What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser shields your vehicle from key cloning or hacking. It is extremely difficult to bypass and is a fantastic option to add to any security system, such as an tracking device or alarm system.
The buttons on your steering wheel or console allow you to create the PIN code. The code is saved to the device and is used to arm your car for 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 vehicle, even if they have cloned or stolen your key fob. It's completely hidden and operates quietly, so thieves don't have any prior notice that it's there. It is also unnoticeable by thieves, as it does no emit radio signals, and doesn't require any additional hardware inside the vehicle or wire cutting.
It is connected directly to the bus system of the vehicle (CAN) and prevents the engine from starting until a PIN code has been entered. It is typically activated using existing buttons on the steering or central console. There is no new keypad installed in the car. This adds an additional layer to security, which will not only prevent theft but also ensure that the safety of the vehicle is ensured if keys are lost.
Traditional immobilisers were incredibly effective to stop hotwiring, which was a common type of car theft in the 90s and 80s but as technology has advanced and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, new types of theft have been discovered such as relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers are a great way to protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
More Material can be used alone or in conjunction 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 put on the majority of cars, and are an cost-effective and efficient to improve the safety of your vehicle.
Autowatch's latest ghost immobiliser , called the Ghost 2, is at the top of security technology. It gives your car protection from key cloning, hacking, and even key theft. This system deters thieves from taking your vehicle unless they physically drag it away.
How do Ghost Immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary system, safeguards your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It also helps to prevent key theft. Autowatch, an innovative South African company, designed the system to protect against car thefts.
Ghost immobilisers connect directly to the CAN data bus of your car and intercepts signals from ECUs which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It prevents the engine from starting unless an additional pin code or sequence of buttons is entered in conjunction with the standard key fob. This is intended to prevent thieves from using a mobile application to collect the signal, and then copy your key fob to take your car.
It is a discreet and undetectable system that does not use any lights or sounds. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors. Additionally, it does not have circuit wires that the thief can cut. It's a great add-on to any security package and can be integrated into other systems like an alarm or tracking device. It's also a great choice for those who wish to temporarily let someone else drive their vehicle, for instance when valet parking is required or when the vehicle is being maintained.
There are two major ghost-immobilisers 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 stop your car from being started when a particular sequence of buttons is entered onto the dashboard or on the steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you and is only accessible to you and can be changed in the event that you need to.
Both CAN Phantom & Autowatch Ghost have been TASSA-certified which is a third-party group of experts with backgrounds in police and security testing. This is a proof of the high level of quality and reliability of the system.
It's important to note that both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are only effective if they are installed correctly that's why it's essential to get your ghost immobiliser installed by an approved installer. You can locate one close to you with our online search tool or contact your local dealer.
What is a ghost immobiliser to do to help prevent theft?
The ghost immobiliser connects to the CAN system in your vehicle and prevents it from starting until a code sequence has been entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, such as the steering wheels, centre consoles or door panels. The code can be up to 20 characters. This means that even if thieves do get into your vehicle and begin driving it, they will be not able to drive it away without entering the correct pin code.
Unlike alarms and key fob signals which can be snatched and compromised Ghost immobilisers are not detected by scanners external to the vehicle and operates completely and in a way that is independent. This makes it the most effective method to safeguard your vehicle against modern theft methods like hacking or signal relay.
It is also a simpler system to install and is compatible with most vehicles, making it easy to use. If you want to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it's simple to do this via the user interface. This allows you to service your vehicle or even valet park it without any compromise to its security. After a brief period, the system will automatically return to secure mode. This gives you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is always secure.
Additionally, adding a ghost immobiliser to your vehicle can reduce the cost of insurance. This is especially true if you own a luxury vehicle, such as a Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures which may help lower your insurance premium.
The Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom are both Thatcham certified systems that are recognised by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA). These systems are both recognized for their superior levels of security and security, making them a good option for anyone looking to ensure that their vehicle is safe from theft. This may even help to keep the value of your vehicle in the event that you decide to sell it, as potential buyers will know that it is a very secure vehicle.
How much will a ghost immobiliser cost?
Ghost immobilisers provide a sophisticated layer of security for your vehicle. They are undetectable and impossible to bypass which makes them one of the most effective anti-theft strategies available. The peace of mind that ghost immobilisers offer is well worth any initial investment.
The cost of an immobiliser ghost can vary dependent on the model you choose as well as the rate that your installer will charge you. Most users are happy with their purchase, and appreciate the extra layer of security. Many also appreciate the fact that the device is discrete and doesn't alter the look of their vehicle.
Contrary to key fobs and 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 systems (EMS) immobilisers, trackers and other.
A Ghost immobiliser is a device that connects directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It then creates an individual PIN code that must be entered to start the vehicle. This is entered using buttons already present in the dashboard and steering wheel which makes it virtually undetectable. The system is also Insurance Approved through TASSA This makes it a great alternative for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are considering the installation of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, that you get it fitted by a professional. A wrong installation could cause various issues, like electrical faults or damage to your vehicle. A bad installation could also invalidate the warranty of both your vehicle and Ghost immobiliser.
Other security measures, such as an GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, could be less expensive than a Ghost immobiliser. They are more vulnerable to tampering, and may not offer the same level of protection from determined thieves. They can also be more difficult to fit in older vehicles. Ghost immobilisers are generally considered to be the best choice for a lot of drivers.