle and prevents it from starting until a code sequence has been entered. This is done using buttons in your vehicle such as the steering wheel, centre console or door panels and can be up to 20 characters in length. This means that if someone were to enter your car and begin driving it they will not be capable of driving it away without the correct pin code sequence being entered, making it near impossible for them to steal your pride and joy.
Contrary to alarms and key fob signalling that can be snatched and compromised A ghost immobiliser is unnoticeable by external scanners and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This is the most efficient way to protect your vehicle from modern theft techniques, such as hacking or signal relay.
It is also much simpler to install and compatible with most vehicles. This makes it simple to use. In addition, if you need to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so from the user interface. This allows your vehicle to be parked or serviced without risking security. The system will automatically revert back to secure mode after a short period of time, giving you peace of mind that your vehicle is protected.
In addition, putting a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle could lower your insurance costs. This is especially applicable if the vehicle is a prestige model such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is worth contacting your insurance company to see if they're able to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that could help reduce 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 providing the highest levels of security making them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to protect their vehicle from theft. This could help you to maintain the value of your vehicle when you decide to sell it, because potential buyers are aware that it's a highly secure vehicle.
How much will a ghost immobiliser cost?
Ghost immobilisers provide an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. They are indetectable 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 an immobiliser ghost can vary according to the model you select and the rate charged by your installer. However, most customers have high praise for their investment as they value the additional layer of security. Many customers also appreciate the fact that the device is discreet and doesn't alter the look of their vehicle.
In contrast to key fobs and wheel locks, Ghost immobilisers are invisible and operate in silence without radio signals. This makes them a discrete and effective alternative to security measures such as trackers or engine management system (EMS) immobilisers, trackers and other.
Ghost immobilisers function by connecting directly to your vehicle's CAN data network. It creates a PIN code that needs to be entered to start the car. The code is entered through buttons that are already in your steering wheel and dashboard and dashboard, which makes it virtually unnoticeable. It is also approved by TASSA for insurance, which makes it an excellent choice for modern cars which don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are thinking about the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, that you get it fitted by a professional. Incorrect installation could cause numerous issues that could result in electrical issues and damage to your vehicle. Additionally an incorrect installation may void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser and your vehicle.
Other security measures such as a GPS tracking device or an engine immobilisers are less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. However, they can be more susceptible to tampering and may not offer the same level of protection against determined thieves. They may also be more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally regarded as the best choice for many drivers.