It’s a stressful thing when your car alarm goes off for no reason, especially at night. You need to find a solution fast – but why is this happening, and what can you do?
Importance of Car Alarms
Although car alarms may be bothersome when they activate without reason, their loud sound and flashing lights are essential for ensuring your car’s security. They deter thieves by attracting the attention of passers-by if someone tries to break in.
Most cars are equipped with an alarm system as standard. There are other ways you can use to keep your car safe, such as:
- Parking in a garage or well-lit area.
- Locking all doors and windows.
- Using an anti-theft immobilizer.
- Fitting a steering wheel lock.
How can I determine if my car has an alarm system?
When working properly, your car alarm should only go off if someone tries to break in, so there’s a good chance you’ve never heard it before. In this case, you may wonder if your car has an alarm and if it is working properly.
There are several ways to check:
Look in your car manual – this should include information about any alarm systems fitted by the manufacturer.
Check your key fob – there may be a button you can press to activate the alarm.
Ask at your next service – Next time you take your car in for an MOT or service, you can ask the mechanic to check or call your local dealership.
Look for the dashboard light – Some cars have a small light that indicates the alarm system is armed and ready.
Can my car alarm go off by itself?
Your car alarm can go off for a number of reasons, from a low-key fob battery to a faulty lock sensor. We’ll look at each possibility in more detail below.
Why Does My Car Alarm Keep Going Off?
1. Low Car Battery
When your car battery is low on power, it will not send the correct voltage to the alarm system, which can trigger the alarm. A similar thing can happen when the battery is damaged or dirty, interfering with the flow of electricity.
An effective solution to a low car battery is to jumpstart your car and allow it to charge by driving for half an hour. This method can often solve the problem, saving you the cost of replacing the battery, although it is not always effective.
2. Faulty Wiring
One of the most common causes of car alarms going off is a wiring problem. If this is the problem, you need to contact an auto electrician for repairs.
3. Flat Key Fob Battery
The batteries in your key fob won’t last forever. Eventually, they will become flat, which can prevent the key from properly sending a signal, causing the alarm to go off. Replacing the batteries is easy – you can buy new ones at almost any store that sells batteries, and the key fob can be opened with a screwdriver.
4. Faulty Sensors
Modern cars are equipped with hundreds of sensors, many of which are used by alarm systems. These include:
- Door lock sensors
- Tilt sensors
- Proximity sensors
- Shock sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Microphone sensors
If just one of these sensors fails or is oversensitive, it can trigger a car alarm. You will need the help of a mechanic to determine which sensor is at fault.
5. Doors Not Closed Properly
Likewise, your car’s doors not locking properly can trick your car into thinking the door lock sensor has been triggered, setting off the alarm system. If one of the doors is not secured, you will see a warning light on the dashboard.
How To Stop Your Car Alarm Going Off
You can take some of the following steps to prevent your car alarm from going off.
Lock and unlock the driver’s side door with the key. You can turn off the alarm by unlocking the door with the right car key. If remote unlocking doesn’t work, try using a physical key – it’s usually tucked into the fob.
Start the car. Starting the car with the key can reset the alarm, providing a temporary solution while you look for a more permanent solution.
Read your owner’s manual. Disarming the alarm system in some cars is more complicated. If you’re not sure, your best bet is to read the owner’s manual. There may be an ‘off’ button on the dashboard that you can use to manually turn off the alarm.
Turn off the battery. The last option is to turn off the electrical alarm by disconnecting the car battery. Simply remove the negative battery connector from the battery.
Disconnecting the battery should be a last resort as it can disrupt the onboard computer and infotainment system.
Risks of Turning off Your Car Alarm
Disarming your car alarm is a risky undertaking, so you should weigh the pros and cons first. Consider the following:
- The physical act of disarming the alarm can damage your vehicle.
- Your car will be much easier to steal.
- If you don’t have an alarm, your insurance may be affected.
- In the event of a burglary, there is less chance of witnesses as the alarm may not have alerted bystanders to what is happening.
What To Do if Your Car Alarm Keeps Going Off
It goes without saying that car alarm sounds are annoying to you and your neighbors. But did you know that the Council can also consider this as a legal matter? Additionally, if your alarm keeps going off and is faulty, your insurance may be void when you try to file a claim. For these reasons, we recommend having your alarm system checked by a trained professional.
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