What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a subtle car security system that safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It is incredibly difficult to bypass and is a great addition to any security device in your vehicle like an alarm system or tracking device.
It utilizes the buttons that are built into your steering wheel or central console to let you create a PIN code sequence. The sequence is saved to the device and utilized every time you need to disarm your vehicle to enter valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The term "ghost immobiliser" might sound scary and spooky, but it's actually a reliable modern, high-tech anti-theft device which helps keep thieves from stealing 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's also unnoticeable to thieves as it does not emit any radio signals, and it doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle or require any cutting of wires.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus network and preventing the engine from starting in the event that a particular PIN code sequence is first entered. It is usually activated by buttons already present on the steering or central console. The keypads are not installed to the vehicle. This adds an extra layer to security, which will not only deter theft but also ensure that the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys are lost.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring which was a typical type of car theft in the 80s and 90s however, as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, different types of theft have emerged such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can help protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used by themselves 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 put on the majority of cars, and are an cost-effective and efficient to increase the security of your vehicle.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser by Autowatch. It guards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. The only way that a burglar could steal your car with this system is physically towing it away and even then they won't be capable of driving your beloved vehicle.
How do Ghost Immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser, a revolutionary system, safeguards your vehicle from key cloning and hacking. It can also protect your keys from theft. Autowatch is an innovative South African company, designed the system to protect against car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser connects directly to the data bus for CAN in your car and intercepts signals from ECUs which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It stops your engine from running until you enter an unique pin code or a series of buttons in addition to your regular key fob. This is to stop thieves from using a mobile application to collect the signal and then clone the key fob to steal your car.
It is a subtle and undetectable system that does not make use of lights or sounds. It isn't detected by radar scanners or radio detectors. It also has no circuit wires which thieves could cut. It's a great add-on to any security program and can be added to other systems like an alarm or tracking device. It's an excellent option for people who need to allow someone else to drive their car for a period of time such as valet parking or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two main ghost immobilisers available on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar manner by connecting to your data bus CAN and stopping your vehicle from starting until you enter a specific sequence of buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard. The sequence is customized to you and only accessible to you and can be changed in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-verified, a third party group of experts with experience in security and police testing. This is a proof of the high level of reliability and quality of the system.
Installers who are certified can 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 prevent theft?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system of your vehicle and stops it from starting until an appropriate code sequence has been entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, like the steering wheels, centre consoles or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves successfully gain access to your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be unable to drive it off without entering the correct pin code.
In contrast to alarms and key fob signals which can be snatched and compromised Ghost immobilisers are undetectable by external scanning devices and works silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective ways to safeguard your vehicle from modern methods of theft, such as hacking and signal relay.
It is also much easier to install, and compatible with all vehicles. This makes it easy to use. Additionally, if you ever require to temporarily disable your ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do so through the user interface. This lets you maintain your vehicle or even valet park it without compromising its security. The system will automatically switch back to secure mode after a brief period of time providing peace of mind that your vehicle is always secure.
Additionally, adding an immobiliser with ghosts to your vehicle can reduce your insurance premium. This is particularly relevant if your car is a high-end model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is worth contacting your insurer to find out if they are able to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that may be able to further lower your cost.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems and are recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). These systems are both regarded for their exceptional levels of protection and security, making them a good option for anyone looking to protect their vehicle from theft. This could help you to preserve the value of your car when you decide to sell it, since 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 inaccessible and difficult to get around. This makes them one of most effective anti-theft devices on the market. The peace of mind offered by a ghost immobiliser is well worth the initial cost.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser can vary depending on the model you select as well as the rates charged by your installer. However, most users have high praise for their investment, as they appreciate the additional layer of security. Many people are also pleased with the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't alter the look of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers unlike key fobs and wheel locks, are invisible and operate silently without radio signals. They are a quiet 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 in order to start the car. The PIN code is entered by pressing the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also insurance Approved through TASSA, making it an ideal option for modern vehicles that do not have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are considering a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you install it by a professional. A wrong installation could cause a variety of problems including electrical faults or damage to your vehicle. In addition an incorrect installation may void warranties on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Other security measures, such as other security measures like a GPS tracking device or engine immobilisers may be less expensive than Ghost immobilisers. However, car immobiliser ghost to tampering and may not offer enough protection against determined thieves. They are also more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally thought to be the best option for most drivers.